When you’re constantly feeling tired and find that you’re unable to get through the day, you might consider a poor night’s sleep as the cause. Over time, the fatigue continues, you start to notice weight gain, and other symptoms also develop. These could be signs of hypothyroidism, a condition often linked to women, but it can still affect men. In this article, we take a closer look at hypothyroidism in men, including the symptoms, what it is, and the treatment options.
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is also known as an underactive thyroid. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits in the neck. This gland produces important hormones that regulate various functions in the body. Hypothyroidism in men refers to cases where the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones.
The gland makes two primary hormones, known as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3. These are essential for regulating metabolism, which means they have an impact on how the body converts food into a usable form of energy.
Hypothyroidism Symptoms in Men
Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, but if left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to other serious health problems, such as high cholesterol and heart problems.
One of the first noticeable signs for most people is a loss of energy. When the thyroid gland, which controls your metabolism, is not working correctly, you become tired and lethargic.
Tasks that used to be easy to complete become insurmountable to finish. Unfortunately, many people attribute this lagging energy to simply “growing old.” Usually, you will notice yourself slowly gaining weight, which has come with your growing sense of tiredness. Some studies report that 60% of men with hypothyroidism have expressed concerns about low libido, erectile dysfunction, or delayed ejaculation.
Hypothyroidism has also been shown to affect semen quality, which is associated with lower sperm count, poor formation, and slower movement.
These factors can potentially lower fertility.
Some of the other symptoms that you might experience due to an underperforming thyroid are:
- More sensitivity to cold.
- Dry skin.
- Weight gain.
- Puffy face.
- Hoarse voice.
- Coarse hair and skin.
- Muscle weakness.
- Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness.
- Menstrual cycles that are heavier than usual or irregular.
- Thinning hair.
- Slowed heart rate, also called bradycardia.
- Memory problems.
Hypothyroidism Causes
There are several causes for hypothyroidism in men. In the United States, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a common cause of hypothyroidism. This is a type of autoimmune disease. It causes the body to attack the thyroid gland mistakenly, thus reducing its ability to make enough thyroid hormones.
Other potential causes include:
- Iodine Deficiency: When men lack iodine, it can affect the production rate of thyroid hormones. Worldwide, this is considered a prevalent cause.
- Genetic Factors: Some men are predisposed to a higher risk of hypothyroidism due to a family history of thyroid disorders.
- Surgery: If surgery was performed on the thyroid gland, then this can also contribute to the development of hypothyroidism in men.
Certain pharmaceutical drugs can have an impact on thyroid function. It’s important to note that there are cases where pituitary gland disorders can also cause problems with T3 and T4 production.
Treatment Options
Treatment is readily available for men with hypothyroidism. However, it’s essential to understand your treatment options and discuss them with your doctor. This can help shed light on the pros and cons of each treatment, and ensure you pick an option that is right for you.
The standard treatment is levothyroxine monotherapy. This involves the use of pharmaceutical drugs like Levoxyl or Synthroid. They contain synthetic versions of T4, which the body can then convert into T3.
There are some cases where a combination therapy is used. In such a scenario, you’ll receive medication that contains both T3 and T4 hormones. This is a good alternative treatment option if monotherapy using T4 alone does not seem to work for you.
The Importance of Treating Hypothyroidism in Men
If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause serious complications. Some of the problems that may develop over time include:
- Goiter or enlarged thyroid gland
- Obesity
- Infertility
- Heart diseases, such as a slowed heart rate
- Depression
- Impaired memory
- Peripheral neuropathy
How can Androgenix help?
Not feeling yourself? Struggling with weight gain, fatigue, and running out of energy constantly? If you’re worried about your thyroid gland and potential issues with your hormone levels, then we’re here to help. Androgenix understands the discomfort that can come from hormonal imbalances in the male body. Our experts can help you understand your hormones through the right tests and create a personalized treatment program based on your test results.
Reach out to book your first consultant and start your journey.
