Can Thyroid Issues Cause Erectile Dysfunction

At Home Thyroid Blood Test

Should your results show that your thyroid is underactive, it is treatable in almost everyone. Optimizing your thyroid levels with thyroid hormone replacement medication is usually the first step in minimizing symptoms like erectile dysfunction, low libido, or depression. When choosing thyroid medication with your doctor, remember that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment.

Work with a trustworthy thyroid doctor who can assess your symptoms, history, and lab results to determine the best treatment plan for you.

What Does A Thyroid Disorder Have To Do With Erectile Dysfunction

As we mentioned above, erection problems are not the first symptoms that come to mind when considering thyroid disorders. So, just how does this complication arise?

As it turns out, there may be a few different factors at play with thyroid disorders that may cause ED. Firstly, hypo or hyperthyroidism can severely negatively affect your general mood. This can lead to men feeling more âdownâ, fatigued, and even experiencing a lower libido.

Additionally, having your thyroid hormones out of whack can affect the production of your other hormones, including testosterone. There may also be a decreased production of molecules in charge of healthy vessel function, further hindering the increased penile blood flow that occurs during an erection.

Can Thyroid Problems Cause Erectile Dysfunction

by RX Sleeve Staff | Aug 12, 2022 | Uncategorized |

Almost 52% of men struggle with erectile dysfunction . Most of them associate this sexual dysfunction with aging, not knowing that thyroid problems can cause erectile dysfunction too. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland affect different parts of the body. Its no surprise that sexual health is one of them. Studies have shown that among 71% of men with thyroid issues, 79% experience some sort of ED. So if youre suffering from theside effects of ED and thyroid issues and wondering about their connection, this article is for you. Together, we will learn how hypothyroidism can cause erectile dysfunction, explore the relationship between hyperthyroidism and erectile dysfunction, and give you a few solutions to reclaim your sexual health.

You May Like: How To Fix Thyroid Problems Naturally

Solutions To Increase Low Libido In Those With Hashimotos

Medically reviewed and written by Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP

Among the many symptoms of thyroid disease, there is one in particular that significantly impacts peoples relationships and overall happiness, yet its a symptom people seldom seek help for: the very common symptom of low libido . In general, libido concerns are something we keep to ourselves. Talking about sex makes us blush and isnt really socially acceptable in our society thus, many people suffer in silence. But lets face it without libido, we would not survive as a species.

While low libido may not seem like it would be a symptom caused by thyroid issues, it can be.

In fact, research has shown that women with thyroid disease experience a higher prevalence of low libido at some point in their lives. This goes for the men, too with some 64 percent of hypothyroid men suffering from diminished libido, along with other sexual function issues .

Fortunately, through many of the lifestyle changes that will help to address thyroid issues, we can also improve libido, as well as overall sexual function, for both women and men. Additionally, there are specific measures you can take to impact libido directly.

So lets talk more about this What are the specific causes of low libido, and how does having Hashimotos increase your risk?

In this article, youll learn:

What Are The Treatment Options For Hypothyroidism

Treatment of hypothyroidism involves oral replacement of thyroid hormone.

Dr Silviya explains to Ashutosh, These oral medications contain thyroid hormone which makes up for the thyroid deficiency. It is important that you take the medications as instructed as overdose can lead to hyperthyroidism.

Ashutosh was prescribed medications for his hypothyroidism.

You May Like: Diabetes And Thyroid Center Of Ft Worth

Will I Have The Same Dose Of Medication For Hypothyroidism My Entire Life

The dose of your medication can actually change over time. At different points in your life, you may need to have the amounts of medication changed so that it manages your symptoms. This could happen because of things like weight gain or weight loss. Your levels will need to be monitored throughout your life to make sure your medication is working correctly.

Does Thyroid Cause Erectile Dysfunction

Yes, thyroid can cause erectile dysfunction. It usually affects men with hyperthyroidism whereas sperm abnormalities are generally found in men with hypothyroidism. Thyroid interferes with mens sexual health and may therefore affect their fertility as well.

Dr Silviya concludes Thyroid symptoms in men requires careful identification and needs medical guidance. If you suspect symptoms of thyroid, approach your doctor and get a proper diagnosis done

You doctor may advise blood test for confirmation of the same. Based on the test results, the treatment would be decided accordingly.

You May Like: Can Overactive Thyroid Cause Eye Problems

Can Hypothyroidism Cause Erectile Dysfunction

In some cases, there can be a connection between untreated hypothyroidism and erectile dysfunction. When your hypothyroidism is caused by an issue with the pituitary gland, you can also have low testosterone levels. Treating hypothyroidism can often help with erectile dysfunction if it was directly caused by the hormone imbalance.

What Are The Risk Factors For Erectile Dysfunction

According to the NIH, erectile dysfunction is also a symptom that accompanies many disorders and diseases.

Direct risk factors for erectile dysfunction may include the following:

• Prostate problems

• Many chronic diseases, especially renal failure and dialysis

• Smoking, which exacerbates the effects of other risk factors, such as vascular disease or hypertension

Age appears to be a strong indirect risk factor in that it is associated with increased likelihood of direct risk factors, some of which are listed above.

