When we think of thyroid issues, it’s common to associate them with women. However, the reality is that thyroid problems can affect anyone, regardless of gender or age.
While thyroid disorders are more prevalent in women, men are by no means immune to these conditions. I
In this section we’ll see into the often-overlooked topic of thyroid problems in men, exploring their causes, symptoms, and the importance of awareness and early detection.
The Thyroid: Must Have Gland for All
Before we dive into the specifics of thyroid problems in men, let’s briefly understand the thyroid gland’s role in the body. Thyroid gland is in the neck, it lies over our wind pipe , normally it weights around 10-20 grams. It is a endocrine gland which means what ever it will secret it will directly go into the blood.
the thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, and other vital functions. Hormones secreted by gland is thyroxine and calcitonin.
When the thyroid gland becomes overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism), it can disrupt these bodily processes, leading to a range of symptoms and health complications.
Can I feel my thyroid Gland?
No, usually normal thyroid gland without any disease will not be palpable easily, but can be felt in normal enlargement of glands like in physiological goitre etc.
Breaking the Myth: Thyroid Problems in Men
While thyroid disorders are more common in women, men can undoubtedly experience them too.
However, thyroid issues in men often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to the misconception that they primarily affect women. Additionally, men may be less likely to seek medical attention for symptoms that could indicate a thyroid problem, further complicating the diagnosis process.
Causes and Risk Factors
Thyroid problems in men can arise from various causes, including:
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, which involve the body’s immune system attacking the thyroid gland, can affect men as well as women. In these conditions bodies immune system tries to destroy the own thyroid gland.
- Iodine Deficiency: Inadequate iodine intake can contribute to thyroid dysfunction, leading to conditions like hypothyroidism.
- Genetic Factors: Family history can play a role in predisposing individuals to thyroid disorders.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental toxins or radiation may increase the risk of thyroid problems.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of thyroid disorders in men can vary depending on whether the thyroid gland is overactive or underactive. Common symptoms include:
- Hypothyroidism: Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, depression, dry skin, and constipation.
- Hyperthyroidism: Weight loss, rapid heartbeat, tremors, sweating, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.
Importance of Awareness and Early Detection
Raising awareness about thyroid problems in men is essential for promoting early detection and treatment. you can also see https://wellhealthdaily.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=172&action=edit
Men who experience symptoms suggestive of a thyroid disorder should seek medical evaluation and testing to determine the underlying cause.
Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management can help alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and improve overall health and quality of life.
What Should you do?
If you have a family history of thyroid diseases or you start feeling symptoms like weight loss or gain without any intension, or there is weakness, fatigue , tremors etc then you should get your thyroid function test.
Which tests will be done?
Usually functioning of thyroid gland will be checked by doing levels of hormones which are TSH(thyroid stimulating hormone), T3 and T4(Thyriod hormone). And ultra sonography of the neck in some cases are enough investigation. For few cases other investigation s like CT scan or MRI of the neck are needed.
Treatment options
Depending upon the pathology of your gland either medical or surgical treatment can be offered. Surgical treatment includes the removal of part or all of the gland.