Men’s Health and Thyroid Health

Men’s Health and Thyroid Health

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

Thyroid health can be linked to many distinct aspects of our overall well-being. One of these is women’s health, however it also affects men’s health. Let’s get into it, shall we?

One common misconception about thyroid disorders is that they occur only in women. While it is true that thyroid disorders are more common in women they can and do occur in men and should not be ignored when determining what is causing your symptoms.  That being said some of the symptoms of thyroid disorders can differ between men and women. For example, one symptom of underactive thyroid is fatigue. Typically, men will experience more profound depletion of energy and even muscle weakness. Another example is the weight loss experienced with overactive thyroid. While both genders lose weight men tend to have a greater change in weight. Men also tend to lose more muscle mass than women. In addition to these symptoms’ men with both over or under active thyroid typically experience greater cardiovascular complications. What are overall some of the more common symptoms of thyroid disorders? There may be weight changes, cardiovascular changes such as high cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart rate irregularities. There may be changes in energy levels and even mood fluctuations. For example, there may be depression, anxiety and even just an overall irritable feeling. Symptoms for both man and women are included in the below chart:

Now I know what you are thinking but Dr. Claire this is all good but how does it relate to Men’s health? Well to start with thyroid disorders often lead to low testosterone levels. (1) What exactly is the relationship between thyroid and testosterone? Thyroid hormone tells the body to make GnRH which then tells the body to make LH which tells the testes to produce testosterone. If there’s not enough thyroid hormones there is less signal to make GnRH and thus less LH is made and so there’s less testosterone made. (2) What happens if there is too much thyroid hormone or in other words hyperthyroidism? This can lead to low Testosterone because a hormone called sex hormone-binding globulin increases and this increase in the hormone which binds testosterone means more testosterone is bound and thus there is less free testosterone. (3) Thyroid disorders in men can also lead to physical changes such as gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) and reduced muscle mass. There may also be low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and delayed ejaculation. (1) In some cases, rather than delayed ejaculation there may be premature ejaculation. There may be testicular atrophy (shrinking testicles). There may also be infertility due to low sperm count or poor sperm quality. (3) Hair loss is a common symptom in both men and women. (1)

What are the most common risk factors for thyroid disease? A family history of thyroid disease, turner syndrome, too much or too little iodine, being over age 60 or having received radiation therapy. Having any autoimmune disease such as Lupus, RA, Celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes. (4)  From a Naturopathic viewpoint we are taught leaky gut can increase the risk of thyroid disorders.

What can you do? Well, it depends on what is going on.

Hypothyroid:

1. Bladder wrack or kelp: Studies have shown that this helps with providing iodine to help in the case of iodine deficiency which is quite common in hypothyroidism. In fact, studies have shown the iodine in kelp to be much easier for the body to use than just taking iodine by itself! (5) See InVite’s Thyroid Hx to find this amazing source of iodine!
2. Ashwagandha: Studies once again show that this amazing herb is helpful for the thyroid. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha helps subclinical hypothyroidism in just over 8 weeks! Other studies show an increase in T4 from the baseline. (6) See InVite’s Thyroid Hx!
3. 3. Coleus forskohlii has been found in studies to work to increase synthesis of T4 by the thyroid. In one animal study, levels of TSH went down, while the levels of T3/T4 went up.  (7) See InVite’s Thyroid Hx!

1. Black Cumin Seed or Black Seed has been found in studies to have a protective role in hypothyroidism. In 1 study black cumin raised T3. (8) See InVite’s Black Seed with Rosemary and Cordyceps.
2. L-tyrosine, zinc, and selenium are all important nutrients for producing thyroid hormones. (9) See InVite’s Thyroid Hx, Zinc, Immunity Hx, as well as all our wonderful multivitamins!
3. Turmeric as we all know is a fantastic nutrient for autoimmune and inflammation. But did you know it is also helpful for our thyroid? That is because it reduces inflammation everywhere (including helping with leaky gut) and in our thyroid! It has also been found to have beneficial outcomes in those with a goiter. Lastly while more studies are needed what has been found so far is that it can help reduce the symptoms of hypothyroidism! (10) Please see Invite’s Biocurcumin 5 Loxin.
4. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to be quite common among those with thyroid autoimmune disorders and underactive thyroid. Therefore, in my clinical experience it is particularly important to take vitamin D when you have an underactive thyroid. (11) Please see Invite’s Vitamin D formula in 1000 and 3000 IU.
5. Do not forget to work on your gut health with nutrients such as probiotics!

Hyperthyroidism:

1. L – Carnitine (and its friend Alcar!) These have been found in studies to inhibit the production of both T4 and T3! This leads to an overall reduction in hormones! Leading to fewer symptoms. (12) See Invite’s Alcar with ALA, or our SuperFocus IQ.
2. CoQ10 has an interesting relationship with thyroid health. Studies show that in cases of hyperthyroidism there is incredibly low plasma CoQ10. This is opposed to hypothyroidism which has exceedingly elevated levels of plasma CoQ10. In the case of hyperthyroidism CoQ10 in studies appears to lower the conversion of T4 to T3. Thus, reducing active hormones and therefore reducing symptoms. (13) See Invite’s CoQ10 60mg and 120mg. CoQ10 is also found in Invite’s Energy Hx and Ribose complex!
3. Magnesium is important for many aspects of our health. In fact, it does over 300 jobs in our body! For those with hyperthyroidism it is important to take magnesium because hyperthyroidism can increase excretion of magnesium leading to low levels. In fact, studies have found those with hyperthyroid have low levels of magnesium. (14) Please see Invite’s Magnesium Glycinate, citrate and our Bio Avail magnesium powder.

In most cases correcting thyroid imbalance will work to correct the low testosterone. There are some nutrients that can help.

1. Chrysin has been found to help improve testosterone production. (15) See Invite’s Masculine Hx.
2. Tribulus has been found to help improve libido, sexual satisfaction, and even erectile dysfunction in studies. (16) Please see Invite’s Men’s Edge for this and other helpful nutrients.
3. Zinc has been found to help improve sperm quality in studies. (17) Please see Invite’s Zinc formula, Immunity Hx and even Probiotic Immune.

Sources:

1. https://www.integratedspecialistmedicalcare.com.au/male-hormone-disorders/thyroid-conditions-men/
2. https://tctmed.com/thyroid-and-low-testosterone/
3. https://www.verywellhealth.com/thyroid-disease-in-men-3886166
4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8541-thyroid-disease
5. (4)Catarino, M. D., Silva, A., & Cardoso, S. M. (2018). Phycochemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Fucus spp. Marine drugs, 16(8), 249. https://doi.org/10.3390/md16080249
6. (5)Sharma, A. et al.  (2018). Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 24(3), 243–248.
7. (6)Hameed, S. I., Al-Shahwany, A. W., & Salih, S. J. (2020). Evaluation of the Activity of Some Plants Extracts on Thyroid Gland Regulation in Female Albino Rats. Iraqi Journal of Science, 254-265.
8. (7)Ismail, M. et al. Effect of Nigella sativa L. on serum concentration of thyroid hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone and glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. Ir Vet J. 2003;59(9):462–4.
9. (8)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19594417/

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