Abstract

INTRODUCTION
The role of estrogens in male sexual function and the pathogenesis of testosterone deficiency remain controversial and poorly understood.
AIMS
To review the distribution of estrogens in normal and testosterone deficient men, their potential role in sexual function, and the clinical implications of elevated estrogens during testosterone therapy.
METHODS
A comprehensive, broad-based literature review was conducted on the role of estrogens in male sexual function and testosterone deficiency.
RESULTS
Estrogens elicit a variety of physiological responses in men and may contribute to modulation of sexual function. In the absence of testosterone deficiency, elevations in estrogens do not appear to be harmful and estrogens may help maintain some, but not all, sexual function in castrated men. While the therapeutic use of estrogens at pharmacologic doses has been used to suppress serum testosterone, naturally occurring elevations of estrogens do not appear to be a cause of low testosterone. During testosterone replacement, estrogens may rise and occasionally reach elevated levels. There is a lack of evidence that treatment of elevated estrogen levels during testosterone replacement has benefit in terms of male sexuality.
CONCLUSION
Further research on the importance of estrogens in male sexual function is needed. Current evidence does not support a role of naturally occurring estrogen elevations in testosterone deficiency or the treatment of elevated estrogens during testosterone therapy.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Kacker R, Traish AM, Morgentaler A

Institution

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Urology, Boston, MA 02116, USA.

Source

The journal of sexual medicine 9:6 2012 Jun pg 1681-96

MeSH

Aromatase Inhibitors
Estrogen Receptor Modulators
Estrogens
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Humans
Hypogonadism
Male
Orchiectomy
Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
Sexuality
Testosterone

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Review

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22512993