The tiny molecules of sex hormones (male sex hormone testosterone and female sex hormone estrogen) and neurotransmitters profoundly affect men and women’s sexual health, satisfaction and sexual problems and our overall psychological and relationship health.

Let us first understand simple basic…The PNEI Axis!

(The Psycho – Neuro – Endocrino – Immunolgical Axis)

There is a central axis which regulates all the human system functions during health.

The mind  ((Psychological: emotions and stress) influences Hypothalamus in brain (Neuro) and the entire nervous system. The hypothalamus in turn influences pituitary gland which in turn secrets various hormones (Endocrino) to regulate and secrete the thyroid, adrenal, testicular and ovarian hormones. All of them have direct or indirect effect on men and women’s sexual functions including desire (libido or the urge), performance and satisfaction (pleasure and orgasm).

Lets understand the importance of this small but most vital chemicals in our body and if they are disturbed, what is the way out.

SEX HORMONES

Male Sex Hormone Testosterone

The most important male sex hormone is testosterone, which is produced in the testicles. It determines all the secondary sexual characteristics at the puberty in a boy and transforms him into a complete man.

The secondary sexual characteristics, produced because of testosterone effects are,

• Hair growth of mustache, beard, and entire body.
• Development of reproductive organs like penis and testicles in terms of size and function. The penis experiences the sexual arousal and experiences erection whereas testicles start producing sperm as well, apart from producing testosterone itself.
• Change of voice
• Bone and muscle development.
• Desire to work and take risk.

Lack of adequate production can affect sexual libido (sexual desire and passion) and indirectly effect erection – erectile dysfunction.

The reasons for low testosterone can be,

• Stress
• Testicular failure
• Hypothyroidism
• High prolactin
• Genetic
• Certain medicines
• Diabetes

Treatment of low male sex hormone testosterone is extremely important to restore normal libido, erection and sex life.

Female Sex Hormone Estrogen

This is a hormone produced and secreted by the ovaries (the female gonads). This is the most important female sex hormone. It induces, along with progesterone, development of secondary sexual characteristics like…

• Development of uterus, vagina, ovaries, and breast
• Onset of menstruation
• Ovulation
• Female hair growth pattern unlike that of male
• Sexual desire with romanticizing

This female sex hormone also useful in

• Glow women have after sex. Estrogen helps to maintain healthier and smoother skin by promoting collagen production, which is responsible for the smooth, glowing effect.

• Protecting women from Alzheimer’s disease, heart failure, and osteoporosis. 

Those women who suffer from low estrogen may have issues with ovulation and conceiving as well as low sexual desire and vaginal lubrication leading to dryness and painful intercourse.

The reasons for low estrogen levels can be,

• Stress
• PCOD
• Hypothyroidism
• Diabetes
• Surgical removal of ovaries
• Early menopause
• Chronic systemic illness

Treatment of low female sex hormone estrogen is extremely important to restore normal libido, vaginal lubrication and sex life.

Prolactin

This hormone promotes the formation of myelin, which is important for the central nervous system. For pregnant women, this hormone helps in the development of the lungs and immune system of the fetus.

High levels of prolactin can lead to low sexual desire and erectile dysfunction in men or lubrication disorder in women and often contribute to infertility.

The reasons for high prolactin can be,

• Stress
• Pituitary tumor – adenoma
• Certain medicines

Sex and neurotransmitters (feel good hormones)

Oxytocin

We have seen impact of sex hormones, (male sex hormone testosterone and female sex hormone estrogen). Now let us examine other very important neurotransmitters.

Oxytocin is the natural pain reliever hormone, the most common hormone released during sex. Like love is the remedy to all ails and pains of life it is also kown as the love hormone. The bliss of lovemaking is experienced during orgasm and the Oxytocin is  released maximum from the brain before orgasm.  Along with the love hormone, endorphins are also released. These endorphins are known to soothe impulses of the nerve that cause migraines, joint pain as well as menstrual cramping. It has been found that when women orgasm, their pain tolerance threshold goes up by up by more than 70%. Oxytocin helps in boosting our moods and also helps to form strong emotional bonds. No wonder, stay in love to be happy forever!

Endorphins

They are released together with Oxytocin. This is a natural stress and pain reliever. People who have regular sex are usually in high spirits and can handle stress better. According to research, regular sex can help ease the symptoms associated with stress and depression.

Endorphins are also immune boosters. When this hormone is released when having sex, it stimulates the immune system and makes it more effective in fighting diseases. Researchers have discovered a higher level of immunoglobulin A (type of antibodies) in people who have regular intercourse / love making / self pleasuring. This is an antibody that protects the body from infections, at the mucus membranes as the first line of defense.

Serotonin

This is a natural chemical released by the body immediately after orgasm. It causes the individual to feel calm and satisfied. It is such an effective mood enhancer that medication such as Prozac, which treats depression, is created to enhance the production of this hormone.

Dopamine

An increase in the level of dopamine in the brain boosts focus and attention span. People who have regular sex are better at focusing on and completing goals and are better at concentration. In relationships, this hormone makes the couple dependent on each other and in some cases addicted to one another.

Norepinephrine

This is a hormone that generates increased energy and exhilaration as it gives the body a shot of natural adrenaline. This hormone is also connected to increased memory capacity. This is why intimate individuals remember every bit of each other’s features.

What if the chemicals are imbalanced?

The best way to address the hormonal or neurotransmitter imbalanceis to integrate following disciplines:

Homeopathy: Natural restoration of healthy PNEI functioning for long term solutions, without dependency and side effects.

Contemporary Medicine (Allopathy): Hormone replacement for immediate though temporary results.

Ayurveda: Herbal adjuvants

Healthy lifestyle: Yoga. Nutrition. Relaxation and sleep. Exercise.

For any sexual dysfunctions / hormonal imbalance, male sex hormone (testosterone) disorder or female sex hormone (estrogen) disorder or related query or issues, consult Dr. Hitesh Shah, Sexologist in Mumbai, India personally or online. 9819035111

By Dr. Hitesh Shah. The top sexologist in Mumbai, India and Online