Are progesterone levels more indicative of sexual drive than testosterone?

In summary, a study found no significant correlation between testosterone levels and sexual desire in men. It was suggested that progesterone levels may play a larger role in sex drive and that testosterone may not be the key factor. However, there is still much debate and research needed to fully understand the complexities of sexual desire and the effects of different hormones on it.
  • #1
Pleonasm
322
20
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22552705/
Replicating past findings, no significant correlations between T and desire in men were apparent,
but these analyses showed that the null association remained even when psychological and confound variables were controlled. Men showed higher desire than women, but masturbation frequency rather than T influenced this difference. Results were discussed in terms of challenges to assumptions of clear links between T and desire.

It was suggested to me that progesterone levels are more crucial for higher sex drive and could account for why T levels beyond normal have no correlation with sex drive. Is this a plausible hypothesis? Are we examining the wrong androgen?
 
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  • #2
Pleonasm said:
Are we examining the wrong androgen?
Since no reply for you since Monday, I'll take a stab at it.
At least it will be like the marines, " No post left behind", unanswered.

Probably a thorough complete picture of what drives the female libido ( and male ) is missing, and/or neglected.
And/or they are using the wrong subjects.
So what works for men should work for women, right - ie men high sex drive -> testosterone -> women > give them testosterone -> should make them have a high sex drive - NOT.
Here's one site from 2003 and what they say - post menopausal women - seems naïve in its simplistic feel good approach.
https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/news/20030626/testosterone-increases-libido-in-women#1

A commentary on the study mentioned in your post, as they explain and explore it in more detail for the general reader.
https://www.livescience.com/21114-testosterone-sex-drive-masturbation.html
Notice the word dysfunction along with pharmaceutical treatment is mentioned. As if low libido is somehow a disease rather than part of the natural adaptations of women to survive and produce offspring, at least for the fertility years.

And another who has some misgivings about some of the research.
https://kinseyconfidential.org/testosterone-sexual-desire/
As she states,
Although it would be rather convenient to have a pharmaceutical fix to low sexual desire, I am unconvinced the complexities of desire (that include relational, sociocultural, emotional, political, social, psychological factors, etc.) have a pharmacological solution

Maybe the best way to impress and encourage desire is to do the dishes, and take a bath every once in a while. In other words, work at it youself.

Anyways, you asked about progesterone.
some info, rather a lot of it, from wiki.
Note that testosterone is a pre-cursor for testosterone, at least in men, not sure for women, I suppose so also.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progesterone

And wiki on sexual hormones,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_motivation_and_hormones
 
  • #3
256bits said:
Since no reply for you since Monday, I'll take a stab at it.
At least it will be like the marines, " No post left behind", unanswered.

Probably a thorough complete picture of what drives the female libido ( and male ) is missing, and/or neglected.
And/or they are using the wrong subjects.
So what works for men should work for women, right - ie men high sex drive -> testosterone -> women > give them testosterone -> should make them have a high sex drive - NOT.
Here's one site from 2003 and what they say - post menopausal women - seems naïve in its simplistic feel good approach.
https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/news/20030626/testosterone-increases-libido-in-women#1

A commentary on the study mentioned in your post, as they explain and explore it in more detail for the general reader.
https://www.livescience.com/21114-testosterone-sex-drive-masturbation.html
Notice the word dysfunction along with pharmaceutical treatment is mentioned. As if low libido is somehow a disease rather than part of the natural adaptations of women to survive and produce offspring, at least for the fertility years.

And another who has some misgivings about some of the research.
https://kinseyconfidential.org/testosterone-sexual-desire/
As she states,Maybe the best way to impress and encourage desire is to do the dishes, and take a bath every once in a while. In other words, work at it youself.

Anyways, you asked about progesterone.
some info, rather a lot of it, from wiki.
Note that testosterone is a pre-cursor for testosterone, at least in men, not sure for women, I suppose so also.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progesterone

And wiki on sexual hormones,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_motivation_and_hormones

The question about male vs female sexuality is less puzzling since there are quite a few female hormones that could complicate matters (intruding variables). What doesn't make since is how testosterone levels quickly renders in diminishing returns, despite the fact that some have clearly higher sex drives than others. Hormones do affect sex drive, this is a no-brainer, but it doesn't seem to be testosterone levels determining higher level sex drive.
 
  • #4
256bits said:
Note that testosterone is a pre-cursor for testosterone, at least in men, not sure for women, I suppose so also.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progesterone

But you see, one can still have one lower than the other...The levels of respective hormone isn't analoge.
 
  • #5
I think in humans the old adage that size doesn't matter falls to bits. Size clearly does matter, but its the size of the organ between our ears that's important. The behavioural effects of most hormones that are obvious in most animals are often difficult to demonstrate consistently in humans, testosterone in animals is often very clearly associated with sexual behaviour and violence but in humans our cognitive abilities seem to override these effects. There are also problems in deciding cause and effect as hormone levels may change as the result of behaviour rather than them being a cause, sex itself actually increases testosterone production. In men progesterone is produced alongside testosterone and while it can act as a precursor to testosterone it can also be converted to aldosterone, cortisol and estradiol as no hormone really operates in isolation this muddies the water somewhat as for example cortisol antagonises many of the actions of testosterone.
Generally it seems the most important factors in human sexual behaviour are mental and I suspect trying to make sense of any hormone effects will lead you in all sorts of directions with a huge number of variables. I can't really see why progesterone would have any sort of pivotal role or even if it did, a role that could be teased out from the general confusion.
 
  • #6
Laroxe said:
Generally it seems the most important factors in human sexual behaviour are mental

It seems to point in that direction. I find it hard to believe that though given all we know about hormones and the differences between male and female sexuality.
 

1. What is the difference between progesterone and testosterone?

Progesterone and testosterone are both hormones that play important roles in the human body. Progesterone is primarily known as a female sex hormone, while testosterone is primarily known as a male sex hormone. However, both hormones are present in both males and females, although in different levels. Progesterone is responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and preparing the body for pregnancy, while testosterone is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics and sex drive.

2. Are progesterone levels more indicative of sexual drive than testosterone in females?

Progesterone levels do play a role in female sexual drive, but they are not considered the primary hormone responsible. Testosterone levels have a greater impact on sexual drive in both males and females. In females, testosterone is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands, and plays a key role in libido, arousal, and orgasm.

3. Can progesterone levels affect sexual drive in males?

Progesterone levels do not have a significant impact on sexual drive in males. Testosterone is the primary hormone responsible for male sexual drive and function. However, progesterone does play a role in the production of testosterone in males, so low levels of progesterone can indirectly affect sexual drive by lowering testosterone levels.

4. What factors can affect progesterone levels?

Progesterone levels can be affected by a variety of factors, including the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, and certain medications. Stress, poor diet, and certain medical conditions can also impact progesterone levels. It is important to consult with a doctor if you have concerns about your progesterone levels.

5. How can I maintain healthy levels of progesterone and testosterone?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key in maintaining balanced levels of progesterone and testosterone. Eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can all help maintain hormonal balance. It is also important to consult with a doctor if you have any concerns about your hormone levels, as they can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual needs.

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