Underactive Thyroid Symptoms in Men – An Overview

The term generally applied to an under-active thyroid gland and its related symptoms is hypothyroidism.Typically, thyroid symptoms in men are very similar to those in women and although the condition is more prevalent in women, thyroid symptoms in men are still very common. Although men of all ages can develop hypothyroidism, the risk is greater for those over the age of 50. In particular, the male hypothyroid condition can lead to other more serious conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, apnea (an obstruction in the sleeping pattern) and even a type of psychosis, if not treated in a timely manner. It is common for thyroid symptoms in men to begin following a course of medication for hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), and of course, sufferers of thyroid cancer or those who have had thyroid surgery will also suffer with an underactive thyroid gland.

Common Thyroid Symptoms in Men

Some of the early thyroid symptoms in men may include the following:

  • Slowing down of the heart rate and metabolism
  • Reduction in over all sex drive
  • Constipation
  • Suffering headaches
  • Unexplained weight gain, despite a diminished appetite
  • Chronic fatigue and sluggishness
  • Increased sensitivity to cold
  • Muscle and joint pain or a stiffness in the joints

If the condition goes untreated then as the thyroxine hormone levels decrease it can lead to some of these more serious hypothyroid symptoms developing:

  • Continued weight gain even to the point of obesity, in spite of a restricted diet
  • Muscle weakness and cramps, leading to pain and numbness, especially in the hands
  • Impaired mental acuity, including problems relating to memory and concentration
  • Changes in skin and hair condition. Hair may become coarse and fall out. Skin can become pale and dry. Nails may become brittle.
  • Loss of hearing
  • Depression and susceptibility to major depression

In severe cases hypothyroidism may result in a condition known as myxedema coma which is accompanied by extreme physiological changes such as the swelling of the face, eyes and tongue. There are also behavioral and mental conditions like delirium, seizures and ultimately coma; as the body effectively slows to a complete stop.

Heart Related Thyroid Symptoms in Men

Because the T3 hormone "triiodothyronine" is involved in relaxing the muscles of blood vessels, which help to keep them open and maintain the blood flow, its production greatly affects the heart rate and heart output. Therefore an underactive thyroid gland can lead to the following problems:

  • Moderately high blood pressure – hypothyroidism can lead to a reduction in heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute, diminishing the heart's capacity to pump and resulting in a stiffening of blood vessel walls. The combined effect of these is an increase in blood pressure.
  • Unhealthy cholesterol levels – an underactive thyroid gland can lead to elevated levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), lipids (fat molecules) and triglycerides, all associated with heart disease.
  • Heart failure – a hypothyroid condition can have a serious effect upon the contraction of the heart muscles and ultimately lead to an increased risk of heart failure.

The Best Treatment for Thyroid Symptoms in Men

Thyroid symptoms in men can easily be corrected with the right treatment, however if the right treatment is not administered the patient can suffer from any number of the symptoms listed above. Since thyroid problems in men usually mean that medication must be administered daily, the best form of treatment is a natural treatment. Prescription medication such as Levothyroxine; which is a synthetic hormone treatment is usually administered by a doctor however a natural method of treatment for thyroid symptoms in men is far more preferable, as it is easier to regulate and works in harmony with the bodies natural thyroid function.
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