Thyroid diseases are not uncommon in men. It is often unrecognised and undertreated since it is common to associate thyroid thyroid testsdisease only with women. The symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are different in men.
In hyperthyroidism, the symptoms are:
- Muscle Weakness: you feel difficulty in getting up from squatting position
- Breathlessness and palpitations
- Anxiety and insomnia
- Osteoporosis: in long standing and severe cases, especially in older men
- Trembling Hands
- Weight Loss
- Fatigue and exercise intolerance
- Heat Intolerance
- Increased Bowel Movements
In hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), the symptoms are:
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Reduced libido
- Generalised tiredness and fatigue
- Hair loss
- Depression : especially in older people with hypothyroidism
- Memory loss
- High cholesterol
The more the symptoms you have, the more likely to have a thyroid disease. However, you can have thyroid disease even without any symptoms mentioned above. If you have a family history of thyroid disease, you are at higher risk of getting the same.
Author: Dr. Mathew John (Endocrinologist)
Last modified: May 20, 2016
