Hypothyroidism – a decrease in the activity of the thyroid gland, is considered an extremely common disease. The basis of the pathology is the body’s selection of insufficient amounts of the hormones T3 and T4 in the blood plasma. Although it is believed that women often have problems with the thyroid gland, more and more men go to the doctor with symptoms of hypothyroidism. By the way, doctors sometimes mistakenly associate hair loss on the head and body, as well as skin changes or erectile dysfunction, with testosterone deficiency, although in reality   thyroid.

Hypothyroidism: not a male pathology?

Most of the literature published today is devoted to how   hypothyroidism   can affect the body of a woman. However, the hypofunction of the thyroid gland has long ceased to be a typical female problem, but in addition to the general, men also have specific problems. It can be difficult for men to tell the doctor about changes in the body that affect such things as the potency and productivity of brain activity. The problem of hypothyroidism becomes even more difficult, given that the problems of the thyroid gland in men are less often diagnosed, they are often missed with standard examinations. As a result, hypothyroidism is diagnosed already with a significant decrease in the level of hormones, which is more difficult to correct.

Many doctors, considering the pathology of “female”, simply do not check the thyroid gland in men, ignore the typical symptoms, and do not collect them together. Experts suggest instead   hypothyroidism   effects of stress and overwork, testosterone deficiency, aging or depression.

How does the thyroid gland affect men?

The thyroid gland regulates the energy production and metabolism of every cell in the body, so changes in its function can affect virtually every system. Manifestations of hypofunction of the thyroid gland may look different in women and men, which is associated with sexual characteristics and influences, including on reproductive functions. Many of the symptoms that occur are similar to those found in women: dry skin, exhaustion of hair, cold limbs and constipation. Men, however, also have their own particular problems. For example, while women tend to have an inexplicable weight gain, men can lose muscle mass and strength. Here is a partial list of symptoms that are often reported by male patients with thyroid problems:

• reduced ability to think clearly and make decisions;
• anxiety and reduced self-confidence;
• decrease in sexual desire;
• erectile disfunction;
• alopecia (hair loss);
• high cholesterol;
• reduced ability to cope with stress;
• lack of energy and fatigue;
• depression, anxiety.

Hormone deficiency problems

In addition to all of the above, the thyroid gland also negatively affects the work of the testicles in the synthesis of the main sex hormone – testosterone. Most men today are familiar with signs of low testosterone levels, thanks to television advertising and media coverage. However, the symptoms of sex hormone deficiency are very similar to those of hypothyroidism. Moreover, reduced thyroid function may cause a decrease in testosterone levels. Therefore, in determining male sex hormones, in particular, testosterone levels, it is necessary to simultaneously examine and thyroid – T3 and T4.

Studies show that hypofunction of the thyroid gland can lead to a decrease in the amount of globulin that binds sex hormones (SHBG). It is important because it transports testosterone throughout the body, making it available to cells and tissues. Without this globulin, the amount of beneficial testosterone will be reduced. Generally, a decrease in SHBG and testosterone is associated with a decrease in fertility and infertility. In these patients, an increase in testicle size may be observed with a simultaneous decrease in the quantity and quality of the sperm produced.

Effect on the body: hair, heart, skin

Another effect of reduced thyroid function is constant lethargy, malaise and drowsiness, the skin becomes dry and rough, on the palms and feet, especially in the heel area, can crack. A deficiency of testosterone and thyroid hormones can simultaneously adversely affect hair growth and the condition of the scalp, which ultimately can form focal or total alopecia. The hair most actively falls on the head, for which testosterone will be responsible for the most part. But on the body, hair usually falls out due to a deficiency of thyroid hormones, when the skin dries and thickens.

There are many other symptoms that can manifest hypofunction of the thyroid gland. Undiagnosed hypothyroidism also represents a health risk. A hormone deficiency can lead to a decrease in pressure, a protracted and complicated course of infections, and serious diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes.

Why is it so difficult to diagnose?

Correct diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term complications and eliminate unpleasant symptoms, but the diagnosis has its own problems. Often, doctors do not think about hypothyroidism in examining men, although they have quite typical symptoms that negatively affect their lives. Even if problems are suspected, only the determination of thyroid hormones or TSH is prescribed, while it is also necessary to determine the level of total and free hormonal T3 and T4 fractions, thyroglobulin, antibodies to thyroperoxidase, which the immune system can produce against thyroid tissue. Each of these values ​​is an important indicator of the severity of the pathology. In addition, the reference indicators of these substances have been revised in recent years; normative values ​​used previously do not always reflect an objective picture. Many patients with “normal” indicators have pronounced symptoms. When treating diseases of the thyroid gland, it is important to take into account the general picture: how the patient feels and what the specific symptoms are.