Men absolutely have a thyroid gland. It is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. As part of the endocrine system, the thyroid produces, stores, and releases hormones that travel through the bloodstream to affect nearly every cell and organ in the body. The gland functions the same way in men and women, despite the misconception that thyroid issues are exclusive to female health.
Essential Functions of the Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland synthesizes and secretes two primary hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are the body’s main regulators of metabolism, the process that converts food into energy. T4 is produced in larger quantities and is converted into the more potent T3 in tissues like the liver and kidneys.
The levels of T3 and T4 directly control the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), which is the rate at which the body uses calories. Proper thyroid hormone levels are necessary for regulating energy levels, maintaining a steady internal body temperature, and controlling heart rate. These hormones influence how quickly all systemic functions occur, including energy use and protein synthesis.
Recognizing Common Thyroid Conditions in Men
Thyroid disorders in men, while less common than in women, involve an imbalance of T3 and T4 hormones. The most common condition is hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, which occurs when the gland does not produce enough hormones. Symptoms can include:
- Profound fatigue
- Noticeable weight gain
- Feeling cold
- Mood changes like depression
- Muscle weakness
- Reduced hair growth
- Elevated cholesterol levels
Hyperthyroidism is the opposite condition, involving an overactive gland that produces an excess of thyroid hormones. Symptoms include rapid weight loss despite an increased appetite, anxiety, hand tremors, and heart palpitations. Untreated hyperthyroidism carries a heightened risk of cardiovascular complications, such as arrhythmias and a rapid heart rate. Men can also develop thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer, though these are relatively rare compared to functional disorders.
Why Male Thyroid Issues Can Be Misdiagnosed
Thyroid problems in men are sometimes missed because the symptoms often overlap with common signs of aging or other conditions. Doctors may attribute fatigue, weight gain, and muscle aches to simple aging or lack of exercise, rather than investigating the thyroid gland. The low clinical suspicion for thyroid disease in men, due to higher prevalence in women, often contributes to delayed diagnosis.
The symptoms can also be mistaken for mental health issues or hormonal imbalances. For example, mood swings, anxiety, or depression caused by thyroid dysfunction may be treated independently without checking thyroid levels. Hypothyroidism can cause male-related symptoms such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, and low testosterone, which are often treated in isolation rather than as a sign of thyroid malfunction.