What exactly is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to keep and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse or activity. ED can be the total inability to reach erection, an inconsistency to do so, or the inability to sustain it for extended periods of time. There are several causes of erectile dysfunction in men, several of which are influenced by hormones.

Hormones and Erectile Dysfunction

Hormones regulate the functions in your body. They work in concert to help your body function optimally, if one is not at optimal levels, it will affect the others. So when there is a deficiency or excess of a particular hormone in your body, you will experience any number of the symptoms of hormonal imbalance.

In andropause, low testosterone levels create a chain effect that causes several symptoms including in some cases, erectile dysfunction. Testosterone affects both the ability and capability of men to produce erections. Diminished testosterone reduces libido or sexual drive and in turn can affect the ability to develop and sustain an erection. In some cases, the sexual desire is there but men are incapable of an erection. This is because the brain is supposed to signal the release of nitric oxide which relaxes the muscles of penis, allowing blood flow. If nitric oxide is not released, like in the case of too much plaque in the arteries where nitric oxide is produced, it is difficult for a man to achieve an erection.

High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can have a detrimental effect on testosterone. Prolactin, a chemical secreted from the brain’s pituitary gland, is a player erectile dysfunction. High levels of prolactin can cause testosterone levels to decrease. Overactive thyroid hormones, or hypothyroidism, also stimulate the production of prolactin and diminish testosterone levels. Low testosterone that causes andropause in men could also be caused by hypogonadism or testicular failure. This testicular abnormality creates an extreme testosterone deficiency, leading to erectile dysfunction.

Other contributors to erectile dysfunction include liver and kidney disease which can create hormone imbalances. For example, liver disease can causes high levels of estrogen in the male body, effectively contributing erectile dysfunction. The constriction of the veins, diabetes and blood pressure medication are also leading causes of erectile dysfunction.

The Solution: Erectile Dysfunction Help

Rejuv-A-Nation physicians have successfully helped men with erectile dysfunction using a combination of Bio-Identical hormone replacement therapy, customized nutrition, supplement and fitness program. If low levels of testosterone or other male hormones are causing your erectile dysfunction, it is likely that balancing those hormones to their normal levels could resolve erectile dysfunction. A simple test to determine your hormone levels will help your physician determine if your erectile dysfunction is caused by low testosterone and if it is, Bio-Identical hormone therapy may be your ideal solution.