Cases of thyroid disease have increased around the world, with an estimated 10% of the Portuguese population suffering from these pathologies. However, the truth is that this percentage may be higher due to underdiagnosis, accounting for more than one million Portuguese people with thyroid disease.
According to the Portuguese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (SPEDM), thyroid disorders are more common in females, with a five to eight times greater chance of developing them compared to men. The causes are still nonspecific, but it is believed to be related to the female hormonal system.
However, it is not a disease exclusive to women; Just because it is more common in women does not mean that men cannot also develop thyroid disease. In addition to thyroid dysfunctions, such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, nodular disease, related to changes in the structure of the gland, is also a factor of attention and concern.
In the case of men, several studies report that they discover nodules when shaving. In other situations, changes in voice, hoarseness, difficulty breathing and eating or a feeling of discomfort in the neck may also occur.
When nodules appear, it is important to immediately schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional to diagnose them in a timely manner and treat them appropriately. Although nodules are also less common in men, according to several studies, they are associated with a greater risk of malignancy.
What are the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction?
The main symptoms are similar in both, such as tiredness, apathy, drowsiness, insomnia, mood changes, weight fluctuations, hair loss, changes in intestinal transit, among others.
However, there are some symptoms exclusively for men with thyroid disease, namely changes in sexual performance. According to the The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism60% of men with hypothyroidism have low libido, also affecting testosterone levels and semen quality. In addition, they may also suffer from erectile dysfunction, delayed ejaculation and infertility, due to changes in sperm.
Muscle pain is also more common in men with hypothyroidism than women, also affecting joint and muscle stiffness. On the other hand, studies show that constipation is one of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism in men, as well as sudden weight gain, without changing the diet or the amount of food eaten.
Hair loss, finally, is a very common problem that accompanies the aging of men, however, when in excess and associated with drier skin than normal, it may indicate the presence of changes in thyroid function.
How to diagnose thyroid disease?
Although there are many symptoms, some can be confused with other diseases or even with advancing age. Therefore, it is important to give them proper attention and seek help from a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis of any illness.
The diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction must be carried out through a blood test, and other tests may be necessary, such as a thyroid ultrasound, to assess whether there are nodules and correctly determine the clinical situation.
Sources:
ADTI
Health and Wellbeing
Southwest General
Frontiers
Portuguese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
