Some people may never have heard of hypothyroidism in their lives, but this condition is more common in the world we live in than many people expect. In fact, about 5% of the world's population suffers from some form of hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which thyroid hormone production is disrupted, directly affecting the hormones.
So there are a number of complex interactions between this condition and low testosterone levels that are distinguishable from one another at a glance.
Let's take a closer look at how hypothyroidism develops. low testosteroneAnd learn how you can manage hypothyroidism and low testosterone on your own.
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism refers to a condition in which thyroid function is reduced and the thyroid gland cannot produce enough thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland plays an important role in regulating various body functions and metabolism.
Thyroid hormones, primarily composed of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), help regulate the body's energy production, metabolism, growth, and development. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too little of these hormones, slowing down body processes.
What is low testosterone?
Low testosterone refers to a condition in which the testosterone levels in the body are lower than normal. Most professional doctors estimate this level from a standardized blood test to be a testosterone level of less than 300 ng/dL.
Testosterone is produced in the testes and is important for developing and maintaining male reproductive tissue while promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as muscle mass, bone density, and body hair.
Symptoms of low testosterone typically include:
- Changes in cognitive function or memory
- decreased bone density
- erectile dysfunction
- fatigue
- increased body fat
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- mood swings
- Decreased sex drive or libido
How does hypothyroidism cause low testosterone?
There are three main reasons why hypothyroidism can cause low testosterone levels.
First, hypothyroidism can disrupt 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, hormonal balance is disrupted, which can affect HPG axis function and reduce testosterone production.
Second, thyroid hormones help maintain normal function of the testes. Hypothyroidism can negatively affect testicular tissue and the cells responsible for testosterone production. This causes testosterone production to decrease.
Lastly, hypothyroidism changes levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that binds testosterone in the bloodstream. As SHBG increases, the binding of testosterone increases, making less testosterone available.
4 Ways to Treat Hypothyroidism
If you have not yet received treatment for your hypothyroidism symptoms, it is essential to seek treatment under the guidance of your doctor. That said, you can still practice positive habits at home. Here are some ways to manage this condition naturally:
1. Change your diet
There are several ways you can change your diet to help control hypothyroidism. To manage your thyroid hormone levels, eat foods rich in these nutrients:
- Foods rich in iodine: Foods rich in iodine, such as seaweed, seafood, iodized salt, and dairy products, may help support thyroid function.
- selenium: Foods rich in selenium include Brazil nuts, seafood, meat, and whole grains.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of autoimmune thyroid disease. Adequate exposure to sunlight and eating foods rich in vitamin D can help maintain optimal vitamin D levels.
- Vitamin B: Low thyroid hormones can affect vitamin B-1 and B-12 levels in the body. Vitamin B-12 supplements and eating green leafy vegetables may help repair some of the damage caused by hypothyroidism.
2. Stress management
Stress leads to increased cortisol production, which can also affect the thyroid gland and worsen hypothyroidism in certain individuals. Yoga, deep breathing exercises, and meditation are great ways to regain control over yourself.
3. Regular exercise
Regular exercise can have a positive effect on thyroid function and overall health. This can come in the form of light aerobic exercise such as jogging, swimming, or cycling.
4. Procedure and drug treatment
Hypothyroidism is often treated with hormone replacement therapy using synthetic thyroid hormone drugs. Commonly prescribed medications include:
- Levothyroxine: It is the standard and most widely prescribed medication for hypothyroidism. It replaces thyroxine and helps with low thyroid function.
- Naturally Desiccated Thyroid (NDT): It is one of the oldest hormone replacement medications that is still frequently prescribed in modern times.
In addition to drug treatment, certain procedures may be considered, such as:
- Radioactive iodine therapy: Radioactive iodine is selectively absorbed by the thyroid gland and reduces the size and activity of an enlarged or overactive thyroid gland.
- Thyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland.
4 Ways to Treat Low Testosterone Levels
If low testosterone is bothering you, it is essential to seek treatment. These treatments can be applied whether or not you have problems related to thyroid-stimulating hormone.
Here are some ways you can increase your testosterone:
1. Eat more zinc and less sugar
Zinc is essential for testosterone production and regulation. Zinc is involved in several enzymatic body reactions related to testosterone synthesis and supports testosterone-producing cells. Consuming zinc-rich foods or supplements helps maintain optimal testosterone levels.
High sugar intake can lower testosterone levels. Consuming excess sugar increases insulin secretion, which inhibits testosterone production in the testes. SHBG binds to testosterone and becomes biologically inactive.
2. Regular exercise
Regular exercise can have a positive effect on testosterone levels, especially when combined with resistance training. In fact, moderate to high intensity exercise has been shown to be associated with increased testosterone levels.
Exercising consistently at the right amount and intensity is important to stimulate testosterone production. Challenge your body with exercises that push your limits without overdoing it.
Resistance training causes stress and damage to your muscles, triggering your body's response to repair and build stronger muscles. This activates the endocrine system to release testosterone.
3. Get adequate sleep
Adequate sleep is important for maintaining optimal testosterone levels. Sleep allows your body to rest and recover and has a direct impact on hormonal regulation. Both the quality and duration of sleep are important, and most adults need 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night.
Creating a conducive sleep environment, practicing good sleep hygiene, and establishing a regular sleep schedule can help you get adequate sleep and maintain healthy testosterone levels.
4. Treatment and medication
Medications may be prescribed to stimulate the body's natural testosterone production.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may also be used by administering exogenous testosterone via injections, transdermal patches, buccal tablets, or implantable pellets.
Get quality treatment with the best men's sexual health doctors in Cincinnati, OH at Proactive Men's Medical Center.
There are many ways hypothyroidism can cause low testosterone levels. However, there are many ways you can manage hypothyroidism or low testosterone on your own.
If you are unsure, you should contact your health care provider and get tested yourself. Your health care provider may also help you manage your condition through prescriptions or other treatments.
Are you worried that hypothyroidism will affect your sex life? When you contact Proactive Men's Medical Center in Cincinnati, our experts will help you manage your low testosterone. We also offer other treatments that may better suit your needs, including erectile dysfunction, adrenal fatigue treatment, and hormone therapy.