Hormones . Symptoms guide
Erectile Changes: Blood Work That Matters
Erectile changes have many possible causes, including cardiovascular risk factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes), hormonal change (low testosterone, thyroid), nerve injury, medication side effects and psychological factors. Bloodwork covers the metabolic and hormonal drivers in one panel, which is usually the right first step before considering medication.
This patient information is being clinically reviewed by our team. The factual content draws on UK guidance (NHS, NICE, British Association of Dermatologists, British Society for Sexual Medicine where cited).
What this might be
- Cardiovascular and metabolic risk. ED is often the earliest warning sign of vascular disease; cholesterol, HbA1c and glucose context matter.
- Low testosterone. Less common than vascular causes but a treatable contributor.
- Thyroid dysfunction. Both under and overactive thyroid affect erection quality.
- Medication side effects. SSRIs, beta blockers, finasteride, opioids can all contribute.
When to seek urgent advice
If any of the following apply, please contact your GP, NHS 111, or A&E in the first instance rather than waiting for private bloodwork.
- New onset alongside chest pain on exertion (request urgent GP review)
- Rapid change over weeks rather than months
Common features that suggest this
- Reduced firmness or persistence of erections
- Loss of morning erections
- Concurrent fatigue, low libido, or weight gain
- Family history of heart disease or diabetes
Recommended tests
Same-day appointments at our Harley Street clinic, results clinician-reviewed.
Need a marker not in these panels? Build a custom panel and a GMC-registered clinician will design one for you.
Testing advice
Morning appointment. Fasting is preferable for the General Wellness panel (cholesterol, HbA1c) but not required for testosterone testing.
Common questions
Is ED always hormonal?
No. In men under 40 it is often psychological or medication related; over 40 it is more often vascular. Bloodwork helps separate them.
Do I need to see a urologist?
Not necessarily as a first step. Bloodwork tells you whether a urology referral is the right next step or whether something more straightforward (sleep, weight, medication change) might resolve it.
Related symptoms
Sources and further reading
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. A GMC-registered clinician will review your results and tailor any recommendations to you personally.