MedicineNet.com
  MedicineNet home Health news and views Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Health and Living MedTerms medical dictionary  
Font Size
A
A
A


The Cleveland Clinic

Erectile Dysfunction: Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles and is responsible for the proper development of male sexual characteristics. Testosterone is also important for maintaining muscle bulk, adequate levels of red blood cells, bone growth, sense of well-being and sexual function.

Inadequate production of testosterone is not a common cause of erectile dysfunction; however, when ED does occur due to decreased testosterone production, testosterone replacement therapy may improve the problem.

What Causes Testosterone Deficiency?

As a man ages, the amount of testosterone in his body gradually declines. This natural decline starts after age 30 and continues throughout life. Other causes of lowered testosterone levels include:

  • Injury or infection to the testicles
  • Chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer
  • Genetic abnormalities such as Klinefelter's Syndrome (extra X chromosome)
  • Hemochromatosis (too much iron in the body)
  • Dysfunction of the pituitary gland (a gland in the brain that produces many important hormones)
  • Inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis (a condition that causes inflammation of the lungs)
  • Medications, especially hormones used to treat prostate cancer and corticosteroid drugs
  • Chronic illness
  • Chronic kidney failure
  • Liver cirrhosis
  • Stress
  • Alcoholism

The significance of testosterone decline is controversial and poorly understood.



Next: What are the symptoms of testosterone deficiency? »



Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend


space Related health and medical articles From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com MedicineNet Doctors recommend space
space
MedicineNet Doctors Recommend Latest Medical News
space


Last Editorial Review: 1/31/2005 5:26:13 AM





Topics Related to Testosterone Therapy to Treat ED

Testosterone Therapy to Treat ED
RSS FeedSpecialty RSS       Add to My Yahoo! What is this?

Pump Up Your LibidoPump Up Your Libido
We all know that exercise can tone our bodies and make them more attractive. But improve our sex life? Absolutely! See more WebMD Videos »

Erectile Dysfunction

Find tips and advances in treatment.











Health categories:

News & Views | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Health & Living | Medical Dictionary

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Cancer | Diabetes | Digestion | Healthy Kids | Heart | Men's Health | Mental Health | Women's Health | More...

Publications:

ePublications (PDFs) | XML News via RSS | Audio Podcasts | Email Newsletters

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Privacy Policy | Search Help | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

HON Code We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information:
verify here.

©1996-2008 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.