Hypothyroidism and Impotence

Hypothyroidism, impotence and lack of a healthy sexual life are inextricably interlinked since the sexual development is controlled by the thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Any fluctuation in the levels of these hormones in the bloodstream affect the libido as well as other parameters in both men and women. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient quantities of the thyroid hormones and this. Since these hormones, regulate all aspects of the body's functioning including the reproductive organs and processes, a low level of these hormones may cause impotence in men and similar reproductive problems in women.

Hypothyroidism and Impotence

Research by various groups has determined that hypothyroidism causes impotence in about 6% of men suffering from it. In a recent study,  a research group at the University of Modena, Italy, examined a sample group of 50 adult men, each of who had either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. The research group gave each mana set of questions about their sexual function and were then directly asked about erectile dysfunction by a doctor. It was determined from this study that over 63 percent of the men with hypothyroidism were diagnosed with low sexual desire, premature ejaculation and delayed ejaculation. On undergoing treatment for their hypothyroidism, impotence in the men dropped drastically, showing that hypothyroidism played a significant role in their impotence.

Research also shows a strong correlation between smoking and hypothyroidism impotence. Researchers believe that moderate to heavy smoking causes bio-chemical changes to occur in the the body especially the working of the thyroid, leading to hypothyroidism.