Impact of the association between elevated oestradiol and low testosterone levels on erectile dysfunction severity

Our aim was to assess the impact of the association between elevated oestradiol (E₂) and low testosterone (T) levels on erectile dysfunction (ED) severity. A total of 614 male patients with ED and a normal or low T level in association with normal or elevated E₂ levels were enrolled. Patients underwent routine laboratory investigations in addition to measurements of total T, total E₂, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin. We compared the responses to the erectile function domain, Q3 (achieving erection) and Q4 (maintaining erection) of the International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) score in patients with the following: normal T and E₂ levels; low T level; low T level and elevated E₂ level; and elevated E₂ level. Of the patients included, 449 (73.1%) had normal T and E₂ levels, 110 (17.9%) had a low T level, 36 (5.9%) had a low T level and an elevated E₂ level, and 19 (3.1%) had an elevated E₂ level. Increased ED severity was significantly associated with low T levels, elevated E₂ levels, and both a low T level and an elevated E₂ level. Additionally, the mean values of the EF-domain, Q3 and Q4 were significantly lower in patients with both a low T level and an elevated E₂ level compared to patients with any condition alone. In conclusion, a low T level had the primary effect on erectile function; however, a concomitantly elevated E₂ level had an additive impairment effect.