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Thyroid Disease in Men

Thyroid Disease in Men
Men and their doctors need to be aware of the possibility of Thyroid disorder in men so that getting a diagnosis isn't delayed.

In men, symptoms of  Thyroid Disease can be a faster heartbeat, a lump in the throat or choking, reproductive problems (impotence, reduced fertility), significant changes in weight, problems with regulating body temperature (feeling cold or sweating excessively) and lack of motivation.

Thyroid disease is 8- 10 times less common in men than women. This is because thyroid disease often occurs as a result of autoimmune disease and men are far less likely to contract autoimmune diseases. However, thyroid disorders do happen to men and therefore, men can not take their thyroid health for granted.

If men do find that they have contracted a thyroid disorder, the symptoms and treatment are more or less the same for both sexes. Men who contract hypothyroidism may experience symptoms including feeling cold, fatigue, dry skin and brittle nails, constipation, depression and trouble concentrating. Men may also experience erectile dysfunction. Those that suffer with hyperthyroidism may have symptoms including diarrhea, hair loss, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and clammy skin to name of few. They may also begin to develop breasts.

It is extremely important to discover and treat the disorder in a timely manner, to prevent damage to the thyroid gland and indirectly all the other organs of the body.

It is extremely important to discover and treat the disorder in a timely manner, to prevent damage to the thyroid gland and indirectly all the other organs of the body. Also, it is important to organize your day so that some time is designated to relaxing activities since stress will contribute to your symptoms.

Men and their doctors need to be aware that Thyroid disorder is something that is found in men as well as women and early detection is key.

If your doctor finds that you have symptoms of a Thyroid disorder during a physical examination, the next step would be a blood test to determine your TSH levels. TSH causes the thyroid gland to produces the T3 and T4 hormones that regulate your metabolism. Testing the TSH levels will be the strongest indicator as to whether or not you have a thyroid disorder.

The most common treatment for thyroid disorder is hormone replacement therapy. Because the dosage prescribed is dependent on weight, men may need a higher dosage than women.

The most common treatment for thyroid disorder is hormone replacement therapy. Because the dosage prescribed is dependent on weight, men may need a higher dosage than women. Men may not like taking medicine, but they should look at the hormone replacement therapy as something more like a supplement…something their body needs.

To summarize, although men are not as likely to get thyroid disease as women are, it’s still something they need to be vigilant about. Go for medical check ups regularly to keep on top of thyroid health and make sure all problems are detected ASAP to make sure symptoms are kept to a minimum. Thyroid disorders are treatable in both men and women. It’s up to both sexes to stay on top of thyroid health.

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Thyroid Central

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