Sexual symptoms in endocrine diseases: Psychosomatic perspectives

Background: Not only the most frequent causes of endocrine sexual dysfunction, such as hypogonadism and hyperprolactinemia, but almost all extragonadal endocrinopathies ( hyper- and hypothyroidism, hyper- and hypocortisolism, steroidal secreting tumors, etc.) may have a greater or lesser effect on sexual function. Methods: We analyzed scientific literature on the correlations between hormones and sexual behavior, analyzing the most important issue from a practical point of view. The aim of this review article was thus to summarize the sexual symptoms that may be observed with endocrine diseases. Results: Hormones directly or indirectly regulate all human sexual functions ( desire, erection/lubrication, ejaculation, orgasm). Some sexual symptoms may occur as a psychosomatic consequence of hormonal impairment. However, in other cases, endocrine failure may be generated by the psychosomatic involvement. Conclusions: The endocrinologist, as an expert in body chemistry, is ideally positioned to identify and evaluate the full range of medical, physical, and psychiatric problems disrupting sexual function. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.