Hyperthyroidism Symptoms in Men

The American Thyroid Association states that women are 5 to 10 times more likely to develop hyperthyroidism than men. Symptoms in men will depend on how long they have had the condition, their age and how much of the thyroid simulating hormone (TSH) is being created by their thyroid. Although not as common, men can develop hyperthyroidism and should be tested regularly to discover any thyroid problems due to hyperthyroidism.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

Also known as thyrotoxicosis, hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces and releases excess thyroid hormones into the bloodstream and body. Men can develop hyperthyroidism for a number of reasons, including Graves disease, overmedicating themselves with thyroid hormones for treatment of hypothyroidism, consuming or ingesting too much iodine in the the diet, having one or more thyroid nodules, or having an inflamed thyroid (known as thyroiditis).

Symptoms

Hyperthyroidism can affect men differently and cause a variety of symptoms, which may include mood swings, weight loss, hand tremors, diarrhea or frequent loose stools, sleeping problems, muscle weakness and fatigue, irritability, nervousness, hand tremors, inability to tolerate heat, and/or an enlarged thyroid gland known as a goiter, which will cause the neck to look swollen.

Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism

Doctors use the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test to diagnose hyperthyroidism in men. The TSH test detects even the smallest amounts of thyroid stimulating hormone in the blood and provides accurate measurements of thyroid activity. Your doctor may also use a thyroid scan to detect the location and amount of iodine in your thyroid. Using a thyroid scan allows doctors to detect the cause of hyperthyroidism and provides images of thyroid irregularities such as nodules.

Considerations

Factors such as having a family history of thyroid disease, previous thyroid disease problems, having type 1 diabetes or pernicious anemia, being over 60 years of age, consuming foods high in iodine or taking medications containing iodine can put men at higher risks of developing hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can cause a life-threatening situation known as a "thyroid storm," which usually happens during situations of high stress and/or after an infection. A thyroid storm is caused by the thyroid gland releasing large amounts of TSH in a very short period of time.

Warning

The American Thyroid Association performed a recent study that discovered that men who have thyroid conditions such as hyperthyroidism are more likely to suffer from sexual dysfunction. Men who have hyperthyroidism may suffer from decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction and delayed or premature ejaculation.