Causes and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism in Men
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where our thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones above a certain level. This condition is caused due to overactive thyroid. This can harm one’s health, increase resting pulse, and affect muscles, and reduced semen quality. If not treated at the right time.
It is researched that women are likely to develop thyroid problems due to an overactive thyroid gland. While hyperthyroidism in men is no less, they also need medication to keep their thyroid gland production within the levels. There are unique symptoms in men due to hyperthyroidism while many of the other symptoms are similar to women.
Causes
Grave’s disease is one of the major causes of hyperthyroidism in men. This is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the mitigation level in men and fights against the thyroid gland. Men between the ages of 30 and 50 are highly likely to develop this. Other causes include nodules around the thyroid gland, thyroiditis that causes severe inflammation around the thyroid gland. Medications that had excess iodine content, Plummer’s disease which is also known as toxic nodular goiter.
Symptoms
Unexpected weight loss could be one, loss of appetite, irregular heartbeats, fatigue, weakness, irritability and frustration, trembling of hands or fingers, excess sweating, heat or cold intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, and hair thinning are few of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. There are a few unique symptoms to men with hyperthyroidism. Those include erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, early balding in men, lower levels of testosterone production, loss of muscle mass, Osteoporosis causes bone thinning. The last unique symptom includes gynecomastia where the male breasts are enlarged.
Symptoms related to sexual growth
Thyroid hormone dysfunction can lead to less functioning of certain cells. In a study conducted by the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology Trusted source, thyroid hormones will impact the functioning of cells in the testes. Leydig cells that help secrete testosterone can be interfered due to hyperthyroidism. It also affects the sperm cells and can cause reduced sperm mobility. They are also associated with erectile dysfunction and impotence. Overactive thyroid function can lead to ED and associated problems which could impact the sexual functioning of the man. This, in turn, leads to infertility. Consult a doctor and get a semen test done. To understand why the sperm count is less, it is advised to conduct a thyroid level test. These are simple blood tests that could help with further treatment. This, in turn, will lead to a better sex life as well.
Diagnosis
If you have a family history of thyroid patients you are more likely to develop one too. Another indication of having hyperthyroidism could be high sugar levels. The doctor will check how your reflexes are. If you have an overactive flex then they are more likely to send you for a blood test to check thyroid levels. If blood tests are not satisfactory doctors suggest imaging tests to detect hyperthyroidism in men.