Sexual activity and sex hormone levels in aging men

A cross-sectional study of 60 men aged 65-80 was carried out to test the impact of the aging process on sexual hormones (testosterone, FSH, LH, prolactin), sexual activity, and the relations between them. Blood samples for hormone assays were taken between 8-9 A.M. in the primary care clinic at which the participants were registered. Data on sexual activity (coitus), sexual desire (libido), marital status, and age were obtained from the respondents by means of a structured interview. No relationship was found between testosterone (T) or prolactin (PL) and sexual activity. Nevertheless, a statistically significant relationship between FSH and LH versus age, and an inverse relationship between sexual activity and age were found. Hypogonadism (T level less than 3ng/ml) with normal levels of FSH and LH was observed in 11 respondents.