What Men Need to Know About Thyroid Disease
Though thyroid disease is often associated with women, approximately 20% of cases occur in men. Here’s what you should be aware of.
Symptoms in Men
While men with thyroid disease may experience many of the same symptoms as women, some are specific to men and often go unnoticed as they are not commonly linked to thyroid dysfunction. These symptoms include:
- Hair loss
- Low sex drive
- Low sperm count
- Delayed ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of muscle mass
- Reduced testosterone levels
- Gynecomastia (male breast enlargement)
Causes of Thyroid Dysfunction
There are two primary types of thyroid dysfunction:
- Hypothyroidism – An underactive thyroid that produces insufficient hormones.
- Hyperthyroidism – An overactive thyroid that produces excess hormones.
Treatment Options
Hypothyroidism
Treatment involves lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy to regulate hormone levels.
Hyperthyroidism
Treatment typically begins with antithyroid medication to reduce thyroid activity. This may be temporary or long-term, depending on the body’s response. Other common treatments include radiation therapy or thyroidectomy surgery, both of which eventually lead to hypothyroidism.
When to Get Tested
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above or other classic signs of thyroid dysfunction, consult your primary care doctor about testing. Even if you are generally healthy, it is advisable to discuss testing if you are 60 or older and at risk of developing a thyroid condition.
