Hypothyroidism is a common thyroid disorder that is associated with low thyroid levels, which slow down the body’s metabolism. The condition not only grips women but men as well.
Hypothyroidism, an endocrine disorder, arises from the deficiency of thyroid hormones that regulate metabolic processes for normal growth and development. It is a common notion that only women suffer hypothyroidism, but men too get affected by the underactive thyroid disease. Read ahead to learn about the symptoms, causes, thyroid profile test for diagnosis, and treatment options available to better manage the condition.
What is Hypothyroidism?
A common health condition, hypothyroidism is when you have an underactive thyroid gland that does not release enough thyroxine (T4 hormone). Notably, this influences your metabolism, heart rate and blood pressure, brain and muscle function, and reproductive and bone health.
While hypothyroidism is more prevalent in women, both men and women can suffer an underactive thyroid gland. Besides, children can also develop the condition.
What are the Symptoms of Low Thyroid Levels in Men?
Men can experience the following symptoms when suffering from hypothyroidism:
- Low Libido: It is observed that men with an underactive thyroid gland suffer a decrease in sexual desire. The condition also affects the semen quality and testosterone levels.
- Joint Pain and Muscle Ache: These symptoms are slightly more common in men with an underactive thyroid. Also, men may observe stiffness in joints or muscles of the upper arms and legs.
- Dry Skin and Hair: Men experience that their skin and hair get drier than usual when suffering hypothyroidism. Some men may also notice hair thinning or hair fall more than usual.
Besides, some common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue or feeling tired
- Weight gain
- Feeling depressed
- Physical changes in the face (including drooping eyelids and/or puffiness in the eyes and face)
- Numbness and tingling in hands
- Constipation
- Soreness throughout the body
- Higher than normal blood cholesterol levels
- Unable to tolerate cold temperatures
- Voice becomes hoarse
- Brain fog or feeling more forgetful
Signs and symptoms indicative of hypothyroidism usually develop slowly over time. Sometimes, you may notice them for years.
What Causes Hypothyroidism?
The causes of hypothyroidism are categorised into primary and secondary. Any condition that directly impacts the thyroid gland leading to low thyroid hormone levels is termed as the primary cause. Some primary causes of hypothyroidism include inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis), radiation and surgical removal of the thyroid gland, iodine deficiency and hereditary conditions.
Further, when something causes the pituitary gland to fail, it is categorised as a secondary cause. Notably, the immune system attacking the thyroid gland and damage inflicted on the gland during treatment are amongst the common causes of hypothyroidism.
How to Diagnose Low Thyroid Levels?
It is important to monitor the efficacy of the thyroid gland. And, a thyroid profile test plays a vital role in measuring thyroid hormone levels. It is a simple, quick test that is available on a doctor’s recommendation. You can either visit a lab or book for at-home sample collection. Also, no specific preparation is required before taking the test.
How to Treat Low Thyroid Levels in Men?
Hypothyroidism, a manageable disease, is effectively treated by hormone replacement therapy in most cases. The therapy includes taking tablets called levothyroxine to replace the hormones the thyroid gland is not making. With the treatment to restore hormone balance, the symptoms should improve.
Besides, there is no evidence that avoiding or consuming certain foods will help the men with an underactive thyroid gland. However, accommodating enough iodine in the diet can help the thyroid gland to work as it should.
It is to be noted that if an underactive thyroid gland is left untreated, then it can lead to heart diseases, goitre, and/or myxoedema coma in severe cases.
By and large, an underactive thyroid disease is not a gender-specific problem. And, both men and women can experience low thyroid levels. While inflammation of the gland, iodine deficiency and hereditary conditions can be leading causes, taking a thyroid profile test can help doctors diagnose the condition and offer a successful solution.
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