Underactive Thyroid in Men

Hypothyroidism is the medical term used for an underactive thyroid gland. It refers to a thyroid gland that fails to produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormones, which the body requires to utilize fats and carbohydrates. In other words, the thyroid hormones are of crucial importance to regulate the rate of metabolism. The thyroid hormones are also important to maintain the normal body temperature and the production of protein. The main thyroid hormones are, thyroxine or T-4 and triiodothyronine or T-3. A deficiency of these two thyroid hormones can disturb the rate of metabolism and can produce a number of symptoms. The incidence of hypothyroidism is usually more in women, though men too can suffer from this condition at times.

Hypothyroidism in Men

Causes
It can be an indicator of several health conditions. But, more commonly, it is caused by the autoimmune disease, known as Hashimoto's thyroditis. Like any other autoimmune disease, Hashimoto's thyroditis is also characterized by the production of antibodies against the body tissues by the immune system. In this case, immune system is triggered to produce antibodies to attack and destroy the tissues of the thyroid gland and thus affect the gland's ability to produce hormones. However, scientists are not sure about what exactly causes or triggers the body to produce antibodies against its own tissues. This disease is however, more prevalent in women.

At times, hypothyroidism can result from the medications used for treating hyperthyroidism. Similarly, surgery carried out to remove a portion of the thyroid gland can also adversely affect the production of thyroid hormones. The production of the thyroid hormones is regulated by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus first signals the pituitary gland to release the hormone, known as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). This hormone then induces the thyroid gland to produce hormones. Disorders of the pituitary gland can make it unable to create enough TSH, which in turn, can lead to hypothyroidism. In addition to these, some other possible causes or risk factors for developing hypothyroidism by men are, iodine deficiency, Graves' disease, radiation therapy received for the treatment of cancer of the head and neck and intake of medications like, lithium and amiodarone. It has been observed that men and women with a personal or family history of autoimmune diseases are more likely to suffer from an underactive thyroid gland.

Symptoms
Men with an underactive thyroid gland can experience a number of symptoms, out of which the more common ones are

• Fatigue and sluggishness
• Unexplained weight gain
• Dry and pale skin
• Muscle and joint pain
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Brittle nails and hair
• Hair loss
• Constipation
• Stiffness of the joints
• Depression
• Low heart rate
• Low sex drive

If this condition is left untreated, then it can produce some additional symptoms such as:

• Puffy face
• Slow speech
• Thinning of the eyebrows
• Thickening of the skin
• Decreased taste and smell

Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis with a physical examination of the thyroid gland. In case of hypothyroidism, physical examination reveals a smaller than normal thyroid gland. Further diagnosis involves blood tests to measure the value of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T-4). This condition is usually treated with the synthetic thyroid hormone, known as levothyroxine. This medication is taken orally to restore the normal level of thyroid hormones. Usually, this medication has to be continued for the entire life. However, the appropriate dosage of this medication changes with time, which is determined by the physicians by checking the level of TSH in the body. An overdose of levothyroxine can cause side effects like, increased appetite, palpitations and increased appetite. If taken in appropriate dosage, levothyroxine usually does not cause any side effect. If undiagnosed hypothyroidism leads to myxedema, then thyroid replacement hormones and steroid medications are administered intravenously. Myxedema is the condition, where the level of thyroid hormones drops down to an extremely low level. It is a medical emergency, which produces symptoms like, drowsiness, profound lethargy, extreme cold intolerance and unconsciousness.

Along with medications, certain foods can also help to cope with an underactive thyroid gland. Usually, foods rich in protein, iodine, fatty acids, fibers, selenium and vitamins like, vitamin A, C, B1, B3 and vitamin B6 are considered good for the patients of hypothyroidism. However, be sure to talk to your physician, as some foods, as well as supplements can affect the absorption of levothyroxine. As for example, a high fiber diet, as well as calcium and iron supplements, and soy and soy products can affect the absorption of this medication.

If left undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to several complications such as, goiter, heart problems, obesity, high cholesterol, myxedema and infertility. Therefore, if you experience the symptoms associated with a hypoactive thyroid for a considerable time, then it is better to properly evaluate them by visiting a physician.