Male Sex Hormones in Andrology Today

The document "Male Sex Hormones in Andrology Today" discusses the significant role of testosterone (T) in regulating male sexual function, including desire, erectile function, and ejaculation. The European Male Aging Study, which included over 3400 men, found that symptoms like erectile dysfunction and reduced libido were most sensitive in identifying patients with reduced testosterone levels. Prolactin (PRL) mainly modulates sexual desire, but its role in erectile dysfunction is less clear. Severe hyperprolactinemia is associated with reduced sexual desire, and dopaminergic drugs can restore this. Thyroid hormones regulate the ejaculatory reflex, with hyperthyroidism linked to premature ejaculation and hypothyroidism to increased ejaculatory latency. Treating underlying thyroid diseases can improve ejaculatory problems. The role of other hormones in male sexual function is still unclear. Testosterone replacement therapy can improve all aspects of sexual function and is recommended as the first treatment, especially for hypogonadal patients with milder forms of erectile dysfunction.