In the ideal world, romantic partners are supposed to enjoy their time together by having a healthy sex drive and enjoying their private moments together in bed.
It is important to identify the factors that lead a lover – whether a husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend – to have that unwanted decrease in libido or sex drive.
By learning about the link and the concerns relating to libido and thyroid relationship, intimacy problems can therefore be addressed.
Functions of the Thyroid Gland and Their Effects to the Libido
The thyroid gland is a major part of the endocrine system that controls the rate of the metabolic processes in the body or how fast or slow the organs function.
Situated in the neck, this butterfly-shaped part of the body secretes hormones that impact nearly every cell, organ, or body system.
In the context of libido and thyroid relationship, the thyroid gland produces the hormones which relate to sexual health and gratification.
Thyroid Disorders Affecting the Libido of Men and Women
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have both been blamed as the dilemmas associated with libido and thyroid relationship problems, adversely interfering in people’s sex life.
These thyroid abnormalities have decreased the testosterone or estrogen levels of men and women which severely dent and weaken their sexual functions and desires.
How Thyroid Problems Affect Men
 Thyroid diseases can uniquely impact each gender. For men, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have been associated with erectile dysfunction (ED).
Due to the hormonal imbalance caused by thyroid diseases, wives may complain that their husbands are unable to achieve an erection or to keep their penises firm enough during sexual intercourse.
Based on a 2008 research titled, “Erectile Dysfunction in Patients with Hyper- and Hypothyroidism: How Common and Should We Treat?” published by Gerasimos E. Krassas, et. al., among the 71 men studied with thyroid disorders, 79 percent of them suffered from ED.
Hypothyroidism can also heighten men’s vulnerability to delayed ejaculation. They are usually unable to eject semen from their penises within 30 to 40 minutes after reaching sexual climax.
Low testosterone levels caused by thyroid disorders may also cause men to have decreased interest in sex. Their hair may also thin as they progress with the disease.
Meanwhile, those with hyperthyroidism may have an increased risk of ejaculating prematurely.
How Thyroid Abnormalities Affect Women’s Libido
It is common for reproductive-aged women to suffer from hypothyroidism.
According to a 2013 study written by D. Pasquali, et. a. titled, “Female Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Thyroid Disorders,” almost 50 percent of these patients are inconvenienced by sexual dysfunction.
With the loss of libido, women become disinterested in having sex and lose the ability to have sexual thoughts and fantasies.
These dilemmas usually strain their romantic relationships. In addition, women experience dyspareunia or painful sexual intercourse because of the low levels of thyroid hormones.
For them, sex becomes inconvenient and dissatisfying. Their obliterated vaginal environment is marked by vaginal dryness or decreased lubrication which leads to diminished sexual arousal.
Finally, women may also suffer irregular menstrual periods or these spells could be uncomfortably heavier than normal.
Addressing the Problems of Low Libido Due to Thyroid Disorders
Medications
If you or your partner is experiencing intimacy concerns due to thyroid problems, it is certainly not the end of the world because these reproductive health issues are treatable.
Following a thorough thyroid evaluation and blood tests gauging a person’s thyroid hormone levels, physicians would normally prescribe the appropriate medications.
Libido and thyroid relationship troubles are kept at bay with the standard medicines like the synthetic T4 supplements.
Among the common brands for this drug are Synthroid, Tirosint, and Levoxyl. In addition, men can achieve healthy erection through the doctor-prescribed Viagra as well as Cialis and Levitra.
As for women, physicians would usually advise them to take Osphena and the over-the-counter vaginal lubricant called Replens to address vaginal dryness and mitigate painful sexual intercourse.
Lifestyle Changes
Besides these medicines, Mary Shomon, author of “Living Well with Hypothyroidism,” recommended patients with thyroid problems to perform physical exercises in order to lose weight.
A 2015 study by D. Kalmbach, et. al. titled, “The Impact of Sleep on Female Sexual Response and Behavior: A Pilot Study” advised patients suffering from hypothyroidism to get a good night’s sleep.
A satisfying slumber at night mitigates the negative effect of exhaustion, making a person enthusiastic to engage in sexual intercourse.
Couples are also encouraged to communicate with each other and to work as a team in addressing libido and thyroid relationship concerns.
They can engage in experiments when they are having sexual intercourse like using vibrators to facilitate sexual arousal and the optimal achievement of orgasm.
Vitamins that help revive sex drive are also recommended like vitamins C, the B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium.
Organic medicines like holy basil, rhodiola, ashwagandha, eleutherococcus, vitex, and maca all help manage stress and normalize the adrenal glands, too.
Finally, libido-boosting foods such as dark chocolate, pineapples, garlic, ginger, celery, spinach, and red meat all help in reviving the thyroid patients’ erotic desires.
Full and rewarding sex life is certainly within reach for people suffering from thyroid disorders by taking the prescribed medication and following the directives of physicians.
Hence, libido and thyroid relationship issues are resolved, helping these patients attain their optimal well-being as well as a satisfying and enduring romantic life with their partners.
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