Erectile Dysfunction | Hormonal Imbalance
According to a report published in Journal of Urology, approximately 38% males who experience infertility (Male Infertility Learn More) or erectile dysfunction (ED Treatment Learn More) have male menopause (andropause) due to imbalance of testosterone (Hormonal Imbalance Learn More) metabolism (1). Yet it is important to understand that:
– There are several other hormones that may lead to erectile dysfunction (ED Screening Learn More).
– Management of ED in all such cases is associated with the correction of hormonal imbalance.
Primary Causes of Hormonal Imbalance
The problem of hormone imbalance is mostly due to dietary (Healthy Snacks Learn More) and environmental factors. For example exposure to Petro-chemically polluted environment, processed foods and other contributory factors create a state of estrogen dominance. It has been observed that high intake of synthetic estrogen can deteriorate the normal biochemical rhythm of endocrine system and lead to hormonal imbalance. Currently men under 40 years are at high risk of developing hormonal imbalance induced erectile dysfunction.
Hormonal Imbalance & ED
Most common hormonal aberrations that can interfere with normal erection are
– Imbalance of estrogen and testosterone secretion (Testosterone Replacement Learn More) (hyper or hypo-secretion of either of these hormones can lead to ED)
– Hypersecretion of prolactin (a hormone released from pituitary gland).
– Deficiency or excess of thyroid hormones
– Excess or deficiency of adrenal hormones (especially cortisol)
Managing Erectile Dysfunction Due to Testosterone Imbalance
Management of Andropause by TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) involves some risks. For example, whenever a hormone is administered exogenously, the endocrine gland present in the body (that are responsible for production and regulation of hormone secretion) may respond abruptly and overall biochemical regulation of other hormones may suffer.
Surgical (Surgical Procedures Learn More) and non-surgical techniques are efficient and reliable in restoring erectile function. These are generally considered safe and are usually preferred because of permanent results and maintenance of optimal health (due to significant reduction in the risk of other health issues due to hormonal imbalance)
– Herbal Dietary Supplements
Herbal dietary supplements is an alternative treatment available for the optimal management of hormonal imbalance. Most of these supplements act as a tonic for the entire endocrine system and can significantly influence the serum levels of testosterone in human body.
Hormonal Imbalance & ED
– Management of hormonal imbalances also helps in reducing the episodic headaches that are usually triggered hormonally.
– It also helps in reducing the symptoms of fatigue (ED & Fatigue Learn More) and bloating
– Customizing Bio-Identical Hormone Restoration Therapy
Hormonal imbalance (due to abnormal secretion of one or more hormones) can respond very well to exogenous therapy that can be administered by topical creams, pellets, lozenges, sub dermal implants or capsules to restore normal biochemical environment of the body. With comprehensive treatment plan of BHRT, you can get rid of undesired physical symptoms in addition to erectile dysfunction (ED Help Center Learn More).
A safer and better approach to repair the issue is to concentrate on reasons that can
– Improve the decreasing hormone production via body rejuvenation and detoxification
– Stimulate endocrine glands to synthesize (secrete) more hormones
– Neutralize the environmental estrogen exposure by consuming herbal dietary supplements
– Adopt lifestyle and diet modifications to normalize the hormonal imbalance
– Speak to an endocrinologist and identify/ manage the source of imbalance.
Research published in International Journal of Andrology (3) suggested that moderate weight reduction (due to gastric bypass surgery) in morbidly obese individuals can help in restoration of normal sexual performance by correcting hormonal imbalance.
References
O’BRIEN, J. H., Lazarou, S., Deane, L., Jarvi, K., & Zini, A. (2005). Erectile dysfunction and andropause symptoms in infertile men. The Journal of urology, 174(5), 1932-1934.
Adaikan, P. G., & Srilatha, B. (2003). Oestrogen-mediated hormonal imbalance precipitates erectile dysfunction. International journal of impotence research, 15(1), 38-43.
Reis, L. O., Favaro, W. J., Barreiro, G. C., De Oliveira, L. C., Chaim, E. A., Fregonesi, A., & Ferreira, U. (2010). Erectile dysfunction and hormonal imbalance in morbidly obese male is reversed after gastric bypass surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial. International journal of andrology, 33(5), 736-744.
When to Seek Medical Advice for ED?
IF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION LASTS LONGER THAN 2 MONTHS OR IS A RECURRING PROBLEM, SEE YOUR DOCTOR FOR A PHYSICAL EXAM OR FOR A REFERRAL TO A DOCTOR WHO SPECIALIZES IN ERECTILE PROBLEMS. YOUR OWN DOCTOR OR A SPECIALIST CAN HELP TO DETERMINE THE UNDERLYING CAUSE OR CAUSES OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AND GUIDE YOU TOWARDS FINDING THE RIGHT TYPE OF TREATMENT.
Although you might view erectile dysfunction as a personal or embarrassing problem, it’s important to seek treatment, especially if a physical cause might be developing. In many cases, erectile dysfunction can be successfully treated. Also, see your doctor if the therapy or medication prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction isn’t working for you. Don’t try to combine medications or therapies on your own or deviate from prescribed doses and do not your symptoms as they could be one of Erectile Dysfunction Causes.