Erectile Dysfunction After 40? It’s Not Just “Getting Older”

If you’ve noticed your erections aren’t as firm, frequent, or dependable as they used to be… it’s not “just aging.” And it’s not just about blood flow.

Let’s talk about something most men won’t.

Erectile dysfunction. It’s more common than you think—and it’s not just about performance. It’s a warning sign. A signal that something deeper might be off.

If you’ve noticed your erections aren’t as firm, frequent, or dependable as they used to be… it’s not “just aging.” And it’s not just about blood flow.

In many cases, hormones are the missing piece.

What Most Guys Don’t Know About ED

You’ve probably heard ED is a circulation issue—and yes, blood flow matters. But the full picture is bigger.

Your erections rely on a delicate hormonal orchestra—and when that balance shifts, things start to fall apart.

Here’s what drives that breakdown:

  • Low testosterone – The #1 hormonal cause of ED. Testosterone fuels desire, performance, and recovery.

  • Elevated estrogen – Excess body fat can convert testosterone into estrogen, dulling sexual function.

  • High cortisol – Chronic stress kills testosterone and interferes with arousal.

  • Low thyroid hormones – Sluggish thyroid equals sluggish metabolism… and sluggish performance.

In short? When your hormones fall out of sync, your confidence, desire, and ability all take a hit.

Aging Changes the Game—But It Doesn’t End It

By your 40s, testosterone naturally starts to decline. But for most men, the drop is steeper than it should be. Why?

  • You’re sleeping less.

  • You’re working more.

  • You’ve got more belly fat.

  • You’re more stressed than ever.

These factors suppress testosterone, increase estrogen, and make erections harder to achieve—and even harder to maintain.

And if you’re relying on “normal” lab tests to tell you if something’s wrong? Forget it. Most men are told everything’s “fine” because they fall within a wide reference range. But there’s a big difference between normal… and optimal.

ED Isn’t Just Physical—It’s Metabolic

Your sex drive and sexual function are like your dashboard warning lights. They’re telling you what’s going on under the hood:

  • Low energy during the day

  • Belly fat that won’t budge

  • Crashing in the afternoon

  • Brain fog or low mood

These aren’t separate problems. They’re all connected to the same system.

Why the Quick Fix Doesn’t Work

Most guys who bring this up with their doctor get a little blue pill and a pat on the back.

But pills don’t fix the real issue—they just mask it.

If your testosterone is low…

If your stress hormones are through the roof…

If your metabolism is dragging you down…

You don’t need a cover-up.
You need a real solution.

The Fix Starts With Your Hormones

At Codex, this is what we do: We take a root-cause approach to men’s health—because ED isn’t just about the bedroom. It’s about your entire system.

Here’s what we assess:

  • Total and free testosterone

  • Estrogen levels

  • DHEA and cortisol balance

  • Thyroid function

  • Inflammation and metabolic health

Then we create a plan—specific to you—that addresses the actual dysfunction.

What That Plan Might Include:

  • Hormonal optimization (including testosterone if needed)

  • Weight and body fat reduction (especially around the midsection)

  • Customized nutrition for metabolic health

  • Sleep and stress recovery protocols

  • Strength training to boost natural testosterone

No guesswork. Just science, structure, and results.

Bottom Line: You’re Not Broken

Erectile dysfunction isn’t something you have to accept. It’s not your fault—and you’re not alone. But you do need to act.

Your body is talking to you. The question is: are you listening?

Ready to take your health—and your confidence—back? Start with a real assessment. Stop treating symptoms and start fixing the system.


CODEX

The Art of Aging Well

A revolutionary approach, created by award-winning, board-certified physician and surgeon, Dr. Peter Marta, combining the precision of conventional medicine and the nuance of functional medicine. At the heart of Codex is hormone optimization, with a comprehensive system addressing seven core areas vital for men’s wellness. What even many physicians overlook is that hormonal health and gut health are inextricably linked—you can’t have one without the other. Codex addresses these connections, unlocking vitality and balance through a tailored, easy-to-follow, scientific approach.

Learn more


Dr. Pete Marta

I’m Dr. Peter Marta (affectionately known as Dr. Pete), a board-certified physician and surgeon. I focus on men’s health and hormone optimization. You don’t have to decline after 40. You can be in the best shape of your life from here on out.

Through my science-backed program, Codex, that combines the precision of conventional medicine, with the nuance of functional medicine, I’m here to help you reclaim your health and thrive after 40 and beyond.

https://www.petermarta.com/
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