Men and Thyroid Disorders: How to Identify the Signs Early

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland starts producing more thyroid hormone than required in the body. It is also known as "overactive thyroid". It can also harm your heart, muscles, semen quality and health. The thyroid gland located in the neck is small and looks like a butterfly. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland affect your energy level and the functions of most organs of the body. Apart from this, thyroid hormone also plays an important role in your heartbeat.

(Read more - Hypothyroidism And Male Infertility)

• Erectile dysfunction: If thyroid hormone starts being produced in excess, then it can cause erectile dysfunction as well as low sperm count.
• Decrease in testosterone: In this condition, there may be a decrease in testosterone (sex hormone in men) in men, which causes many problems.
• Risk of osteoporosis: The risk of osteoporosis can also increase in hyperthyroidism. This disease is mostly seen in women, so it is surprising to see it in men.
• Hormonal imbalance: Due to this disease, hormonal imbalance starts occurring in the body and sometimes female hormones start increasing in men.

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• Fatigue: Men suffering from this get tired even after doing small or minor tasks. There is pain, stiffness and swelling in the muscles.
• Increase in blood cholesterol level: Due to hormonal imbalance in the body, the blood cholesterol level starts increasing.
• Swelling on the face: Some men may have swelling on the face and under the eyes due to hypothyroidism, which is also called puffy eyes.
• Constipation: Constipation is also a symptom of hypothyroidism in men.
• Weight gain: In this condition, the weight of men starts increasing rapidly. Even after not making any changes in the diet and taking a balanced diet, the weight keeps increasing.
• Other symptoms: Due to this, there are complaints of loss of memory, slowing down of heart rate, feeling cold and excessive sleep.

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Women are more likely to develop thyroid, but this does not mean that men do not suffer from this disease at all. Men have some special symptoms that should not be ignored. If someone in your family has thyroid, then you are at a higher risk than others. With the help of a balanced diet and exercise, men can avoid thyroid problems.

(Read more - Thyroid-Friendly Diet)

It is important to recognize the symptoms of thyroid problems in men, as this hormonal imbalance can affect many parts of the body. Symptoms of hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormone) can include fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, feeling cold, muscle weakness, and lack of concentration. Apart from this, dry skin and constipation can also be its signs. On the other hand, symptoms like sudden weight loss, rapid heartbeat, sweating, irritability, and insomnia can be seen in hyperthyroidism (excess of thyroid hormone). If any of these symptoms persist for a long time, it is important to get the thyroid checked so that timely treatment can be done.