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Some may have never heard of hypothyroidism throughout their lives, but this condition is more common in the world we live in than many expect. In fact, approximately 5% of the global population suffers from some kind of hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is a condition wherein the production of thyroid hormones becomes stunted, directly affecting your hormones.
As such, there is a multitude of complex interplay that exists between the condition and low testosterone levels, despite both being distinct from each other at a glance.
Let’s closely observe how hypothyroidism causes low testosterone, and how you can manage both your hypothyroidism and low testosterone on your own.
What Is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, which means the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland plays a key role in regulating various bodily functions and metabolism.
Thyroid hormones, primarily triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), help control the body’s energy production, metabolism, growth, and development. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too little of these hormones, causing a slowdown of bodily processes.
What Is Low Testosterone?
Low testosterone refers to a phenomenon wherein there are lower-than-normal levels of testosterone in the body. Most professional doctors would peg this figure anywhere below 300 ng/dL of testosterone in a standardized blood test.
Testosterone is generated by the testes, and is crucial in developing and maintaining the male reproductive tissues, together with promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as muscle mass, bone density, and body hair.
Symptoms of low testosterone generally include:
- Changes in cognitive function or memory
- Decreased bone density
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Increased body fat
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- Mood changes
- Reduced libido or sex drive
How Does Hypothyroidism Cause Low Testosterone?
There are three main reasons why hypothyroidism causes low testosterone.
Firstly, hypothyroidism may interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which regulates thyroid hormone production..
The hypothalamus and pituitary gland communicate with the testes to stimulate testosterone production. However, in hypothyroidism, the disrupted hormone balance may affect the functioning of the HPG axis, causing decreased testosterone production.
Secondly, thyroid hormones help maintain the normal function of the testes. Hypothyroidism can adversely affect testicular tissue and cells responsible for testosterone production. This results in a decrease in the production of testosterone.
Lastly, hypothyroidism alters the levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that binds to testosterone in the bloodstream. Increased SHBG can lead to increased binding of testosterone, making less testosterone available.
4 Ways to Treat Hypothyroidism
If you haven’t gotten treatment for hypothyroidism symptoms, it’s essential to do so with the guidance of a doctor. That said, you can still practice positive habits at home. Here are some ways you can naturally manage this condition.
1. Altering Your Diet
There are several ways in which you can alter your diet to help control your hypothyroidism. Be sure to incorporate foods rich in the following nutrients to manage your thyroid hormone levels.
- Iodine-rich foods: Foods rich in iodine, such as seaweed, seafood, iodized salt, and dairy products can help support thyroid function.
- Selenium: Foods rich in selenium include Brazil nuts, seafood, meats, and whole grains.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of autoimmune thyroid conditions. Adequate exposure to sunlight and consumption of vitamin D-rich foods can help maintain optimal vitamin D levels.
- Vitamin B: Low thyroid hormones can affect your body’s vitamin B-1 and B-12 levels. Taking a vitamin B-12 supplement and green, leafy vegetables may help you repair some of the damage from hypothyroidism.
2. Manage Your Stress
Stress induces increased cortisol production, which can also influence the thyroid gland and cause an exacerbation of hypothyroidism in certain individuals. Yoga, deep-breathing exercises, and meditation are good ways to regain control of yourself.
3. Regular Exercise
Regular exercise can have positive effects on thyroid function and overall well-being. This can come in the form of light cardio, such as jogging, swimming, and cycling.
4. Procedures and Medication
Hypothyroidism is often treated with hormone replacement therapy with synthetic thyroid hormone medication. Commonly prescribed medications include:
- Levothyroxine: The standard and most widely prescribed medication for hypothyroidism. This helps the underactive thyroid by replacing thyroxine.
- Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT): One of the oldest hormone replacement medications that’s still frequently prescribed in modern day.
Besides medication, certain procedures may be considered:
- Radioactive iodine therapy: Radioactive iodine is selectively absorbed by the thyroid gland to reduce the size and activity of an enlarged or overactive thyroid gland.
- Thyroidectomy: The surgical removal of all or a part of the thyroid gland.
4 Ways to Treat Low Testosterone Levels
If low testosterone is bothering you, it’s essential to get it treated. These treatments can apply whether or not you suffer from problems related to the thyroid stimulating hormone.
Here are some ways you can increase your male sex hormones.
1. Consuming More Zinc and Less Sugar
Zinc is vital in testosterone production and regulation. Zinc is involved in multiple enzymatic bodily reactions related to testosterone synthesis, and supports the cells producing testosterone. Taking zinc-rich foods or supplements maintains optimal testosterone levels.
High sugar intake can lower testosterone levels. Consuming excess sugar causes increased insulin secretion, suppressing testosterone production in the testes. SHBGs bind to testosterone and become biologically inactive.
2. Exercise On a Regular Basis
Regular exercise can positively impact testosterone levels, particularly when combined with resistance training. In fact, moderate to high-intensity workouts have been associated with increased testosterone levels.
Consistently exercising with an appropriate volume and intensity is key to promoting testosterone production. Challenge your body with exercises that push your limits without overexertion.
Resistance training causes muscular stress and damage, triggering the body’s response to repair and build stronger muscles. This activates the endocrine system to release testosterone.
3. Having Adequate Sleep
Adequate sleep is crucial in maintaining optimal testosterone levels. Sleep allows the body to rest and recover, directly influencing hormone regulation. The quality and duration of sleep are both significant, and most adults require 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
Creating a conducive sleep environment, practicing good sleep hygiene, and establishing a regular sleep schedule can contribute to getting adequate sleep and maintaining healthy testosterone levels.
4. Treatments and Medication
Medications may be prescribed to stimulate the body’s natural testosterone production.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be also used by administering exogenous testosterone via injections, transdermal patches, buccal tablets, or implantable pellets.
Get Quality Treatment with Cincinnati, Ohio’s Top Male Sexual Health Doctors at Proactive Men’s Medical Center
There are several ways that hypothyroidism can cause low testosterone. However, there are also many ways you can manage your hypothyroidism or low testosterone by yourself.
If you are unsure, you should reach out to your healthcare provider to get yourself checked. Your healthcare provider can also help you manage your conditions with prescriptions or other treatments.
Concerned about your hypothyroidism affecting your sex life? Contact us at Proactive Men’s Medical Center in Cincinnati, and our professionals will help you with managing your low testosterone. We also offer other treatments, including erectile dysfunction, adrenal fatigue treatment, and hormonal therapy, that may better suit your needs.
