The Link Between Thyroid Hormones and Sexual Life

Introduction:

The thyroid hormone regulates various physiological processes, such as reproductive and sexual health, in women’s bodies. The thyroid gland is present in the neck below the voice box (larynx). The thyroid gland produces triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4) hormones. These hormones are capable of affecting every organ of the body. They influence lots of functions in the body. In hyperthyroidism, there is increased secretion of thyroid hormones and in hypothyroidism, there is decreased secretion of thyroid hormones. Both conditions can cause low sex drive (low libido), erectile dysfunctions in men, and painful intercourse in women. Hypothyroidism is associated with delayed ejaculation, and hyperthyroidism causes premature ejaculation. Hyperthyroid and hypothyroid women exhibit impairments in lubrication, arousal, sex desire, sexual satisfaction, and painful intercourse.

How Does Hypothyroidism Cause Reduced Testosterone Levels?

Hypothyroidism causes low testosterone levels as follows:

• Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland’s primary work is to secrete hormones. Hypothyroid people struggle with symptoms related to insufficient cellular energy.

• Testosterone is produced primarily in the ovaries in women and testes in men. The adrenal glands also produce a small number of thyroid hormones. Ovaries and testes are receptive to thyroid hormone levels.

• Hypothyroidism can lower free testosterone in the body. Testosterone levels fall because sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) decreases with low thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones increase the production of liver sex hormone-binding globulin production (SHBG). SHBG is a protein produced by the liver which binds to testosterone and estrogen.

• On the contrary, in hyperthyroidism, the total serum testosterone levels increase because SHBG increases. Incidentally, increased SHBG can increase estradiol (a form of estrogen) in men, which can cause gynecomastia (breast growth in men) and decreased libido (low sexual desire).

• The pituitary gland produces luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FHS). The luteinizing hormone stimulates the testes to produce testosterone within Leydig cells. An important function of the follicle-stimulating hormone is the production of sperm, which maintains the testosterone level in the testes. The testosterone enters the blood and is circulated to the rest of the body. Most of the testosterone is bound to proteins like albumin and SHBG. 2 percent of testosterone is free testosterone.

• In hypothyroid cases, there is a total decrease in testosterone delivered to the body.

The signs of low testosterone in men are:

• Low sexual desire.

• Erectile dysfunction.

• Muscle wasting.

• Weight gain.

• Depression.

• Fatigue.

• Moodiness.

• Hair loss.

How Does Thyroid Disease Affect Women?

Thyroid disease causes uncomfortable, unsatisfying, and painful sex. Thyroid problems cause vaginal dryness. The lubrication of the vagina is very low, and when the penis enters the vagina, it causes irritation and friction. During hypothyroidism, low testosterone levels in women decrease sexual desire. Women also produce certain levels of testosterone. Testosterone is also responsible for sex drive in women. Both hyper and hypothyroidism cause fatigue (tiredness) and depression in women, which leads to low sex drive and sexual dysfunction in both women and men. Thyroid hormone imbalance leads to fertility issues and sexual dysfunction. An underactive thyroid gland is associated with vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. An overactive thyroid gland can cause increased sexual desire, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and decreased fertility.

What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Disease in Males?

Men with thyroid disease can experience the following symptoms:

• Sexual dysfunction in males with thyroid disorders can manifest as decreased sexual desire or libido. This is due to an imbalance of testosterone levels due to thyroid dysfunction. The other main dysfunction is erectile dysfunction because of hormonal imbalance. The other symptoms that impact sexual life in males with thyroid disorders are decreased penile sensitivity, decreased semen production or volume, and problems achieving orgasm.

• Erectile dysfunction is a potential side effect of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. 70 percent of men experience erectile dysfunction in thyroid diseases due to fluctuating testosterone levels.

What Is the Treatment for Sexual Dysfunction?

Treatment for sexual dysfunction related to thyroid disease involves starting the thyroid medication and treating the sexual issue directly and combining both treatments.

Thyroid Medications:

• Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the T4 thyroid hormone thyroxine, and liothyronine is a synthetic form of the T3 thyroid hormone triiodothyronine, which is the most common medication prescribed for hypothyroidism.

• Vardenafil.

• Sildenafil.

• Tadalafil.

Relieving Vaginal Dryness:

Ospemifene is an estrogen hormone therapy for menopausal women. It stimulates lubrication in the vagina and prevents dryness and painful intercourse. It’s safe for women with thyroid disease. A fully satisfying sex life is vital to overall health and well-being.

Sex Therapy:

Sex therapists are trained and qualified healthcare professionals who can work around an individual’s sexual issues and deal with any sexual problem. They fabricate a treatment plan to help work through the inhibitions and stress. They use different approaches that might involve biological, social, and psychological factors that affect sexual desire and relationships. Beyond building confidence, a sex therapist can assist a person with the following matters:

• Difficulty having an orgasm.

• Erectile dysfunction (difficulty in keeping or getting an erection).

• Premature ejaculation problems.

• A shallow desire for sex, like male hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

• Female orgasm disorder.

• Excessive libido.

• Irresponsive to sexual stimuli.

• Inability to have penetrative sex.

• Pain during sex.

• Unwanted sexual fantasies.

Conclusion:

Thyroid hormone fluctuations can greatly influence the sexual performance of both men and women. The hyperthyroid and hypothyroid states can cause impairment in sexual activity, like vaginal dryness, erectile dysfunction, and low libido. Once a person experiences all these symptoms, they have to seek professional help from doctors to treat the symptoms of thyroid gland problems. Thyroid problems are not the only reason for sexual dysfunction because if the couple has problems in bed, those psychological issues should be addressed, along with other health issues. Not all men and women suffer sexual dysfunction due to thyroid disorders. It all depends on the severity of the specific condition.