Thyroid and Sex Drive: How Thyroid Affects Sex Life

Thyroid and sex drive? How are both these things related? Well, read on to find out.

Sex life has got great importance, be it for shorter or longer time frames. Likewise, it has an impact negatively when an issue like thyroid enters the body and has interrelation with sex life. When the thyroid is not functioning the right way, hyperthyroidism effects can be noticeable in the bedroom. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland promotes hormones to each cell, organ, and system in the body.

Treatment for thyroid disorders, however, eradicates sexual issues, too, with the administration of medicines depending on the conditions.

Thyroid and Sex Drive Issues

1. Erectile Dysfunction

A hormonal imbalance that causes thyroid problems results in a lack of erection, according to the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA). This imbalance is quite common for a man with hypothyroidism, says the organization. As per researches, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism make it difficult to get an erection. A study conducted in 2008 reveals 79 percent of men with thyroid problems had some degree of erectile dysfunction among the selective 71 men tested.

2. Ejaculation Issues

Delayed ejaculation is an increased risk of hypothyroidism, reports SMSNA. On the contrary, Premature Ejaculation (PE) is more likely to happen with those with overactive thyroid issues. It can lead to some mood swings both in men and women when happened repeatedly.

3. Loss of Interest & Painful Sex

Thyroid disease in women leads to a reduction in libido, and research cautions the side effect with both hypo and hyperthyroidism that lead to lack in sex drive in men. American Sexual Health Association speaks about the possibility of lower vaginal lubrication with thyroid disease that makes sex painful, uncomfortable, and unsatisfying. Lesser vaginal lubrication can also irritate the penis during intercourse.

4. Low Testosterone

A common problem that’s been observed in this situation is a decrease in testosterone production. The misconception of testosterone as a male hormone can be altered & even the female body can start producing it in a considerable quantity, which could lead to mood swings during sex in both men and women.

Other than some of the major problems mentioned-above, this issue can also lead to fatigue and depression. This, in turn, can also affect the libido negatively.

Diagnosis

Sexual dysfunction caused by unknown reason can be a chance of thyroid disorder. Get an appointment with a doctor or physician to explore the levels of thyroid in the body. Doctors conduct a blood test to offer the best medication or approach.

A 2018 study observed few facts about ED and sub-clinical hypothyroidism (levels of thyroid hormone that are low and not causing symptoms). The reports portray that many men with erectile dysfunction have a thyroid disorder.

Treatment

Thyroid treatment may involve different medication procedures. When interrelated with sexual dysfunction, thyroid may be treated separately or together.

• Thyroid medication: Levothyroxine is the standard drug available in the open market and is approved by the FDA. Other forms of the T4 thyroid hormone are available under the brand names Synthroid, Levothroid, Tirosint, and others.
• Phosphodiesterase-5 (PD-5) inhibitors: The drugs that include PD-5 inhibitors reduce the ED issues and do not interact with thyroid treatments. Generally, Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are prescribed to treat ED while there are many more medicines available in the market.