Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent condition that affects both men and women. It refers to persistent problems with achieving or maintaining an erection or ejaculating during sex, decreased lubrication, orgasmic disorder, and painful intercourse. Sexual dysfunction can be caused by various factors such as psychological issues, physical health, medications, age, and lifestyle choices. To diagnose sexual dysfunctions related to desire and arousal, hormonal assays are essential tools used by healthcare providers.
Choosing the most reliable assay for this purpose can be challenging. This article will focus on the different types of hormonal assays available and their reliability in diagnosing sexual dysfunctions related to desire and arousal.
Testosterone Assays
Testosterone assays measure the level of testosterone in the bloodstream. Testosterone is an important hormone responsible for male sex drive and libido. Low levels of testosterone can cause low libido, poor energy, fatigue, and lack of motivation. Testosterone assays involve drawing a sample of blood from the patient's arm vein and analyzing it using a laboratory technique called enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ELISA measures the amount of testosterone in the blood and calculates its concentration per milliliter. The results are expressed in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) of blood. A high level of testosterone in the blood indicates that there is no sexual dysfunction, while a low level suggests a need for treatment. Hormonal assays have been found to be highly reliable in detecting low levels of testosterone, leading to successful treatments.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Assays
Luteinizing hormone assays measure the level of luteinizing hormone in the bloodstream. LH is produced in the pituitary gland and controls the production of testosterone in men. A low level of LH can lead to low testosterone levels, causing sexual dysfunctions such as decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. LH assays use similar techniques to testosterone assays but measure the level of LH instead.
Some studies have shown that LH assays may not be as effective in diagnosing sexual dysfunctions related to desire and arousal. This could be because other factors affect LH levels besides sexual function.
Stress, illness, and certain medications can influence LH levels. Therefore, healthcare providers should consider using both testosterone and LH assays to diagnose sexual dysfunctions related to desire and arousal.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Assays
Follicle-stimulating hormone assays measure the level of FSH in the bloodstream. FSH stimulates the production of sperm and eggs in both males and females. Low levels of FSH can cause reduced fertility and sexual dysfunctions such as low libido and erectile dysfunction. The results are expressed in milli-international units per liter (mIU/L). FSH assays involve drawing a sample of blood from the patient's arm vein and analyzing it using ELISA or radioimmunoassay (RIA) techniques. RIA is a more sensitive technique than ELISA and detects small amounts of FSH in the blood. The results are more accurate, making them reliable in diagnosing sexual dysfunctions related to desire and arousal. Healthcare providers should also perform FSH assays alongside other hormonal assays for better accuracy.
Thyroid Hormones
Thyroid hormones play an essential role in regulating metabolism, energy, and mood. Abnormal thyroid hormone levels can cause sexual dysfunctions such as decreased libido, fatigue, and depression. Thyroid assays measure the level of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream. T3 and T4 assays use similar techniques to testosterone and LH assays but measure the level of thyroid hormones instead. Healthcare providers should consider performing these assays when patients have symptoms of thyroid disorders, such as weight gain, fatigue, and hair loss. If the results show abnormal thyroid hormone levels, treatment will be prescribed to restore balance.
Healthcare providers must choose the most reliable hormonal assays to diagnose sexual dysfunctions related to desire and arousal. Testosterone and FSH assays are highly reliable since they directly affect sex drive and fertility. LH assays may not be as effective due to other factors affecting LH levels besides sexual function. Thyroid assays are recommended when there are signs of thyroid disorders. It is crucial to conduct all four assays for a comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition and accurate diagnosis.
Which hormonal assays are most reliable in diagnosing sexual dysfunctions related to desire and arousal?
Sexual dysfunction is defined as a difficulty with any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents a person from experiencing satisfaction during sex (Sadeghi et al. , 2017). The diagnostic evaluation for sexual dysfunction should include an assessment of physical, physiological, and psychosocial factors contributing to the problem (Laumann et al. , 2005; Shabsigh et al. , 2014).