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Men's Thyroid Problems

Women have 8-10 times the thyroid problems that men do. But men have their difficulties.

Being sub-thyroid (hypothyroidism) means the whole system is dragging; lethargy and depression are common, and a decreased libido is part of that. Muscles sometimes look bigger but they are weaker. If caused by a thyroid problem, these problems go away with proper treatment.

Having too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) can lead to muscle wasting and weakness, especially in thighs and upper arms. It can also upset the balance between the principal male sex hormone (testosterone) and the female sex hormone (estradiol) in the body. Sperm production may be impaired. There may be breast tenderness or enlargement. Libido is reduced and difficulty with erections is common. If the thyroid gland is the culprit, these problems can clear up when the thyroid hormone balance is restored to normal.

Thyroid cancer is rare: 1.6% of all cancers in women, and 0.6% of all cancers in men. However, if there are nodules in the thyroid gland, in men they are more likely to be cancerous.

Be sure your doctor examines your thyroid (in the front of your neck) and checks a TSH blood test if it seems possible your thyroid is not working right. This is especially true if you have a close relative with a thyroid problem or related autoimmune disorder such as pernicious anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, or juvenile diabetes. It's likely that your risk is also higher if you or a close relative began to get gray hair before age 30.