Low Thyroid in Men

Thyroid gland disorder is not only prevalent among women, but is quite common in men as well. Decrease in levels of this hormone is also known as hypothyroidism wherein there is a rapid fall in the level of the hormone thyroxine.

This is an endocrine disorder, giving rise to serious consequences if not diagnosed early. The symptoms are quite evident in men and the clinical tests performed by doctors confirm the presence of hypothyroidism in their body.

Thyroid deficiency affects men and women of all age groups. The causes can be either congenital or acquired. Improper functioning of the thyroid gland further leads to decreased secretion of the hormone androgen and testosterone. The prime causes of low production of the two types of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) are:

• Deficiency of iodine in the body is the main reason behind low levels of thyroxine in the body. It mostly affects people residing in hilly areas. Iodine deficiency also gives rise to goiter.

• Autoimmune disorders is one of the significant causes of low thyroid in men. In such conditions, the antibodies produced by the body start acting against it, subsequently breaking down the immune mechanism of the body. e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

• In rare cases, malfunction of the pituitary gland also affects the function of the gland, leading to the production of very less thyroxine. This is the case when low testosterone causes low thyroxine.

Any type of thyroid disease is detected by the conventional method of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test. Listed below are the symptoms observed in men suffering from hypothyroidism.

• Weight gain
• Sluggishness
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Decreased appetite
• Muscle pain

• Joint pain
• Decreased stamina
• Sexual dysfunction
• Lack of concentration
• Memory loss
• Cold intolerance
• Hair loss
• Low heart rate
• Deepening of voice
• Thinning eyebrows
• Low body temperature
• Puffy skin

Diagnosis of a malfunctioning thyroid gland starts with medical tests. TSH test is one of the most reliable techniques to detect the low thyroid in men. Along with it, various other blood tests are also performed for a full diagnosis. 

Treatment starts with oral medications that elevate secretion of the hormone thyroxine. Hormone pills restore the activity of the gland, thereby maintaining adequate levels of thyroxine. However, the person has to be regular with the dose to meet with desired results. Irregular intake of such pills might cause sleep disorders.

Apart from medical treatments, one has to concentrate on his diet and lifestyle. The diet should contain foods that are rich in iodine, zinc, and selenium. It includes the consumption of sea salt and iodized salt. Food rich in iodine include, haddock, sea weeds (sea kelp), fresh fish, cod fish, etc.

Selenium being an anti-oxidant helps to boost up the immune system, thereby preventing autoimmune disorders. The supplements prescribed by doctors fulfill the mineral requirement of the body, eliminating the symptoms.

Brazil nuts, chicken, eggs, rice, corn, wheat contain high percentage of selenium. Foods having high amount of proteins, fibers, vitamins, and fatty acids must also be included in the diet. One of the best options is the herb bladderwrack. It's a brown algae abundant in iodine and is effectively used to treat thyroid hormone disorders in both men and women.

These were some of the effective ways to treat low thyroid in men. One should never neglect the health when suffering from the symptoms mentioned in the content above. It's always wise to get diagnosed as early as possible to prevent aggravation of this health condition.

Disclaimer: This post is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.