Hypothyroidism in men over 50 can cause uncomfortable, debilitating, and potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Understanding the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism can help men receive proper diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Dr. David Borenstein, a leading integrative medicine physician, writes that though hypothyroidism in men is rare and most commonly occurs in women, some men over 50 do suffer from an underactive thyroid.
Most symptoms of hypothyroidism in men are similar to what women experience, however, some appear to be more common in men.
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Here is a list of five things you need to know about hypothyroidism in men:
1. Muscle loss
According to Borenstein, hypothyroidism can cause loss of muscle and strength and may make it difficult to gain weight.
2. Sexual dysfunction
Fluctuations in thyroid levels can cause significant changes in sexual function as well.
LiveStrong reports that in a study of men diagnosed with hypothyroidism, 65 percent had erectile dysfunction, delayed ejaculation, and a lowered sex drive.
3. Increased risk for cardiovascular disease
Hypothyroidism in men can produce symptoms that increase the risk for life-threatening conditions.
U.S. News warns that low thyroid levels that go undiagnosed for a long period of time put men at risk for circulation problems, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease.
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4. Depression
Hypothyroidism can cause depression; thoughts of hopelessness, low self-worth, and inferiority can all result from the development of depression in men with hypothyroidism,
says New Health Advisor.
5. Unexplained fatigue
Men over 50 often struggle with feeling sluggish and exhausted when dealing with hypothyroidism, says Borenstein.
These symptoms are often dismissed by medical professionals as being a normal part of aging. Often an antidepressant is prescribed and thyroid levels are never tested.
Borenstein advises that men over 50 experiencing these symptoms “insist on having thyroid testing.”
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