Some may never have heard of hypothyroidism in their entire lives, but this condition is more common in the world we live in than many would 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 reduced, directly affecting your hormones.
Therefore, there are a multitude of complex interactions between the condition and low testosterone levels, even though the two are different from each other at a glance.
Let’s carefully observe how hypothyroidism causes low testosteroneand how you can self-manage both your hypothyroidism and low testosterone.
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, meaning that 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, mainly triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), help control the body’s energy production, metabolism, growth and development. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too few of these hormones, causing the body’s processes to slow down.
What is low testosterone?
Low testosterone refers to a phenomenon where there are lower than normal levels of testosterone in the body. Most medical professionals would stick with that number anywhere below 300 ng/dL testosterone in a standard blood test.
Testosterone is produced by the testes and is vital for the growth and maintenance of male reproductive tissues, along with promoting secondary sex characteristics such as muscle mass, bone density and body hair.
Symptoms of low testosterone generally include:
- Changes in cognition or memory
- Decreased bone density
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Increased body fat
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- The mood changes
- Decreased libido or sex drive
How does hypothyroidism cause low testosterone?
There are three main reasons why hypothyroidism causes low testosterone.
First, hypothyroidism can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axiswhich regulates the production of thyroid hormones..
The hypothalamus and pituitary gland communicate with the testes to stimulate testosterone production. However, in hypothyroidism, disturbed hormonal balance can affect the function of the HPG axis, causing decreased testosterone production.
Second, thyroid hormones help maintain normal testicular function. Hypothyroidism can negatively affect testicular tissue and the cells responsible for producing testosterone. This results in a decrease in testosterone production.
Finally, hypothyroidism changes 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 have not received treatment for the symptoms of hypothyroidism, it is necessary to do so under the guidance of a doctor. That said, you can still practice positive habits at home. Here are some ways you can manage this condition naturally.
1. Changing your diet
There are several ways you can change your diet to help control your hypothyroidism. Be sure to incorporate foods rich in the following nutrients to manage your thyroid hormone levels.
- Foods rich in iodine: Iodine-rich foods 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 eating 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 can help repair some of the damage from hypothyroidism.
2. Manage your stress
Stress causes increased production of cortisol, which can also affect the thyroid gland and cause hypothyroidism to flare up in some people. 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 general 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. Commonly prescribed medications include:
- Levothyroxine: The standard and most widely prescribed drug for hypothyroidism. This helps the underactive thyroid by replacing thyroxine.
- Natural Dried Thyroid (NDT): One of the oldest hormone replacement drugs that is still frequently prescribed in modern times.
In addition to medication, certain procedures may be considered:
- Radioactive iodine treatment: 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 part of the thyroid gland.
4 ways to deal with low testosterone levels
If low testosterone is bothering you, it is necessary to treat it. These treatments can be applied whether or not you suffer from thyroid-stimulating hormone-related problems.
Here are some ways you can increase your male sex hormones.
1. Consuming more zinc and less sugar
Zinc is vital for the production and regulation of testosterone. Zinc is involved in multiple enzymatic body reactions related to testosterone synthesis and supports cells that produce testosterone. Taking zinc-rich foods or supplements maintains optimal testosterone levels.
High sugar intake can lower testosterone levels. Eating too much sugar causes increased insulin secretion, suppressing testosterone production in the testicles. SHBG binds to testosterone and becomes biologically inactive.
2. Exercise on a regular basis
Regular exercise can positively affect testosterone levels, especially when combined with resistance training. In fact, Moderate to high intensity workouts have been associated with increased testosterone levels.
Consistent exercise with appropriate volume and intensity is key to promoting testosterone production. Challenge your body with exercises that push your limits without overdoing it.
Resistance training causes muscle stress and damage, triggering the body’s response to repair and build stronger muscles. This triggers the endocrine system to release testosterone.
3. Getting enough sleep
Adequate sleep is vital to maintaining optimal testosterone levels. Sleep allows the body to rest and recover, directly affecting hormone regulation. Sleep quality and duration are both important, and most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep a night.
Creating a favorable sleep environment, practicing good sleep hygiene, and establishing a regular sleep schedule can all contribute to adequate sleep and maintaining healthy testosterone levels.
4. Treatments and medication
Medicines may be prescribed to stimulate the body’s natural production of testosterone.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can also be used by giving exogenous testosterone through 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 hypothyroidism can cause low testosterone. However, there are also many ways you can manage your hypothyroidism or low testosterone yourself.
If you are not sure, you should see your healthcare provider to check yourself. Your healthcare provider can also help you manage your condition with prescriptions or other treatments.
Are you worried about your hypothyroidism affecting your sex life? Contact us at Proactive Men’s Medical Center in Cincinnati and our professionals will help you manage your low testosterone. We also offer other treatments, such as erectile dysfunction, adrenal fatigue treatment and hormone therapy, that may better suit your needs.
