How much time do you spend thinking about your thyroid?
It’s likely not too much. But you should, especially as you age. Hyperthyroidism can have a major effect on your health and has been linked to several conditions in the elderly.
So, what are the most common symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels in men? Let’s find out.
1. Weight Gain
Low thyroid levels slow down your metabolism. As a result, your body struggles to burn energy and fat.
Naturally, this leads to weight gain. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to determine how much weight the condition leads to you putting on. However, your current exercise routine may hold the answer. You may have an issue if you’re putting on weight despite sticking to your routine.
2. Feeling Cold
Thyroid hormones regulate your body’s internal temperature. If you’re not producing enough, you’re sensitivity to the cold increases.
It comes back to your metabolism again. As your thyroid hormones burn calories, they generate heat. A slower calorie burn means lower heat production.
Take your temperature. A person with hyperthyroidism may have a body temperature as low as 97.6 °F.
3. Really Dry Skin
The thyroid hormone also plays a role in sweat gland operation. Low hormone levels mean your glands don’t perform as well as they should. This prevents your old skin from shedding effectively, as well as slowing the growth of new skin.
You may notice that your skin feels drier and rougher. This leads to constant itching. Sometimes, your skin will also feel cool and look pale.
The Final Word
Doctors may prescribe one of two types of medication for low thyroid hormone levels in men. These include methimazole and propylthiouracil. Both regulate the thyroid’s production of T3 and T4 hormones.
Consult your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms. Low thyroid hormone levels in men is a serious issue that can lead to other problems.
