Scientists discover gene, area in male brain that controls carnal desire – Study Finds
New research could lead to breakthroughs in treating men who suffer from low or overactive sex drive.
CHICAGO A new discovery is opening the door to treating sexual dysfunction in men. Doctors from Northwestern Universitys School of Medicine say a specific gene in the brain regulates sexual desire, making it possible for scientists to increase or decrease these impulses.
Researchers say the key is a gene calledaromatase. In a certain area of the brain, this gene converts testosterone to estrogen and helps the male sex drive. Until now, scientists werent sure how big of a role aromatase played in this process.
This is the first key finding to explain how testosterone stimulates sexual desire, senior author Dr. Serdar Bulun says in a media release. For the first time, we demonstrated conclusively that the conversion of testosterone to estrogen in the brain is critical to maintain full sexual activity or desire in males. Aromatase drives that.
The study examines how mice react when scientists artificially block the function of aromatase. The results show male mice see a 50-percent decrease in sexual activity, even though their testosterone levels are higher than normal mice. While some may associate estrogen with females, study authors explain it plays a vital role in the male body too.
Male mice partially lost interest in sex, says Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicines Dr. Hong Zhao. Aromatase is the key enzyme for estrogen production. Estrogen has functions in males and females. Testosterone has to be converted to estrogen to drive sexual desire in males.
Normally, male lab mice will follow female mice around and try to mate when placed in the same cage. The new study finds male behavior is noticeably different when inhibiting this gene.
If you knock out the aromatase gene in the brain, their sexual activity is significantly reduced. There is less frequency of mating. The male mice are not that interested, Bulun says.
The Northwestern team says a low sex drive, known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder, is a common problem among men using certain antidepressants known as SSRIs. Bulun believes boosting aromatase can restore the testosterone-estrogen conversion.
For men experiencing compulsive sexual desire on the other hand, dampening this gene just like the mice may be the answer. The study cautions however, existing drugs which inhibit aromatase can cause osteoporosis, a condition causing the bones to become brittle and weak. Using this new research, Bulun says specific drugs which only target the brain area where aromatase works can avoid these side-effects.
The study appears in the journal Endocrinology.
Read the original:
Scientists discover gene, area in male brain that controls carnal desire - Study Finds
- How to inject Testosterone demonstrated by Dr Robert Carlson [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- How to do a Testosterone Shot Injection [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- How Not To Inject 200mg of Testosterone! [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- How to Inject Testosterone Safely [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone Injections: How To Inject Testosterone [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone Injections: Uses, Side Effects & Warnings ... [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone - FDA prescribing information, side effects ... [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone - WebMD [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- FTM Transition -- 1.5 Month on Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Tongkat Ali - The Natural Testosterone Booster - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- AJ Tongkat Ali Malaysia - The best natural testosterone booster - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- SEX On Testosterone Replacement Therapy: WILL I BECOME A BEAST? - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Beyond Human Testosterone Booster Reviews Does Beyond Human Testosterone Booster Work - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- GNC P6 Testosterone Booster Reviews Does GNC P6 Testosterone Booster Work - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy Warning - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- Do women need testosterone therapy? - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- Female Pattern Hair Loss, Hirsuitism and Testosterone in Females - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- Why I'm CHANGING UP My Testosterone Replacement Therapy! - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- Testosterone vs Estrogen: Bearded Ladies & Guys w/ Shrinking Testes - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- The TRUTH About Testosterone Boosters! - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- Peter Brooks Does a Commercial for a Testosterone Booster - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- Testosterone - Anabolic Steroids - Steroid .com [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2014]
- What are the RISKS vs BENEFITS of Starting Testosterone Replacement Therapy? - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2014]
- When should I get tested for low testosterone? - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2014]
- Diabetic men with low testosterone run higher risk of developing atherosclerosis [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2014]
- 1500 Calorie "Testosterone / Mass Gain Shake" (Big Brandon Carter) - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2014]
- Class Action Testosterone Lawsuit Ocean NJ Poulos LoPiccolo PC - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2014]
- Prime Male Review - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2014]
- Josh's FTM Transition Updates: 10/14/14- 1.5 Months on Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2014]
- HORRIFYING Side Effects of Testosterone Gel! - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2014]
- 4 Months on Testosterone - Updates and Misgendering My Girlfriend - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- What Testosterone Does In Our Body | Men's Health Doctor Australia - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- What Are Side Effects Of Testosterone Therapy And High Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- What Are The DIfferent Types Of Testosterone Replacement - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- What Are The Advantages Of Testosterone Therapy - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Testosterone - Week 12 - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- FTM - Hysterectomy 315 days on testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Testosterone, the First Hormone to Go - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- 12 Common Low Testosterone Symptoms (Low-T) - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Dr. Gidon Frame discusses testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Testesterone Therapy Linked to Cardiovascular Issu - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- Rhino RX 90 Morning Review - Increased Testosterone Levels To Boost Confidence - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- ACNE FLARE UP & MOOD SWINGS Since Spliting My Testosterone Dosage | TRT Update - Video [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2014]
- Letters to Thailand - The Cost of TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) in Bangkok - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- WEIRD TRICK TO BOOST TESTOSTERONE! - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- Q&A - Episode 1 | Abs, Meal Timing, and Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- News 8 panel discusses the benefits of testosterone therapy - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- Oct 2014 update 9mo. On testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2014]
- Symptoms of Low Testosterone | Increase Testicle Size | Boost Libido | Naturally Increase Low Testos - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2014]
- What Are The Symptoms Of Low Testosterone | Men's Health Doctor - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2014]
- Alpha Man Pro Testosterone Get Your FREE Bottle Today! - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2014]
- Luke | 2 Weeks on Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2014]
- 2 WEEKS ON TESTOSTERONE - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2014]
- testosterone supplements - FREE Trial - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2014]
- Getting Testosterone From Your Doctor? - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2014]
- Low Testosterone | Men's Health Doctor | Dr George Forgan-Smith - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2014]
- FTM Testosterone--Then and Now | Cayden Carter - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2014]
- 287 days on Testosterone | Fridays with Julian - Video [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2014]
- Andreas Cahling - posing to raise testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2014]
- Have I Ever CHEATED On My Testosterone Replacement Therapy Dose? - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2014]
- Date Warp [7] Too Much Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2014]
- Testosterone: by AnythingButFemale - Video [Last Updated On: November 3rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2014]
- CAN MY WIFE GET PREGNANT if I'm on Testosterone Replacement Therapy? - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2014]
- Voice 6 months on testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2014]
- FTM Transition -- 2 Months on Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: November 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 5th, 2014]
- Prostate Cancer-Symptoms,Causes And Natural Treatment Options For Men - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2014]
- 1 MONTH ON TESTOSTERONE - Video [Last Updated On: November 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 9th, 2014]
- Alpha JYM Has Redefined The Testosterone-Booster Category - Video [Last Updated On: November 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 9th, 2014]
- Luke | 1 Month on Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: November 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 10th, 2014]
- Eat Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: November 10th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 10th, 2014]
- 2 MONTHS ON TESTOSTERONE - FTM 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2014]
- Quick Updates and my journey to taking testosterone. - Video [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2014]
- I'm Too EMBARRASSED to Start Testosterone Replacement Therapy... - Video [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2014]
- "Low T" Testosterone Therapy Heart Risk Lawsuit - Video [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2014]
- Key Reason Why Women Need Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: November 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 15th, 2014]
- 9 Months On Testosterone - FTM Update - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2014]
- Healthy Living Series on Low Testosterone - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2014]
- Gladstone Barret -Low Testosterone Levels - Video [Last Updated On: November 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 17th, 2014]