Men and Thyroid Disorders

Even though thyroid conditions are associated with women, men can have them too. The symptoms are the same for both sexes, however, there are some “unique physical and emotional obstacles men can experience when diagnosed” (Rosenthal 139). M. Sara Rosenthal has also stated that men often feel embarrassed about having thyroid conditions since they deal with hormones and hormones are associated with women. Due to this embarrassment, men often have a delayed diagnosis (Rosenthal 142).

According to “Men’s Thyroid Problems,” when men suffer from hypothyroidism, they usually experience “lethargy and depression and a decreased libido. Muscles sometimes look bigger but they are weaker” (AllThyroid.org). If they suffer from hyperthyroidism, it “can lead to muscle wasting and weakness, especially in thighs and upper arms. It can also upset the balance between the principal male sex hormone (testosterone) and the female sex hormone (estradiol) in the body. Sperm production may be impaired. There may be breast tenderness or enlargement. Libido is reduced and difficulty with erections is common” (AllThyroid.org). In both cases, if the thyroid gland is the culprit, the problems can clear up when treated with hormone treatment (AllThyroid.org).

It has been reported that “fifty percent of the men who develop thyroid nodules have thyroid cancer” (Rosenthal 142). Stress is a major factor in triggering some thyroid diseases such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s disease. For example, President Bush Sr. and President Kennedy both suffered from Graves’ disease (Rosenthal 48). Since men often feel pressured to be the “breadwinner” of the family, there are pressures to work “long hours away from home and the fear of being unsuccessful can create tremendous stress for men” (Rosenthal 142). Another factor that leads to stress in men is not being able to express feelings in the same way as women (Rosenthal 143).

There are thyroid organizations for men and women to join to gain support in their diseases. The Thyroid Foundation of America, Inc., or Thyroid Foundation of Canada, are just two examples. Unfortunately, many of the men involved in these organizations are mainly there to support their wives, female friends, or other relatives. However, the purposes of these foundations are to get information and comfort in knowing that they are not the only men to suffer from these conditions (Rosenthal 142).

The information for this blog came from the article “Men’s Thyroid Problems,” found at www.AllThyroid.org and from M. Sara Rosenthal’s book, The Thyroid Sourcebook.