Skip to main content

The Low Thyroid Function And Libido Connection

Among the effects of hypothyroidism is its potential effect on sexual desire and performance. The connection between low thyroid function and libido can be both physical and psychological. Since people with a sluggish thyroid are often overweight and chronically tired, they often do not feel like having sex or may have a poor body image that interferes with sexual desire. In addition, like other hormones, thyroid hormones affect sexual desire and performance, so low levels of these hormones may decrease libido.

While it is not known how many people with sexual dysfunction have underlying thyroid disease, low libido is a common complaint among people with hypothyroidism. The good news is that there are a number of things that can be done to increase sexual desire, especially when a connection between low thyroid function and libido is suspected.
To begin with anyone with sexual difficulties of any kind should consider having his or her thyroid hormone levels checked. TSH levels should be checked in addition to levels of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. If one already has a diagnosis of hypothyroidism or if low thyroid function is determined through testing, it is important to find the best way to treat it according to the individual needs and preferences. 

If Low Thyroid Function and Libido Problems Persist...

It is not uncommon for people with low thyroid function and libido issues to find that sexual symptoms still linger even after thyroid hormone treatment is optimized. If the treatment you are receiving is correct and your libido does not improve, other hormone supplements may be of help.
Levels of testosterone and the precursor hormone DHEA should be checked in both men and women, and women should also have levels of estrogen and progesterone determined. If any of these hormone levels are low, supplements may be needed in addition to thyroid medication or supplements. There may also be co-existing conditions that contribute to low libido, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or depression. A thorough physical should be conducted to help uncover any other conditions that can be treated.

Herbs and Nutritional Supplements Can Help

In addition to traditional medicines, there are a number of nutritional supplements that can help to increase sex drive in cases of low thyroid function and libido. These include herbs such as ginseng, damiana and maca. Also, supplements of the amino acid arginine and the mineral zinc may help, since low levels of both nutrients have been associated with low sex drive. Here, the important thing is to check with your health care practitioner if taking any of these is safe for you.
Finally, as already mentioned, the relation between low thyroid function and libido may be due to lack of energy or feelings of unattractiveness due to being overweight. Diet and exercise, which are also important for many other reasons, can help boost libido. Exercise is important not only for weight loss, but also to increase energy levels and mood. A healthy diet, not just a low calorie weight loss diet, can also help to replenish nutrients, including amino acids and zinc, that may be deficient when low thyroid function and libido are related.

Popular posts from this blog

Thyroid - Hypothyroid - Meaning - Causes - Symptoms - Treatment

What is Hypothyroid? Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone. Since the main purpose of thyroid hormone is to "run the body's metabolism," it is understandable that people with this condition will have symptoms associated with a slow metabolism. Causes About three percent of the general population is hypothyroidic. Factors such as iodine deficiency or exposure to Iodine can increase that risk. There are a number of causes for hypothyroidism. Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide. In iodine-replete individuals hypothyroidism is generally caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or otherwise as a result of either an absent thyroid gland or a deficiency in stimulating hormones from the hypothalamus or pituitary.
Read more

Warts - Meaning - Causes - Treatment

A wart is generally a small, rough tumor, typically on hands and feet but often other locations, that can resemble a cauliflower or a solid blister. Warts are common, and are caused by a viral infection, specifically by the human papillomavirus and are contagious when in contact with the skin of an infected person. It is also possible to get warts from using towels or other objects used by an infected person. They typically disappear after a few months but can last for years and can recur. Cause Warts are caused by a virus called human papilloma virus or HPV. There are approximately 130 strains of human papilloma viruses. People with week immune system are at the greater risk of this disease. Will warts go away on their own? Often warts disappear on their own, although it may take many months or even years for the warts to go away. But some warts won't go away on their own. Doctors are not sure why some warts disappear and others do not. Treatment Warts can be remov...
Read more

Choking

Choking is the kind of emergency in which the chance of getting the victim to a doctor in time is almost nil. Without immediate help, the person can die, or at least suffer permanent brain damage, within four minutes. That is all the more reason for you to keep your wits about you and familiarise yourself with the skills and techniques that might one day save a life - including your own. Cough it out: If the airway is only partially obstructed, violent coughing and sputtering will generally dislodge the obstructing mass. Perform the Heimlich manoeuvre: If the victim is not getting air, and his/her throat is blocked, don't wait for medical help. Take first-aid steps for choking immediately. Stand behind the victim and wrap your arms around his waist. Place your fist with the thumb side against the victim's abdomen slightly above the navel and below the rib cage. Grasp your fist with your other hand and pull it into the victim's abdomen with a quick upward thrust. Repe...
Read more