Because testosterone helps spark sexual interest, one might assume that low levels of the hormone are to blame for erectile dysfunction. It's true that when hormone deficiency is a factor in erectile dysfunction, sexual desire also suffers. And according to some estimates, 10%--20% of men with erectile dysfunction have hormonal abnormalities. However, the exact role that testosterone plays in erectile dysfunction remains unclear.
The most common hormonal cause of erectile dysfunction is hypogonadism, or testicles that don't produce enough testosterone. More rarely, an abnormally high level of prolactin, a hormone that can lower testosterone levels, is to blame. Elevated prolactin is usually caused by a tumor of the pituitary gland, which lies at the base of the brain. Diseases of the thyroid or adrenal glands can also lead to erectile dysfunction.
The most common hormonal cause of erectile dysfunction is hypogonadism, or testicles that don't produce enough testosterone. More rarely, an abnormally high level of prolactin, a hormone that can lower testosterone levels, is to blame. Elevated prolactin is usually caused by a tumor of the pituitary gland, which lies at the base of the brain. Diseases of the thyroid or adrenal glands can also lead to erectile dysfunction.
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