Accurate risk factor identification and characterization are essential for prevention or treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Also Check: Normal Range For Thyroid Antibodies

How To Regain Your Sex Drive

Fortunately, your sex life isnt over if youre living with hypothyroidism. In fact, you can easily maintain normal sexual activity, says Sari Cooper, LCSW, a licensed couples and sex therapist in New York City. Its important to see your doctor to determine that hypothyroidism is the cause of sexual dysfunction. Many people assume that their low libido is due to flagging interest in their partner, depression, or anxiety, says Cooper, when the truth is, an underactive thyroid could be to blame for interfering with your sex life.

Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy sex life when you have hypothyroidism:

1. Manage your condition. Thyroid hormone replacement medications prescribed by your primary care doctor or endocrinologist can help regulate a thyroid imbalance. However, its crucial that you continue to meet with your doctor to customize the medications to a range thats best for you. When you start thyroid medication, it may need to be adjusted frequently, says Clifton Jackness, MD, an endocrinologist at Park Avenue Endocrinology & Nutrition in New York City. Dont give up after a week if its not working. It could take several months for it to be adjusted properly.

Sexual Dysfunction And Thyroid Disease

The hormones produced by the thyroid gland influence virtually every cell, organ, and system in the body, including those that involve sexual health and pleasure. It should come as no surprise, then, that thyroid disorders often are associated with sexual dysfunction issues. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have been linked to erectile dysfunction for men, painful intercourse for women, and low libido for both genders, among other problems.

Often sexual issues caused by thyroid disease resolve once the disorder has been treated. Even problems that persist can be managed using many of the same strategies that are effective for sexual dysfunction in general. Couples can also benefit from using helpful coping strategies when one partner’s thyroid condition is impacting intimacy.

Recommended Reading: Different Types Of Thyroid Cancer

What Happens If Left Untreated

Do not underestimate thyroid complications. When hyperthyroidism is left untreated, patients can experience a thyroid storm, which could be a life-threatening health issue.

The condition can affect blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate. Some people can also experience infertility, pain in the joints, heart issues, and obesity.

Will Hypothyroidism Make Me Gain Weight

If your hypothyroidism is not treated, you could gain weight. Once you are treating the condition, the weight should start to lower. However, you will still need to watch your calories and exercise to lose weight. Talk to your healthcare provider about weight loss and ways to develop a diet that works for you.

Also Check: Best Supplements For Underactive Thyroid

How Does Thyroid Cause Erectile Dysfunction

As per the study of the International Society for Sexual Medicine, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to erectile dysfunction. The reason behind this is low mood, less sexual desire, fatigue, etc. The fact is that the signs of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism stop men from feeling aroused or somewhere men fail to achieve an erection.

Even men suffering from hypothyroidism can also see delayed as well.

Are There Any Foods I Can Eat To Help My Hypothyroidism

Most foods in western diets contain iodine, so you do not have to worry about your diet. Iodine is a mineral that helps your thyroid produce hormones. One idea is that if you have low levels of thyroid hormone, eating foods rich in iodine could help increase your hormone levels. The most reliable way to increase your hormone levels is with a prescription medication from your healthcare provider. Do not try any new diets without talking to your provider first. Its important to always have a conversation before starting a new diet, especially if you have a medical condition like hypothyroidism.

Foods that are high in iodine include:

• Edible seaweed.

Work with your healthcare provider or a nutritionist to craft a meal plan. Your food is your fuel. Making sure you are eating foods that will help your body, along with taking your medications as instructed by your healthcare provider, can keep you healthy over time. People with thyroid condition should not consume large amounts of iodine because the effect may be paradoxical .

Read Also: Best Thyroid Medication Weight Loss

The Effect Of Thyroid Disorders On Performance And Libido

When you have a thyroid disorder, you might have low testosterone. This also can lower your libido. While testosterone is often thought of as a mans hormone, women actually produce it, too. Its also responsible for varying degrees of sex drive in men and women.

• Depression and mood disorders

Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can contribute to issues like depression and fatigue, and both of these issues can lead to low sex drive.

• Erectile Dysfunction

Thyroid problems can create a hormonal imbalance, causing men to have trouble getting or keeping an erection, according to the SMSNA. Its fairly common, especially among men with hypothyroidism.

Primary And Specialty Care In Ohio

At Southwest General Medical Group, Inc., our team of health care professionals includes both primary care and specialty care physicians who are working to raise the bar for excellence in health care services for our community. To learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, visit our website.

Read Also: What Is An Overactive Thyroid Called

How To Treat Hyperthyroidism In Men

The treatment of hyperthyroidism problems in men depends on the cause behind it and severity of the condition.

The treatment of thyroid includes

The treatment depends on patients age, sex and even taking their preference into account.

Dr Silviya adds, You should weigh the pros and cons of each of the treatment option. Based on your condition and preference, the treatment is decided

After taking Ankits condition and his travelling job into account, radioactive iodine treatment was decided as the course of treatment for him.

