When you read about health problems involving the thyroid, you are probably reading about a woman. After all, women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems, with one woman in eight developing a thyroid disorder during her lifetime. But what about the guys? They have thyroids too. Is it possible that this important hormone-producing gland only decides to start acting haywire in women while quietly taking care of business in all the men?

That is pretty illogical and doctors (along with the men they treat) are starting to take notice. In honor of Men’s Health Month, Any Lab Test Now wants to start a conversation about the growing number of men who are facing the most common thyroid issues — hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. As the number of men diagnosed with thyroid disease grows, they may have an unexpected source to thank for it — Low-T.

HYPOTHYROIDISM – SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland doesn’t release enough thyroid hormone into the body. Both women and men will likely suffer some of the most common symptoms including:

  • Fatigue and “brain fog”
  • Weight gain
  • Depression
  • Dry skin
  • Constipation
  • Hair loss

But there are some symptoms that men may face that might sound a little familiar if you’ve learned about low testosterone, or Low-T. Men with hypothyroidism often have low libido, erectile dysfunction, and even issues with fertility. Now, because thyroid problems are most likely to affect women than men, some doctors are quick to blame Low-T for the problems. In fact, the underlying cause may actually be hypothyroidism. With routine testing before receiving treatment for Low-T, doctors are finding more and more cases of hypothyroidism in men than ever before.

HYPERTHYROIDISM — SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

With hyperthyroidism, your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, Just like hypothyroidism, men and women share many of the most common symptoms, but there are a few that are male-specific. The most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:

  • Weight loss
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Fatigue
  • Sweating
  • Hair loss or thinning
  • Muscle weakness
  • Mood changes
  • Vomiting and nausea

Men with hyperthyroidism can suffer from low libido, erectile dysfunction, lower sperm counts, and even male breast enlargement.

TESTING PUTS MEN AND WOMEN IN CONTROL

No matter whether you’re a man or a woman, you can take the first step towards getting a correct diagnosis with the Thyroid Panel at your local Any Lab Test Now.

The Thyroid Panel will provide you and your doctor with all the hormone levels necessary to diagnose hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Before you accept a diagnosis of Low-T or even depression, you might want to consider this test to rule out any underlying conditions.

In the end, diagnosing and treating thyroid disease is the same no matter if you’re a man or a woman. Don’t let your doctor overlook thyroid issues just because you’re a man. Know that Any Lab Test Now is here to help you put the pieces of the puzzle together so you can get on the road to a healthier you.