Hormones and Erectile Dysfunction: What Every Man Should Know

If you’re having consistent trouble getting or maintaining arousal during sex, you may have erectile dysfunction (ED). There are many reasons you could have difficulty getting an erection when you want. Anxiety, stress, and certain medications can affect your ability.

It’s normal to experience occasional problems, but if you can’t get or maintain an erection consistently, a medical problem such as ED could be the issue.

ED has many causes, and a common one is hormonal imbalance. Your hormones regulate your sexual health to a large degree, and when they’re out of whack, problems like ED can occur.

If your ED is triggered by a hormonal imbalance, Dr. Rina Kapoor, a board-certified internal and integrative medicine specialist at ARA Integrative and Functional Medicine in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, customizes hormonal treatment plans to restore balance and treat your ED.

Here, Dr. Kapoor gives a rundown on what every man should know about hormones and erectile dysfunction, highlighting the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

In most cases, erectile dysfunction indicates an underlying health issue. For instance, while you may struggle with getting or maintaining an erection, the root cause could be a hormonal imbalance. ED could be your body telling you something’s wrong with your hormonal system.

Another common trigger of ED is heart disease. Your heart controls the flow of blood to all areas of your body, including your penis. A condition such as hypertension or clogged arteries that prevents your blood from flowing properly can affect your ability to have an erection.

Aside from heart disease, any condition that affects your nerves and blood vessels, such as diabetes, can trigger ED. Unfortunately, certain medications to treat these conditions could also affect your sexual health. Drugs for blood pressure and depression are common culprits.

Stress, anxiety, and depression can all contribute to erectile dysfunction. The same goes for unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol excessively, and not exercising. All of these can increase your risk of ED.

What role do your hormones play in erectile dysfunction?

Your hormones play many roles in the body, including regulating sexual health. The human body has more than 50 hormones coursing through it. However, the primary hormones that affect sexual function in men are testosterone, estrogen, and prolactin. Here’s how they work.

Testosterone

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. Low testosterone levels can tank your libido and energy levels. It can also make getting an erection difficult. Symptoms of low testosterone include fatigue, depression, and loss of muscle mass.

Estrogen

Women aren’t the only ones who need estrogen. Men also need a balance of estrogen and testosterone for excellent sexual health. High estrogen levels in men can cause erectile dysfunction and other health issues.

Prolactin

High levels of prolactin can interfere with testosterone production, leading to low libido and erectile dysfunction. This condition, known as hyperprolactinemia, can be caused by certain medications, pituitary tumors, or hypothyroidism.

Treatment options for hormonal erectile dysfunction

At ARA Integrative and Functional Medicine, we develop customized hormonal treatment plans for hormonal imbalances. We believe in using natural and holistic methods to restore balance and nourish your body and mind.

Nutrition is a crucial factor here. A balanced diet that includes foods with high vitamin and mineral content can boost your hormonal health. Dr. Kapoor creates meal plans tailored to your specific needs and health goals for this.

Making some lifestyle changes will also help reverse hormonal erectile dysfunction. For example, exercise more regularly, maintain a healthy weight, get enough sleep, and practice meditation. All of these can significantly boost your hormonal and general health.

If changing your diet and adopting healthier lifestyle habits don’t work, Dr. Kapoor also recommends research-backed herbal treatments that can help balance hormone levels and improve your sexual health.

Hormonal imbalances are a known cause of ED in men. Treating an imbalance can help restore your sexual function and confidence in bed. If you’re struggling with ED, request a consultation with us online or call our Philadelphia-area office at 610-358-3300 today.