Men with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
often have sexual dysfunction
(March 2006)
The background of the study. There have been few
studies of the effects of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism on
sexual function in men. In this study, sexual function was assessed
in men with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism before and during
treatment.
How the study was done. There were 34 men with
hyperthyroidism and 14 with hypothyroidism, all in a stable relationship.
Those with hyperthyroidism were treated with methimazole, and those
with hypothyroidism with thyroxine. The men were asked about sexual
function at base line and at least 8 weeks after the restoration
of normal thyroid function.
The results of the study. Among the 34 men with
hyperthyroidism, 17 (50 percent) had one or more of the four abnormalities
in sexual function listed in the Table. Among the 14 men with hypothyroidism,
9 (64 percent) had some abnormality in sexual function. With treatment,
the frequency of abnormalities in sexual function decreased substantially
in both groups.
| Table. Frequency of Sexual Dysfunction before
and after Treatment in Men with Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism. |
| |
Hyperthyroidism
(n = 34) |
Hypothyroidism
(n = 14) |
| |
Base Line |
Treatment |
Base Line |
Treatment |
| Decreased sexual desire |
6 (18%) |
2 (6%) |
9 (64%) |
5 (36%) |
| Erectile dysfunction |
5 (15%) |
1 (3%) |
9 (64%) |
3 (21%) |
| Premature ejaculation |
17 (50%) |
5 (15%) |
1 (7%) |
1 (7%) |
| Delayed ejaculation |
1 (3%) |
1 (3%) |
9 (64%) |
4 (28%) |
The conclusions of the study. Many men with hyperthyroidism
or hypothyroidism have decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction,
and premature or delayed ejaculation, and the abnormalities decrease
in response to appropriate therapy.
The original article. Carani C, Isidori AM, Granata
A, Carosa E, Maggi M, Lenzi A, Jannini EA. Multicenter study on
the prevalence of sexual symptoms in male hypo- and hyperthyroid
patients. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2005;90:6472-9.
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