To evaluate the relation between endocrinopathies and sexual impairment.

We analyzed scientific literature comparing the role of hormones and sexual behavior and dysfunction.

Hormones are responsible of all aspects of sexual function, i.e. desire, erection, lubrication, ejaculation and orgasm. Some sexual symptoms may be caused by an endocrine alteration. The most frequent causes of endocrine sexual dysfunction are hypogonadism and hyperprolactinemia, but almost all extragonadal endocrine alterations (hyper- and hypothyroidism, hyper- and hypocortisolism, steroidal secreting tumors, etc.) can affect human sexuality. From the other hand, sexual behavior may influence hormonal secretion, as widely demonstrated in men suffering from impotence.

Endocrine diseases represent 5-20% of cases of sexual dysfunction. A correct endocrinological diagnosis allows to identify whether endocrine factors are involved in the pathogenesis of sexual symptoms. Diagnostic protocols of sexual impairment should include not only gonadotropins, sex hormones (total testosterone and free testosterone) and prolactin but should also assess the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid and -adrenal axis. In case of endocrine disorders specialists may treat promptly the sexual dysfunction with a medical or surgical treatment.