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Rachel V Thomas

Thyroid Disorders Affect Men Too: How They Impact Sperm Health

Thyroid disorders don’t just<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/explained-why-thyroid-disorders-are-more-common-in-women-article-154393064" data-type="tilCustomLink"> affect women</a> — it also affects men and raise fertility risks, said experts today on World Thyroid Day.

While thyroid disorders are commonly linked to symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, and hair loss, experts highlighted a lesser-known impact of <span>thyroid imbalance</span> — its effect on male fertility and reproductive health.

Dr. Piyush Lodha, Endocrinologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, told <strong><em>HealthandMe </em></strong>that both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can negatively affect sperm health and reproductive function in men.

“The thyroid regulates several important body functions, including metabolism and hormone balance. Even slight thyroid dysfunction can influence fertility because thyroid hormones are closely connected to reproductive hormones,” he explained.

<h2>How Thyroid Imbalance Affects Male Fertility</h2>

The doctors noted that thyroid hormones play an important role in sperm production, sperm maturation, libido, and sexual performance.

In hypothyroidism, reproductive processes may slow down significantly. Men may experience low testosterone levels, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and poor sperm quality.

Dr. Lodha noted that hypothyroidism can negatively affect sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology, lowering the chances of successful conception. Fatigue, depression, and weight gain associated with thyroid disorders may further impact sexual health and self-esteem.

Hyperthyroidism can also affect fertility. Excess thyroid hormone may disturb the hormonal balance required for normal sperm production.

World Thyroid Day: Iodine-Rich Foods For Women #shorts #shortsfeed

“In men, hyperthyroidism can lead to premature ejaculation, increased oxidative stress, and damage to sperm cells. In some cases, sperm concentration and semen volume may also decrease,” he said.

The expert warned that thyroid-related fertility issues often remain undiagnosed because symptoms develop gradually or are mistaken for stress and lifestyle-related problems.

<h2>Early Diagnosis Can Improve Outcomes</h2>

The expert stressed that timely diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve reproductive health.

“With hormonal therapy, dietary modifications, and regular monitoring, sperm health and reproductive function can improve over time,” Dr. Lodha explained.

He advised men experiencing unexplained infertility, sexual dysfunction, or persistent fatigue to undergo comprehensive reproductive health evaluations, including thyroid function tests.

<h2>Lifestyle Reasons Behind Surging Thyroid Disorders</h2>

Dr. Anu Mathew, Consultant Endocrinology, Fortis Hospital, Manesar, told <strong><em>HealthandMe </em></strong>that while women are more at risk, thyroid disorders can also affect men and children, and a lack of awareness often delays diagnosis.

She added that thyroid disorders are increasingly being linked to lifestyle-related factors, despite autoimmune disease remaining the most common cause.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/heatwaves-and-toxic-air-create-a-growing-health-crisis-in-delhi-article-154393201" data-type="tilCustomLink">Heatwaves And Toxic Air Create A Growing Health Crisis In Delhi</a>

Dr. Anu pointed out that subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) — characterized by elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with normal T3 and T4 levels — has shown strong associations with lifestyle factors in several studies.

“Both iodine deficiency and iodine excess have been associated with thyroid disorders. Lack of sleep, poor sleep quality, chronic stress, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles may also contribute to thyroid dysfunction,” she said.

According to experts, subclinical hypothyroidism has also been associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.

The doctors, thus, stressed the importance of healthy lifestyle changes to prevent thyroid dysfunction and related complications.

<h2>When Thyroid Disorders Become Cancerous</h2>

<strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/ebola-cases-cross-900-death-toll-tops-200-10-countries-on-high-alert-article-154392066" data-type="tilCustomLink">Ebola Cases Cross 900, Death Toll Tops 200; 10 Countries On High Alert</a>

Dr. Manjunath NML, Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology and Robotic &amp; Laparoscopic Surgeon at HCG Cancer Hospital, Bengaluru, told <strong><em>HealthandMe </em></strong>thyroid cancer is often difficult to detect early because it grows slowly and may initially cause painless or nonspecific symptoms.

“Small thyroid nodules may go unnoticed because they are not always visible or palpable during routine examinations,” he explained.

Detection may become even more challenging in obese patients, where larger nodules can remain hidden.

Doctors also highlighted that cancerous nodules may sometimes be concealed within multinodular goitre, a condition commonly associated with iodine deficiency and more frequently seen among women in endemic regions.

