Introduction
Having your thyroid hormones out of whack isn’t an easy condition to manage. There are many concerning symptoms that can occur due to thyroid imbalance ranging from fatigue and depression to joint pain and puffiness, but one of the more concerning ones is loss of libido or a decreased sex drive.
Thyroid health is extremely vital in the functioning of both the ovaries and testes. Sexual desire and function can take a big hit if the thyroid is not functioning properly. Studies show that when you have thyroid problems, particularly hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, the effects can be noticeable in the bedroom. As a matter of fact, even a slight reduction in thyroid levels can dramatically decrease libido in women as well as cause fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
In this blog, we will cover sexual dysfunction that shows up in women who have a thyroid condition, especially an underactive thyroid — hypothyroidism.
Effects of Thyroid on Sexual Life
An underactive thyroid is known to cause sexual dysfunction in various ways. But in particular, women with hypothyroidism more commonly complain of libido and arousal problems.
Painful Sex
Thyroid disease in women may lower vaginal lubrication and vaginal dryness, making sexual intercourse unpleasant, uncomfortable, painful, or unsatisfying.
Decreased Testosterone and Low Drive
Thyroid disorder can contribute to low testosterone and lowered sexual drive. Although testosterone is most often considered to be a ‘man’s hormone’, it is actually produced by both men and women. It is responsible for different levels of sex drive in both men and women.
Depression and Mood Disorders
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can lead to issues such as fatigue and depression, and both of these issues can lead to low sex drive in both men and women.
Ejaculation Disorders
Ejaculation issues, whether premature or delayed, can be aggravating for both men and women. Various studies have indicated that thyroid dysfunction is strongly associated with ejaculatory dysfunction. Most men and women with thyroid dysfunction often struggle with delayed or premature ejaculation.
Erectile Dysfunction
Scientific research has indicated that hormonal imbalances caused by thyroid disorders may make it challenging for men to get or maintain an erection. Erectile dysfunction is more common among men suffering from hypothyroidism.
The Bottom Line
Many factors can contribute to a decrease in sexual desire, but one of the more concerning and frequently overlooked causes of low libido is abnormal thyroid function. Most people believe that most sexual arousal problems are psychological in nature, but this is not true. According to research, an abnormally functioning thyroid can stifle a person’s erotic desires.
The Way Forward
Suppose you feel like thyroid hormone imbalance might be affecting your sex drive. In that case, a simple thyroid function test can help you learn more about the hormonal activity that your body is currently undergoing. When the thyroid imbalances are corrected, the result normalises all bodily functions, including the sex drive.
