Erectile Dysfunction Caused by Hormonal Imbalances - A Hormonal Havoc

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction is one of the major sexual disorders experienced by men. While some men may complain of small penis size, some may complain of erectile dysfunction. Studies show about 52 percent of men experience some form of erectile dysfunction, and about 60 to 75 percent of people have erectile dysfunction between the ages of 40 to 60. There are various causes of erectile dysfunction, and every person may suffer from it for a different cause. Erectile dysfunction is one of the primary reasons for sexual performance anxiety, which could be very frustrating for some as it impacts their sexual life.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a common condition that affects men of all ages. Erectile dysfunction refers to the inability to get and maintain an erection. It can lead to sexual problems, including difficulty getting or keeping an erection (erectile dysfunction) and difficulty with orgasm (trouble ejaculating).

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction include

• Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.

• Difficulty in sexual arousal.

• Inability to sustain an erection for more than a few seconds.

• Feeling nervous or embarrassed about sex.

What Is Hormone-Induced Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction can occur due to age, obesity, diabetes, sleep disorders, chemotherapy, heart diseases, smoking, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and various other reasons. Erectile dysfunction also occurs in males as a result of hormonal imbalances, for example, low hormonal levels in the body. Erectile dysfunction caused by these hormonal fluctuations or imbalances is called hormone-induced erectile dysfunction.

What Are the Causes of Hormone-Induced Erectile Dysfunction?

• Low Testosterone Levels - Studies show that the male hormone testosterone plays an important role in increasing sex drive and maintaining an erection. There are many factors for low testosterone levels in the body. However, few cases have been reported where men can get erections despite low levels of testosterone. However, this could be multifactorial.

• Increased Insulin Levels - Increased insulin levels in the body are one of the major reasons for hormone-induced erectile dysfunctions. Low levels of nitric oxide are often found in those with diabetes. Nitric oxide is a chemical released into the bloodstream during sexual arousal. This nitric oxide causes the arteries and the muscles in the penis to relax, which allows increased blood to flow into the penis, making erection possible. Diabetic conditions cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate. As a result, less nitric oxide is produced. This can mean insufficient blood flow to the penis to get or keep an erection.

• Increased Concentration of Cortisol Levels - Cortisol is a stress hormone released by the brain during conditions like anxiety and depression or chronic stress. When the body is under stress, cortisol levels constrict the blood vessels of the penis. Improper or less blood flow to the penile tissues makes it difficult to get and sustain an erection. Chronic stress also decreases the testosterone levels in the body, causing erectile dysfunction.

• High Levels of Prolactin Levels in the Body - Hyperprolactinemia or increased prolactin levels are rare causes of erectile dysfunction. Hyperprolactinemia can be a result of pituitary adenoma, which is a rare tumor of the brain. However, there could also be other reasons for increased prolactin levels in the body. For example, elevated prolactin levels impact the release of luteinizing hormone resulting in decreased serum testosterone secretion. Reduced testosterone levels result in erectile dysfunction.

• High Estrogen and Estradiol Levels - Erectile function caused by estrogen exposure in early penile development. Exposure to estradiol in the mature penis increases vascular permeability and erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction from increased estradiol exposure is not dependent on testosterone levels in the body.

• Thyroid Hormone Disorders - Both high and low levels of thyroid hormones could cause erectile dysfunction. Studies show fluctuations in the thyroid hormones could cause low sex drive and interfere with sexual arousal. Conversely, low levels of thyroid hormones could be due to disorders or dysfunction of the thyroid gland. Thyroid medications to treat thyroid disorders could help to reduce symptoms of erectile dysfunction caused by the thyroid gland.

• Adrenal Hormones - Disorders of the adrenal gland can produce high levels of cortisol, putting the body under severe stress and causing erectile dysfunction.

• Increased Cholesterol Levels - High cholesterol levels in the body are a risk factor for erectile dysfunction. In addition, high cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease and obesity, which are directly linked to erectile dysfunction. Hence high cholesterol levels are a potential cause of erectile dysfunction.

What Are the Treatment Options for Hormone-Induced Erectile Dysfunction?

• Hormone-induced erectile dysfunction could be frustrating for some people as it also impacts the overall well-being of a person suffering from it. However, early hormonal therapy could improve the symptoms of erectile dysfunction significantly.

• Hormone therapy involves hormonal supplements in the form of oral medications, injections, topical creams, and gels to balance the natural hormonal levels in the body. This also helps achieve an erection. One of the most common hormonal therapy is testosterone replacement therapy to increase testosterone levels.

• Hormone therapy for erectile dysfunction is an effective way to restore balance in testosterone and other reproductive hormone levels. Hormone therapy also increases the sex drive and improves patterns of sexual arousal.

• Rebalanced hormones also support healthier erections to enjoy sexual activities. Some benefits of hormone therapy for erectile dysfunction include the following–

• Increased sex drive.

• Improved sexual function.

• Easy-to-use delivery methods.

• Minimal risk for side effects.

• Long-lasting results.

• Treatments and medications to reduce stress and anxiety levels are also prescribed to reduce the symptoms of hormone-induced erectile dysfunction.

In cases where hormone therapy does not prove to be successful in treating erectile dysfunction or extreme cases of erectile dysfunction, penile implant surgeries are done.

Conclusion

Ignoring the condition will not improve the symptoms. While in most cases, there may not be any specific medication to treat the problem, other treatment approaches can be beneficial. A man who has erectile dysfunction can ensure he has high testosterone levels to enjoy great sex. While hormone therapy may not work in all cases, it will help an individual live healthy and fulfilling sexual lives despite genetics or previous issues. People with hormone-induced erectile dysfunction can consult a doctor and seek more information about hormonal therapies best suited to their case. One can also seek professional counseling for its impact on mental well-being.