Men with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) may experience an increased risk of erectile dysfunction, hair loss, reduced fertility, and other issues.

With hypothyroidism the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. This can cause changes throughout the body, including some gender-specific symptoms.

Untreated hypothyroidism can affect the length and quality of a person’s life. But therapies to manage hypothyroidism, including medication and non-drug approaches, can make a real difference.

Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone.

Here’s a look at how an underactive thyroid can affect men.

Physical Symptoms

• Fatigue and low energy
• Weight gain
• Muscle weakness
• Cold intolerance
• A hoarse voice
• Drooping eyelids or puffiness around the eyes
• Brittle, crumbly, or breaking nails
• Dry skin and hair
• Hair loss

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Hair loss from hypothyroidism in men is different from male pattern hair loss, in which the hair thins from the front and top.

Sexual Health

• Reduced fertility
• Erectile dysfunction
• Low libido

Fatigue, low mood, and weight gain can contribute to low libido. But decreased sex drive may also happen because low thyroid activity affects other hormones, such as testosterone.

More research is necessary to better understand hypothyroidism’s effect on fertility, but there appears to be a link. It may be that thyroid dysfunction affects the production of sperm and testosterone and sperm quality.

Cognitive Symptoms

Hypothyroidism may lead to:

• Brain fog
• Memory lapses
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of interest and mental alertness

Emotional Symptoms

Hypothyroidism can cause:

• Depression
• Mood changes
• Negative body image

• Overt autoimmune hypothyroidism (a more severe form)
• Subclinical or mild autoimmune hypothyroidism
• No thyroid problems

The researchers concluded that men with overt autoimmune hypothyroidism had issues with sexual health and mood, and those with mild hypothyroidism had problems with erectile function only.

Marilyn Tan, MD, an endocrinologist and clinical associate professor of medicine at Stanford Health Care in California, says, “Overt hypothyroidism can lead to mood changes and changes in mentation [mental activity] in very severe cases. In addition, if one develops weight gain, hair loss, loss of muscle mass, and other symptoms of overt hypothyroidism, this can affect self-image and also mental health.”

“In both men and women, classic symptoms of overt hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue, dry skin and nails, hair loss, constipation, cold intolerance, mental fogginess, and mood changes,” Dr. Tan says. “In women, menstrual periods can be irregular or different in nature, and fertility may be affected; in men, libido and sexual function may be impacted.”

Tan also notes that most discussions about hypothyroidism focus on women, not only because the condition is more common in females, but because of the potential consequences for pregnancy.

• Having another autoimmune disease
• A family history of hypothyroidism
• A history of thyroid surgery or radiation to the head or neck
• The use of certain medications
• Older age

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Options for treating hypothyroidism are the same for men and women and include the following.

Medication

Levothyroxine is the main hypothyroidism treatment, stabilizing levels of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. People who take levothyroxine should undergo regular blood tests to confirm that thyroid doses are appropriate as requirements can change over time. Too much can also be harmful.

Lifestyle Strategies

A nutritious diet and exercise can boost overall mental and physical well-being and may help manage the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Diet A nutritious diet involves a range of foods and nutrients, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Ask a doctor about foods to avoid and foods to include. It can also be helpful to speak with a dietitian about healthy ways to manage weight.

A suitable program may also help manage fatigue, weight gain, heart rhythm changes, muscle weakness, and other symptoms.

If a person is not in the habit of exercising, they may need to build up stamina over time.

Complementary Therapies

Complementary therapies for hypothyroidism include acupuncture, massage, and meditation.

Various life hacks can also help manage sensitivity to cold, fatigue, and other symptoms.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

People with hypothyroidism need regular checkups to ensure their medication doses are still suitable and to review the progress of any symptoms.

Attending these appointments is crucial for keeping T3 and T4 levels stable and at the right level. It also offers the chance to discuss any side effects, new symptoms, or other concerns.

• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone.
• Most symptoms affect both men and women. However, some symptoms are unique to men, such as sexual and erectile dysfunction.
• Other symptoms include weight gain, depression, and loss of muscle strength.
• Treatment with levothyroxine can manage symptoms by adjusting thyroid hormone levels.