Hypothyroidism is not uncommon and many people might already know what it is. But does libido have anything to do with hypothyroidism? Can it affect thyroid levels or hypothyroidism affect your libido?
Hypothyroidism is a gland malfunction when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroxine for the body. Tyroxine-T4 regulates some very essential functions; heart rate, physical growth, metabolism, mental development.
If the body doesn’t get enough T4, the main processes in the body might slow down and cause potentially life-threatening circumstances. Organs and tissues throughout the whole body might get damaged.
Hypothyroidism is a chronic disease, actually one of the most frequent ones. It can affect children and adults as well.
Symptoms become apparent long after the gland stops producing T4 and it´s possible, 2 out of 3 people affected don´t know they have a disease.
Thyroid collects iodine that is retracted from the food and produces T4 form iodine.
If T4 is lower than normal, it can affect body weight, hunger, sleeping, body temperature, sexual libido and many other features (physical, emotional and mental).
Hypothyroidism is caused by:
- Hashimoto’s disease (inflammation of the thyroid gland)
- Surgical removal of the thyroid gland
- Viruses and bacteria
- Medication
- Diet
- Environmental contaminants and others
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism are so hard to notice that in a lot of cases the disease isn´t even diagnosed. However, if the disease isn´t treated properly it may eventually lead to death.
A person suffering from Hypothyroidism will most likely have more than one of these symptoms:
- Tiredness
- Decreased heart rate
- Progressive hearing loss
- Weight gain
- Hard to remember things
- Concentration difficulties
- Depression
- Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Loss of sex drive
- Insensitive hands
- Low moisture in the skin
- Swollen eyelids
- Extreme sensitivity to cold
- Raspy invoice
Even though disease evolves gradually in case of any symptoms, the visiting doctor might be a good idea.
The disease can be diagnosed on a base of medical observation, physical examination followed by a blood test, and examination of the patient´s history.
Treatment:
- Natural or synthetic thyroid hormones
- Daily workout
- High fiber diet
- Alternative treatments (various food with additional iodine for example)
Treatment will improve patient´s wellbeing in 48 hours; however, medications need to be taken continuously, otherwise disease returns. Hypothyroidism can be successfully controlled with permanent medication.
How hypothyroidism affects men sex life?
As mentioned before low sex drive is one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism, we can notice. Men suffering from this disease may also have problems with:
- Delayed ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Premature ejaculation
Even though Hypothyroidism is about 8-10 times less common in men than in women, the disease needs to be diagnosed on time, in order to start with proper treatment.
Approximately 2 out of 3 hypothyroid men were encountering some kind of problem in their sexual life. Medications that help to heal the disease also reverse and restore occurred sexual problems.
The good news is, once the men with hyperthyroidism were treated, almost all of them acknowledged their symptoms of erectile dysfunction disappear.
Proper diagnoses and treatment return men back to their normal state, however, medications need to be taken, and no termination is allowed.
The body is not able to function without medications and that is why treatment must be carried out all of the patient´s life.
In conclusion, we delivered content related to hypothyroidism and how it can result in low libido. We hope that the information we provided can help you learn more about hypothyroidism as one of the causes of low libido.
We hope you have enjoyed reading it. “Causes Of Low Libido – Hypothyroidism”
What Hormone Deficiency Causes Hypothyroidism?
Introduction
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones needed for proper body function. It is a common endocrine disorder that can cause a wide range of symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, depression, constipation, and dry skin. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is a deficiency of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4). The deficiency of this hormone can be caused by a number of different factors, including autoimmune diseases, certain medications, radiation therapy, iodine deficiency, and certain genetic disorders.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are the most common cause of hormone deficiency leading to hypothyroidism. In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the body’s own immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. This results in a decrease in the amount of hormones produced by the thyroid gland, leading to an underactive thyroid. This type of hypothyroidism is known as primary hypothyroidism, as it is caused by a problem with the thyroid gland itself.
Medications
Medications, such as lithium, amiodarone, and interferon alpha, can interfere with the production of thyroid hormones. This may occur when these medications interfere with the uptake of iodine or the conversion of T4 to the active hormone, triiodothyronine (T3). In some cases, medications can even cause the destruction of thyroid cells, leading to a decrease in hormone production and consequently, hypothyroidism.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a common treatment for certain types of cancer, and it can also lead to hormone deficiency and hypothyroidism. Radiation therapy can damage the thyroid gland, leading to a decrease in hormone production. This type of hypothyroidism is known as secondary hypothyroidism, as it is caused by a problem outside of the thyroid gland itself.
Iodine Deficiency
Iodine is an essential element for the production of thyroid hormones. If the body does not have an adequate amount of iodine, it cannot produce the necessary hormones and hypothyroidism can result. Iodine deficiency is most common in certain parts of the world, such as Africa and Southeast Asia, where iodine is not naturally found in the soil.
Genetic Disorders
Certain genetic disorders can also lead to a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones. These may include congenital hypothyroidism, which is caused by a genetic defect in the thyroid gland, or other forms of inherited hypothyroidism. In these cases, the body simply does not have the ability to produce thyroid hormones in sufficient amounts, resulting in hypothyroidism.
Conclusion
Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder caused by a deficiency of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4). The most common cause of hormone deficiency leading to hypothyroidism is autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Other causes of hormone deficiency causing hypothyroidism include certain medications, radiation therapy, iodine deficiency, and certain genetic disorders. Treatment of hypothyroidism typically involves taking synthetic thyroid hormones in order to replace the hormones that the body is not producing enough of.
