Hormones and Erectile Dysfunction

In the functioning of our organism an important role play hormones. When the balance is preserved the body feels fine but should hormones become imbalanced (either scarce or excessive) this state can evoke different problems.

In men the reduction of testosterone levels is known as andropause. As testosterone is responsible for the sex drive and initiation and preservation of erection its deficiency makes it impossible. The condition has other consequences apart from this one as well. If testosterone is sufficient in the body the signal is sent to produce nitric oxide therefore penis muscles are loosened and the blood circulates freely. In the condition when plaque formation interferes with the nitric oxide formation during the artery constriction a man suffers erectile dysfunction.

Another situation happens when there is surplus of cortisol, a stress hormone. The level of testosterone decreases and erection is impossible again. The same can be said about the effect of prolactin (a chemical released by the pituitary gland). Surplus of prolactin can originate from hypothyroidism when the thyroid hormones are hyperactive.

Hypogonadism or testicular failure is another reason of andropause. In this case testosterone levels become reduced and attempts of erection fail. Problems with liver and kidneys also evoke hormonal disbalance therefore leading to erectile dysfunction. Also liver illnesses are liable to increase estrogen levels and reduce testosterone in men and thus affecting the performance. Other factors are diabetes and hypertension problems.