Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones to support the body’s needs. While it’s more common in women, men are often underdiagnosed because its symptoms, such as fatigue, weight gain, low libido, and brain fog, can easily be mistaken for signs of normal aging or low testosterone.
When left untreated, hypothyroidism can affect cardiovascular health, metabolism, mood, and overall quality of life, making early detection and proper treatment essential.
At EveresT Men’s Health, we specialize in identifying hormone imbalances in men and creating comprehensive treatment plans. Our providers prescribe thyroid medication when needed and also offer medical weight management, hormone optimization, and ongoing monitoring to help restore balance, boost energy, and protect long-term health.
Understanding Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck. It produces two key hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones regulate metabolism, control how the body uses energy, and influence vital functions, such as heart rate, digestion, muscle performance, brain health, and mood.
When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, the condition is known as hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. There are two main types of hypothyroidism:
- Primary Hypothyroidism: This is the most common form, caused by dysfunction within the thyroid gland itself. Common triggers include autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, or damage from surgery or radiation.
- Secondary Hypothyroidism: This form is less common and occurs when the pituitary gland or hypothalamus in the brain fails to signal the thyroid properly. Without these signals, the thyroid reduces hormone production, leading to underactivity.
Causes of Hypothyroidism in Men
Hypothyroidism in men can occur for several reasons, ranging from autoimmune conditions to medical treatments and age-related changes.
- Autoimmune Disease (Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis): The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. With this disorder, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid tissue, gradually reducing its ability to produce hormones. While more common in women, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can also affect men.
- Iodine Deficiency: Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production. Although rare in the U.S., iodine deficiency can still occur, especially in men with restrictive diets or specific medical conditions. Too little iodine can impair thyroid hormone production, while excessive intake may also disrupt normal thyroid balance.
- Medications: Certain medications can interfere with thyroid function. For example, lithium (used for mood disorders) and amiodarone (used for heart rhythm problems) are known to impact thyroid hormone production. Men taking these medications may require regular thyroid monitoring.
- Thyroid Surgery or Radiation: Men who undergo thyroid surgery or receive radiation therapy to the neck or chest for cancer may experience reduced or absent thyroid function afterward.
- Pituitary or Hypothalamic Dysfunction: Disorders of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, which signal the thyroid to produce hormones, can result in secondary hypothyroidism.
- Aging & Hormonal Imbalances: As men age, thyroid function can naturally decline. When combined with hormonal shifts, such as decreasing testosterone, thyroid dysfunction typically goes overlooked in men.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism often develops gradually, and its symptoms can be mistaken for signs of aging or low testosterone. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue and low energy even after adequate rest
- Unexplained weight gain despite no major changes in diet or exercise
- Sensitivity to cold, especially in hands and feet
- Dry skin, thinning hair, and brittle nails
- Mood changes, such as depression, irritability, or brain fog
- Reduced libido and erectile dysfunction
- Muscle weakness, stiffness, or joint pain
When hypothyroidism goes undiagnosed or untreated, it can lead to serious long-term health risks for men.
Low thyroid function slows metabolism and disrupts lipid regulation, often leading to higher LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Over time, this increases the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
Hypothyroidism contributes to insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar. This not only promotes weight gain but also raises the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Since thyroid hormones interact closely with testosterone, untreated hypothyroidism can cause low libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced sperm quality.
Without adequate thyroid hormones, men are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, brain fog, and memory problems. Over time, chronic hypothyroidism may contribute to cognitive decline.
Our Approach to Managing Hypothyroidism
At EveresT Men’s Health, we take a comprehensive, personalized approach to restoring thyroid hormone balance.
Comprehensive Evaluation
At EveresT Men’s Health, our medical providers evaluate your symptoms and perform blood tests to check for an underactive thyroid. If hypothyroidism is suspected, we conduct a comprehensive thyroid panel to confirm the diagnosis.
Many men come to us seeking help for low energy, often assuming low testosterone is to blame. We take a comprehensive approach to identify the actual cause. If thyroid dysfunction is the issue, our team focuses on restoring proper thyroid function through targeted medical treatment and ongoing monitoring to improve energy levels and overall well-being significantly.
Personalized Treatment Plans
At EveresT Men’s Health, our providers create personalized treatment strategies that address your unique needs and health goals. These may include:
- Medication: We may prescribe medication when needed to restore normal hormone levels and relieve symptoms.
- Medical Weight Management: We offer safe, sustainable weight management to improve metabolism, reduce insulin resistance, and support healthy body composition.
- Hormone Optimization: When low testosterone or other imbalances are identified, we provide tailored testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to restore balance and improve overall vitality.
We also offer two membership options to ensure holistic, ongoing care. Our concierge medicine program offers a comprehensive, whole-health approach to support thyroid health.
The membership gives you access to services such as annual exams, preventive care, nutrition guidance, management of common conditions, specialist referrals, unlimited provider access, and more. Our TRT membership provides concierge-level care with the addition of TRT when clinically appropriate.
Ongoing Monitoring & Support
Managing hypothyroidism requires consistent care. We provide regular follow-ups, repeat labs, and data-driven adjustments to fine-tune your treatment and ensure long-term success.
Managing Hypothyroidism in Minnesota
Managing hypothyroidism is about protecting your long-term health and helping you feel like yourself again. At EveresT Men’s Health, we combine medical expertise with a personalized approach to address the root causes, restore healthy hormone balance, and guide you toward sustainable results.
We serve patients across Minnesota from our three convenient locations in Woodbury, Plymouth, and Eagan. To schedule an appointment, please call us or fill out our online form.
