Hormonal factors in erection problems
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Hormonal factors in erection problems
Hormonal factors may play a role in erection problems (erectile dysfunction). Men who produce low levels of the hormone testosterone (a condition known as hypogonadism) may have decreased sexual desire. A blood test is usually done if your doctor suspects this problem. However, few men with erection problems have low testosterone production.1
Producing high levels of the hormone prolactin (hyperprolactemia) also may be a factor. High levels of prolactin interfere with testosterone production, resulting in a form of hypogonadism.
Medications are available to treat low testosterone production and excess prolactin production.
References
Citations
Morales A, Heaton JPW (2001). Hormonal erectile dysfunction. Urologic Clinics of North America, 28(2): 279–288.
Credits
| Author | Monica Rhodes |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Michele Cronen |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology |
| Last Updated | May 21, 2008 |
| Last updated: | May 21, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Monica Rhodes |
| Reviewed By: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
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