Hypothyroidism (How It Causes Low Libido)

Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Because thyroid hormone acts on a wide range of tissues, its effects are widespread. Hypothyroidism is known to affect the skin, hair, musculoskeletal system, the heart, and even the brain. The treatment or hypothyroidism has rested for decades on hormone replacement therapy, but many people continue to have symptoms even after their thyroid hormone levels have normalized. Physicians and scientists attribute this to the availability of T3, which is converted in large part from T4. Although the symptoms of hypothyroidism are generally overt and easily recognizable, problems with libido are frequently attributed to one of the myriad other causes of low libido. Patients with hypothyroidism are therefore at risk of not recognizing their low libido as a symptom of their hypothyroidism. Newer studies have found receptors for thyroid hormone in the reproductive organs of both sexes, and given the presence of subclinical hypothyroidism, the incidence of hypothyroidism and its resulting disturbances of libido may well be higher than reported. Awareness of hypothyroidism as a potential cause of low libido and other sexual dysfunctions needs to be raised, since this is an easily reversible cause of low libido.
00:00 Introduction
00:29 Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
01:12 What is Hpothyroidism?
01:35 What is Thyroid Hormone?
01:52 Thyroid Feedback Mechanism
02:37 Thyroid and Sexual Function
04:23 What can be done?
04:39 Subclinical Hypothyroidism
05:21 Conclusion