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- Title
The Relationships between Sex Hormones and Sexual Function in Middle-Aged and Older European Men.
- Authors
O’Connor, Daryl B.; Lee, David M.; Corona, Giovanni; Forti, Gianni; Tajar, Abdelouahid; O’Neill, Terence W.; Pendleton, Neil; Bartfai, Gyorgy; Boonen, Steven; Casanueva, Felipe F.; Finn, Joseph D.; Giwercman, Aleksander; Han, Thang S.; Huhtaniemi, Ilpo T.; Kula, Krzysztof; Labrie, Fernand; Lean, Michael E. J.; Punab, Margus; Silman, Alan J.; Vanderschueren, Dirk
- Abstract
Context: Limited data are available exploring the associations between sex hormones, multiple domains of sexual functioning, and sexual function-related distress in nonpatient samples in Europe. Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between serum testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and sexual function in a multicenter population-based study of aging in men. Design: Using stratified random sampling, 2838 men aged 40–79 yr completed the European Male Ageing Study-Sexual Function Questionnaire and provided a blood sample for hormone measurements. T, E2, and DHT were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Setting: We conducted a community-based population survey in eight European centers. Main Outcome Measures: Self-reported sexual function (overall sexual function, sexual function-related distress, erectile dysfunction, masturbation) was measured. Results: Total and free T, but not E2 or DHT, was associated with overall sexual function in middle-aged and older men. E2 was the only hormone associated with sexual function-related distress such that higher levels were related to greater distress. Free T levels were associated with masturbation frequency and erectile dysfunction in the fully adjusted models, such that higher T was associated with less dysfunction and greater frequency. Moreover, there was a T threshold for the relationship between total T, sexual function, and erectile dysfunction. At T concentrations of 8 nmol/liter or less, T was associated with worse sexual functioning, whereas at T levels over 8 nmol/liter, the relationship came to a plateau. Conclusions: These findings suggest that different hormonal mechanisms may regulate sexual functioning (T) vs. the psychological aspects (E2) of male sexual behavior. Moreover, there was a T threshold for overall sexual function such that at levels greater than 8 nmol/liter the relationship between T and sexual function did not become stronger.
- Publication
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2011, Vol 96, Issue 10, pE1577
- ISSN
0021-972X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1210/jc.2010-2216