We are still trying to understand how and why this occurs. Diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder, a chronic disease caused by a lack of the hormone insulin or the ability of the body to use it. Although the different types of diabetes do not themselves cause sexual dysfunction, a diabetes-related disorder called diabetic neuropathy, does. Neuropathy occurs in at least half of the people with diabetes. The condition often causes a loss of feeling in the feet, hands and legs.
Diabetes also affects the small arteries to the pelvis, causing vasculogenic problems as well.
First, understand that while we are just beginning to understand the questions and concerns around estrogen replacement, testosterone replacement is far behind. However, we do strongly feel that unless a woman is hormonally replete in both estrogen and testosterone her sexual function will suffer. In terms of your options, the first step is to see your physician to get your hormonal profile drawn with a simple blood test in order to determine if your total and free testosterone levels are in the range of where they should be according to present standards the normal range for total testosterone is usually 14 to 76 nanograms per deciliter. We believe that any level below 20 is too low. If your levels are low, talk to your doctor about replacement.