Symptoms Can Significantly Differ From Women

Dr. Danielle Weiss is the founder of the Center for Hormonal Health and Well-Being, a personalized, proactive, patient-centered medical practice with a unique focus on integrative endocrinology. She enjoys giving lectures and writing articles for both the lay public and medical audiences.

• Frequently Asked Questions

Thyroid disease in biological males involves many of the same symptoms as those that affect females with a thyroid disorder. They’re caused by changes in hormone production by the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck that influences many body systems.

Males are affected far less often than females. However, they may experience some manifestations of a thyroid issue that are unique to men. Thyroid symptoms in men may include low sperm count, loss of muscle mass, and erectile dysfunction, along with more general symptoms.

This article explains how thyroid symptoms for men are both similar and different from those in females. It explains how you can check your thyroid at home, as well as why you need to see a healthcare provider to have your symptoms diagnosed and treated.

You May Like: What Are The Signs Of Thyroid Cancer Returning

Thyroid Disease And Sexual Dysfunction

A healthy sex life often entails having optimal hormonal balance in the body. A hormonal imbalance can disturb the homeostasis of the body, and cause dysfunction.

The same goes for the thyroid gland. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland influence the body in many ways. Thyroid disorders are, therefore, linked many times with sexual dysfunction. This goes both for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism .

Let’s explore how the thyroid gland affects the sexual drive.

Exacerbated Stress Due To Thyroid Symptoms

Another thing to consider is that thyroid symptoms can exacerbate stress. Many of the common symptoms of thyroid disease, such as hair loss and weight gain, can exacerbate the self-esteem, low energy, and sexual performance issues, often seen with low libido. Again, studies have shown a higher prevalence of sexual performance and libido issues in both men and women with thyroid disease.

Recommended Reading: Different Types Of Thyroid Tests

Whats The Difference Between Hypothyroidism And Hyperthyroidism

In hypothyroidism, the thyroid doesnt make enough thyroid hormone.

The difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is quantity. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid makes very little thyroid hormone. On the flip side, someone with hyperthyroidism has a thyroid that makes too much thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism involves higher levels of thyroid hormones, which makes your metabolism speed up. If you have hypothyroidism, your metabolism slows down.

Many things are the opposite between these two conditions. If you have hypothyroidism, you may have a difficult time dealing with the cold. If you have hyperthyroidism, you may not handle the heat. They are opposite extremes of thyroid function. Ideally, you should be in the middle. Treatments for both of these conditions work to get your thyroid function as close to that middle ground as possible.

Symptoms Of Erectile Dysfunction And Thyroid Condition:

• other mental factors.

One of the most important yet ignored organs in the body is the thyroid gland. This butterfy-shaped organ helps maintain optimal body function, and is linked to many health issues in men.

In this article you will learn what your thyroid gland is, and why it is so critical to your overall health and well-being. You will also learn how your ED or other bedroom problems may be linked to an over or under active thyroid and what treatment options are available to you for symptoms of thyroid disease.

Also Check: Who Is The Specialist For Thyroid

How Is Ed Diagnosed

Diagnostic procedures for ED may include the following:

• Physical examination. To look for evidence of systemic problems, such as the following:

• Secondary sex characteristics, such as hair pattern, can point to hormonal problems, which involve the endocrine system.

• Circulatory problems could be indicated by an aneurysm.

How To Treat Erectile Dysfunction When You Have A Thyroid Disorder

The first step in treating a thyroid disorder and erectile dysfunction together is to use your thyroid medications as prescribed or undergo thyroid procedures as recommended by your doctor. Getting control of your thyroid isnât just necessary for your overall health, it may lead to erectile improvements as well.

In fact, one study suggests waiting to start ED medications until your thyroid has been in a good range for 6 months in order to see if the ED problem is fixed, and might not require further treatment.

Of course, just getting a handle on your thyroid levels may not be enough to control all of your erectile dysfunction symptoms. In this case, many men look into ED treatment with prescription medications called PDE-5 inhibitors. These medications include Sildenafil , Tadalafil , and Vardenafil . PDE-5 inhibitor medications do not interfere with the common thyroid treatments, so there should not be an interaction by treating both situations simultaneously.

Also Check: Stop The Thyroid Madness Com

Strut Health Erectile Dysfunction Medications Prescribed Online

At Strut, we carry the most popular PDE-5 inhibitor medications — Sildenafil and Tadalafil as well as off-label . Our medications are prescribed by doctors after reviewing your information online, and shipped from highly accredited U.S. pharmacies, while being priced very affordably.

If you are interested in seeing if a prescription ED medication is a good fit for you, simply select your desired medication from our product page and complete a free online questionnaire-based telemedicine consultation in under 15 minutes.

One of our doctors will review your information and, if appropriate, will issue your prescription to the pharmacy. Then, your medication will be shipped to your front door with our free shipping.

If you have questions about your treatment or need dosing adjustments on future refills, our team and doctors are available for free, unlimited follow-ups.