Other reasons for delayed diagnosis include lack of awareness, socioeconomic barriers, and limited access to specialists and diagnostic technologies such as ultrasound and FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology).

Experts noted that imaging tools like the TIRADS (Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System) scoring system play an important role in classifying thyroid nodules as benign, suspicious, or malignant, helping guide appropriate treatment decisions.

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Thyroid disorders don’t just affect women — it also affects men and raise fertility risks, said experts today on World Thyroid Day. While thyroid disorders are commonly linked to symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, and hair loss, experts highlighted a lesser-known impact of thyroid imbalance — its effect on male fertility and reproductive health.Dr. Piyush Lodha, Endocrinologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, told HealthandMe that both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can negatively affect sperm health and reproductive function in men.“The thyroid regulates several important body functions, including metabolism and hormone balance. Even slight thyroid dysfunction can influence fertility because thyroid hormones are closely connected to reproductive hormones,” he explained.How Thyroid Imbalance Affects Male FertilityThe doctors noted that thyroid hormones play an important role in sperm production, sperm maturation, libido, and sexual performance.In hypothyroidism, reproductive processes may slow down significantly. Men may experience low testosterone levels, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and poor sperm quality.Dr. Lodha noted that hypothyroidism can negatively affect sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology, lowering the chances of successful conception. Fatigue, depression, and weight gain associated with thyroid disorders may further impact sexual health and self-esteem.Hyperthyroidism can also affect fertility. Excess thyroid hormone may disturb the hormonal balance required for normal sperm production.   “In men, hyperthyroidism can lead to premature ejaculation, increased oxidative stress, and damage to sperm cells. In some cases, sperm concentration and semen volume may also decrease,” he said.The expert warned that thyroid-related fertility issues often remain undiagnosed because symptoms develop gradually or are mistaken for stress and lifestyle-related problems.Early Diagnosis Can Improve OutcomesThe expert stressed that timely diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve reproductive health.“With hormonal therapy, dietary modifications, and regular monitoring, sperm health and reproductive function can improve over time,” Dr. Lodha explained.He advised men experiencing unexplained infertility, sexual dysfunction, or persistent fatigue to undergo comprehensive reproductive health evaluations, including thyroid function tests.Lifestyle Reasons Behind Surging Thyroid DisordersDr. Anu Mathew, Consultant Endocrinology, Fortis Hospital, Manesar, told HealthandMe that while women are more at risk, thyroid disorders can also affect men and children, and a lack of awareness often delays diagnosis.She added that thyroid disorders are increasingly being linked to lifestyle-related factors, despite autoimmune disease remaining the most common cause.Also read: Heatwaves And Toxic Air Create A Growing Health Crisis In DelhiDr. Anu pointed out that subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) — characterized by elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with normal T3 and T4 levels — has shown strong associations with lifestyle factors in several studies.“Both iodine deficiency and iodine excess have been associated with thyroid disorders. Lack of sleep, poor sleep quality, chronic stress, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles may also contribute to thyroid dysfunction,” she said.According to experts, subclinical hypothyroidism has also been associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.The doctors, thus, stressed the importance of healthy lifestyle changes to prevent thyroid dysfunction and related complications.When Thyroid Disorders Become CancerousRead More: Ebola Cases Cross 900, Death Toll Tops 200; 10 Countries On High AlertDr. Manjunath NML, Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology and Robotic & Laparoscopic Surgeon at HCG Cancer Hospital, Bengaluru, told HealthandMe thyroid cancer is often difficult to detect early because it grows slowly and may initially cause painless or nonspecific symptoms.“Small thyroid nodules may go unnoticed because they are not always visible or palpable during routine examinations,” he explained.Detection may become even more challenging in obese patients, where larger nodules can remain hidden.Doctors also highlighted that cancerous nodules may sometimes be concealed within multinodular goitre, a condition commonly associated with iodine deficiency and more frequently seen among women in endemic regions.Other reasons for delayed diagnosis include lack of awareness, socioeconomic barriers, and limited access to specialists and diagnostic technologies such as ultrasound and FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology).Experts noted that imaging tools like the TIRADS (Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System) scoring system play an important role in classifying thyroid nodules as benign, suspicious, or malignant, helping guide appropriate treatment decisions.

thyroid disorders affect men too: how they impact sperm health

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