An underactive thyroid, or Hypothyroidism, is a metabolic condition in which the thyroid doesn’t create enough hormones to regulate metabolism. This condition is most common in women and people older than 50, although it can happen to anyone, including infants; people undergoing thyroid surgery, autoimmune disease, or certain kinds of medication can result in a diagnosis. The symptoms differ between genders, but only slightly: many of the symptoms, such as depression, muscle weakness and cramping, cold intolerance, fatigue, and weight gain are among the shared signals.
However, in symptoms specifically related to the reproductive system, they are gender specific. Women will notice changes in their menstrual cycle, and infertility is more common than in men. Pregnancy can result in a diagnosis due to changes in the immune system, which can lead to a difficult recovery; in some women, a lifelong thyroid replacement is needed. Both genders will experience differences in exercise capacity and performance, as well as sexual drive, with men experiencing erectile dysfunction; while many brush it off due to age, it is important to get a proper diagnosis. Hypothyroidism can be successfully treated in the form of a synthetic thyroid hormone, which will aid your body until your thyroid hormone levels return to normal.
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