Lower libido and inactive sexual life can bring to low T

According to the statements of Australian experts, reduced sexual life and lower libido in older patients may decrease serum testosterone.

When sex and libido is reduced, while the erection remains firm and healthy, it can be caused by lower serum testosterone and has nothing to do with DHT, E2 and E1 of the patient (dihydrotestosterone, estradiol and estrone). This information was included to the report of the Endocrine Society, in San Diego, California.

The lead author of the study Benjamin Hsu commented upon the discovery. He said that the results obtained during the study have not demonstrated that prescription of testosterone for enhancement of sexual life in middle aged and older male patients was necessary. He also said that testosterone therapy, as a part of hormonal replacement is good for men with reproductive system pathology and not for ED patients without problems of reproductive system.

The study covered the data obtained from 1705 men over 70 from Sydney. Then data of 1226 men who participated in the study, were analyzed.

The study included two tests with 2 year break between them. Actually, the test was repeated 2 years later, in which the questions were asked about the frequency of:

  • sexual activity
  • satisfactory sexual activity
  • any sexual activity with ejaculation (with masturbation included)

The level of libido was also assessed in comparison with libido when man was 50. DHT, E2, E1 and serum testosterone were also measured with assistance of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, SHBG, LH, FSH by immunoassay.

During 2 years the figures did not presuppose any changes in sexual activity and libido, while fall of testosterone (not DHT, E2 and E1) was closely connected with lower level of libido and sexual activity, not with ED.

Fall of testosterone was always followed by decrease of sexual activity. Adjusted odds ratio was 1.23 for testosterone.

Participants with lower numbers of ejaculations also had lower serum testosterone. Sexually inactive participants had 7% decline.

When testosterone changed in the course of 2 years, the libido changed as well. Adjusted odds ratio was 1.19.

Men, which had decline in libido, experienced also 10% fall of testosterone.

Only E1 hormone was associated with ED with decline 1.19 in E1.

During the next 5 years the research will continue. The aim is to study change of hormone level and its association with sexual function within this period of time.

However, Dr. Bradley D. Anawalt, a Professor from the University of Washington in Seattle who was not a member of the research group said that the findings were interesting but they do not prove anything because other factors were not taken into consideration during the research. There are many other studies, for instance, saying about rise of testosterone with physical exercises and increase of testosterone in obese patients losing weight with help of diet.

He considers that the researchers haven’t done anything extraordinary but just proved change of testosterone level with age. This was known long before. The study was designed in a wrong way in his opinion therefore cause and effect was determined incorrectly.

He also advises to do sport on a daily basis for 20, or even better 40 and 60 minutes if you want to preserve libido and testosterone concentration in the blood. In addition to physical activity, he recommended to follow the diet and include whole grain, fruits and vegetables to it, exclude tobacco and alcoholic drinks to have good sexual activity.