Health

When Thyroid Messes With Sex Life: A Guide to Healthy Sex Life

May 26, 2024

Sex may permeate our popular culture, but conversations about it are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian households. As a result, most individuals dealing with sexual health issues or trying to find information about sex often resort to unverified online sources or follow the unscientific advice of their friends. To address the widespread misinformation about sex, News18.com is running this weekly sex column, titled ‘Let’s Talk Sex’. We hope to initiate conversations about sex through this column and address sexual health issues with scientific insight and nuance.

In this article, we will explain the connection between thyroid disorders & sexual health and provide tips to have a fulfilling sex life.

Sexual health is an integral component of overall well-being, yet it’s often a topic surrounded by silence and stigma. When faced with challenges in the bedroom, many individuals may feel isolated or embarrassed to seek help. However, it’s essential to recognise that sexual issues can stem from various underlying health conditions, including thyroid disorders. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and hormone production.

When thyroid function becomes disrupted, it can have a ripple effect on many aspects of health, including sexual function. Before delving into the impact of thyroid disorders on sexual health, let’s briefly review the two most common thyroid conditions:

Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and depression. In terms of sexual health, hypothyroidism can lead to decreased libido, erectile dysfunction (in men), and irregular menstrual cycles (in women).
Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, results from an overactive thyroid gland, producing an excess of thyroid hormone. Symptoms may include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and irritability. In terms of sexual health, hyperthyroidism can cause increased libido, premature ejaculation (in men), and irregular menstrual cycles (in women).

Thyroid disorders can impact sexual health through various mechanisms:

Hormonal Imbalance: Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating reproductive hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. When thyroid function is disrupted, it can lead to imbalances in these hormones, affecting sexual desire and function.
Physical Symptoms: Fatigue, muscle weakness, and weight changes associated with thyroid disorders can contribute to sexual dysfunction by reducing energy levels and causing discomfort during intimacy.
Psychological Factors: Dealing with a chronic health condition like a thyroid disorder can take a toll on mental well-being, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression—all of which can negatively impact libido and sexual satisfaction.

How Thyroid Can Affect Sex Drive

Your thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism and affect many other bodily functions. When thyroid hormone levels are too high or too low, it can disrupt your sex life in several ways:

Low Libido: When your thyroid is out of whack, your sex drive often takes a hit. Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety and irritability, killing the mood. Hypothyroidism zaps your energy and motivation, making sex the last thing on your mind.
Vaginal Dryness: For women, an underactive thyroid means less estrogen, which can lead to vaginal dryness and pain during sex. Using a lubricant and keeping up with foreplay can help.
Erectile Dysfunction: In men, hypothyroidism is linked to erectile dysfunction and difficulty ejaculating. The good news is ED caused by thyroid disease is often reversible with treatment like synthetic thyroid hormone medication to restore normal hormone levels.
Difficulty Reaching Orgasm: Thyroid disease can also make it harder to climax during sex or masturbation. Again, this comes down to hormonal changes and lack of energy. For some, hypothyroidism makes it challenging to climax or leads to delayed ejaculation in men.

Managing Hypothyroidism for Better Sex

Get Your Hormones Balanced: The most important thing you can do is take your thyroid hormone replacement medication as prescribed by your doctor. Getting your TSH, T3 and T4 levels balanced is key to improving your sex drive and enjoyment.
Reduce Stress: Excess stress is terrible for your thyroid and your sex life. Engage in relaxing activities like yoga, meditation, massage, or deep breathing to lower your cortisol levels. Make time for hobbies and social interactions that you find rejuvenating. Getting enough high-quality sleep every night is also essential for stress reduction and thyroid health.
Exercise Regularly: Exercise provides wonderful benefits for both your thyroid and sex drive. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Walking, jogging, strength training, and yoga are all great options. Exercise releases endorphins that improve your mood and act as natural painkillers. It also enhances blood flow to your genitals, increasing arousal and pleasure during sex.
Stay Hydrated and Eat a Healthy Diet: Drink plenty of water and consume a diet high in nutrients to support your thyroid. Focus on lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Limit sugar, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats. Key nutrients for thyroid health include selenium, zinc, iodine, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. A balanced diet will give you more energy and boost your stamina, which leads to better sex.
Try Natural Remedies: Some natural remedies may help support your thyroid and boost your sex drive. Maca, ashwagandha, and rhodiola can help balance hormones. Ginseng and horny goat weed are thought to stimulate arousal and increase blood flow to the genitals. Always check with your doctor first before taking any herbal supplements to make sure they won’t interact with your medications.