The thyroid gland, although small in size, is one of the most vital glands of the body. Located in the anterior part of neck, it functions as body’s main metabolism regulator and holds numerous other physiological functions. Since it is so important, we have to know the diseases that may affect thyroid. This article focuses on 6 main thyroid problems in men. Let’s get to know them now. Thyroid disorders are common in men. As thyroid gland through thyroid hormone influence all metabolic process, any problem in normal functioning of thyroid gland will lead to multiple health issues. These disorders range from harmless goiter to life-threatening cancer. Most common is the abnormal production of thyroid hormone by this gland.
When men possess low thyroid hormone levels, meaning an underactive thyroid gland and low metabolism, men experience such symptoms as:
- Hair Loss
- Fatigue
- Dry Skin
- Weight Gain
- Constipation
- Cold intolerance
An overly high thyroid level in men indicates an overactive thyroid gland, also known as hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism in men increases metabolism and produces such symptoms as:
- Muscle Weakness
- Breathlessness
- Heart Palpitations
- Anxiety
- Osteoporosis (in severe cases)
- Trembling Hands
- Hair Loss
- Insomnia
- Weight Loss
- Fatigue
- Heat Intolerance
- Increased Bowel Movements
Initially, these symptoms of high thyroid hormone levels may be difficult to perceive, over time however, the symptoms grow gradually more severe. As age increases hyperthyroidism in men becomes more difficult to detect because the number of symptoms often decrease with only weight loss and depression remaining. The increased metabolism may result in weight loss, which may in turn cause weight gain. This is because a man’s appetite grows and he begins to eat more than his body can keep up with, actually resulting in weight gain.
Hypothyroidism is the deficiency of the thyroid hormone in the body. This causes hormonal imbalance which disturbs many metabolic reactions in your body. Symptoms of hypothyroidism are slow to appear and often mistaken for normal symptoms of aging. These include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Arthralgia
- Puffy face
- Hoarse voice
- Slowed heart rate
- Increased blood cholesterol
- Worsening memory
- Depression
This is one of the thyroid problems in men where the symptoms worsen if the disease is not diagnosed and treated earlier. Complications include goiter (enlarged thyroid gland due to relentless stimulation by thyroid stimulating hormone), heart and mental problems, peripheral neuropathy and myxedema. Goiter is one of the thyroid problems in men characterized by a large swelling underneath the Adam’s apple.Symptoms of goiter include a visible swelling at the base of the neck, it is usually painless. When too large in size, a goiter can cause complications like tightness of throat, difficulty in breathing and swallowing, coughing and hoarseness.
Above were mentioned a few thyroid complications that can occur in men. The thyroid regulates the energy production and metabolism of every cell in the body, so changes in its function can affect every system and look very different from person to person. Many of the issues that occur are similar to those found in women, such as dry skin, exhaustion, cold extremities and constipation. Men, however, also have their own special set of concerns. For example, while women tend to have unexplained weight gain, men may lose muscle mass and strength.
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