Hypothyroidism Symptoms in Men

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland stops making enough of the hormone thyroxine. This disorder is also known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism frequently starts without any symptoms. Untreated hypothyroidism can have several detrimental effects, including elevated cholesterol and heart disease.

The thyroid is a tiny, butterfly-shaped gland that may be found on the front of the neck, directly below Adam's apple. Thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine are two of the thyroid gland's primary hormone outputs (T-3). These hormones indeed affect every single cell in the body. They help the body consume fats and carbs more quickly. They help maintain a healthy internal temperature. They influence the rate at which the heart beats. Additionally, they aid in regulating the body's protein production.

Causes

Hypothyroidism is characterized by insufficient hormone production from the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism can have many different causes −

• The ailment is brought on by the body's immune system attacking healthy cells. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is the autoimmune disorder Hashimoto's disease. Immune system-produced antibodies that unintentionally attack healthy tissues result in autoimmune diseases. The thyroid gland can occasionally be affected, which affects how much hormone it can generate. Treatment involving the thyroid gland requires an operation. Thyroid hormone production can be reduced or stopped entirely if the thyroid gland is surgically removed in whole or in part.

• The use of radiation in treatment plays an important role. Radiation therapy for head and neck tumors has been linked to decreased thyroid function, a condition known as hypothyroidism.

• When the thyroid gland becomes inflamed, a condition known as thyroiditis develops. Its possible infection is to blame. Also, a thyroid-related autoimmune disease or other medical condition might trigger this symptom. When the thyroid is inflamed by thyroiditis, it might suddenly release its stored thyroid hormone. The result is hyperthyroidism, a state in which the thyroid functions at an abnormally high rate. This leads to hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid.

• Hypothyroidism has been linked to several medications. Lithium is a drug that has shown effectiveness in treating some mental illnesses. You must discuss the potential effects of any medicines you take on your thyroid with your doctor.

Hypothyroidism can also be brought on by

• Congenital anomalies in the thyroid gland do not develop normally in infants. Many people are born without a thyroid gland. Most cases of abnormal thyroid development have unknown causes. But a genetic kind of thyroid disease affects a small number of youngsters. Hypothyroidism is uncommon in newborns, and most babies with this condition don't show any symptoms immediately. This is why neonatal thyroid screening is mandated in many states.

• Pituitary dysfunction: A rare cause of hypothyroidism is a pituitary gland failure to generate enough thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Benign pituitary tumors are common causes.

• Pregnancy: The onset or worsening of hypothyroidism can occur at any time during or after pregnancy in females. Without treatment, hypothyroidism during pregnancy might increase the likelihood of miscarriage, preterm birth, and hypertension. Preeclampsia, which often occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy, leads to a dramatic increase in blood pressure. Fetal development may be adversely affected by hypothyroidism as well.

• Low iodine levels: Iodine is a necessary component in the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Seafood, seaweed, plants growing in iodine-rich soil, and iodized salt are the most common dietary sources of iodine. Hypothyroidism can develop from a deficiency of iodine. Hypothyroidism may become more severe if too much iodine is consumed. It is typical for individuals in various regions of the world to need more iodine in their diets. This issue has been nearly eradicated in the United States because of the inclusion of iodine in common table salt.

Symptoms

For example, hypothyroidism's weariness and weight gain might be hard to detect. You could chalk them up to inevitable aging. On the other hand, if your metabolism continues to sluggish along, you may start to notice more noticeable symptoms.

The following are some of the possible symptoms of hypothyroidism −

• Tiredness

• Enhanced sensitivity to chilly temperatures.

• Constipation

• Cracked lips.

• Gaining weight.

• Swollen cheeks.

• A voice that's a little hoarse.

• They have coarse hair and skin.

• Muscular deficiency.

• Symptoms of muscle soreness, pain, and stiffness.

• Disorders of menstruation when bleeding is heavier than usual or occurs at irregular intervals.

• Irreversible hair loss.

• Bradycardia, or a slow heartbeat.

• Depression

• Confusing memories.

Risk Factors

Hypothyroidism may affect everyone, but several factors put you at a higher risk.

• Represent the feminine gender.

• Inherit a predisposition to thyroid problems.

• Be suffering from an autoimmune disorder like type 1 diabetes or coeliac disease.

• Have hyperthyroidism therapy.

• Have radiation treatment to the head and chest.

• Having thyroids removed.

Diagnosis

A medical examination and blood tests are the primary diagnostic techniques for hypothyroidism.

Medical Evaluation

Your doctor will perform a detailed physical examination and medical history. He will look for symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as −

• The effects of dry skin on reaction time

• symptoms of sluggish heart rate and neck swelling

• In addition, your doctor may ask whether you've been suffering from any symptoms like weariness, constipation, or a persistent lack of body heat.

Don't forget to mention your family history of thyroid problems to your doctor.

Blood Tests

One result of a TSH test is how much thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) your pituitary gland produces.

• The pituitary gland secretes TSH to stimulate the thyroid into producing additional hormones if the thyroid is underactive. Increased TSH levels indicate hypothyroidism.

• The body of someone with hyperthyroidism will have low TSH levels because it is attempting to reduce the synthesis of thyroid hormone.

Hypothyroidism can also be diagnosed using a thyroxine (T4) level test. The thyroid secretes many hormones, including T4. A combination of T4 and TSH levels may assess thyroid function.

Hypothyroidism is often diagnosed when both T4 and TSH levels are abnormally low. However, normal T4 levels and elevated TSH levels may indicate subclinical hypothyroidism.

More thyroid function tests may be required to diagnose accurately, as thyroid illness can span many symptoms and signs.

A triiodothyronine (T3) test may be performed if your T4 results are expected. Although normal T3 levels are possible in subclinical hypothyroidism, low T3 levels may indicate hypothyroidism.

Finally, autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, can be diagnosed with a blood test for thyroid antibodies.