Penis Endocrinology
November 2017
TLDR Hormones, especially testosterone and DHT, are key for penis development and function, and testosterone therapy may help with erectile dysfunction in those with low levels.
The document from 2018 provides a comprehensive review of how hormones influence the development and function of the penis, highlighting the importance of androgens, particularly testosterone and DHT, in the development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics. It notes that testosterone levels peak in adolescence and early adulthood and decline with age, while DHT is crucial for the formation of male genitalia and can contribute to prostate issues in older men. Growth hormone and IGF-1 are also mentioned for their roles in growth, but their effectiveness in penile enlargement through injections is not supported by solid evidence. The document discusses the impact of aging on penis size and erectile function, linking testosterone deficiency and cavernosal fibrosis with erectile dysfunction, and suggesting that testosterone replacement therapy may help reduce the risk or severity of these conditions in patients with confirmed low testosterone levels. It also covers delayed puberty and various conditions affecting genital development, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and treatment for proper development and psychosocial adjustment.