The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that produces a number of hormones important for a person’s metabolism. These hormones have other functions, too such as controlling body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure.

Hypothyroidism – an under active thyroid – occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This condition is more common in women, but men can be affected as well.

Hyperthyroidism – refers to an overactive thyroid, when the gland produces too much thyroid hormone.

Both types of thyroid disease have been associated with sexual dysfunction.

The hormones produced by the thyroid gland influence virtually every cell, organ, and system in the body, including those that involve sexual health and pleasure. It should come as no surprise, then, that thyroid disorders often are associated with sexual dysfunction issues. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have been linked to erectile dysfunction (ED) for men, painful intercourse for women, and low libido for both genders, among other problems.

Often sexual issues caused by thyroid disease resolve once the disorder has been treated. Even problems that persist can be managed using many of the same strategies that are effective for sexual dysfunction in general. Couples can also benefit from using helpful coping strategies when one partner’s thyroid condition is impacting intimacy.

In Men :

Men with both types of thyroid disease were likely to have erectile dysfunction (ED) or problems with ejaculation.

The study authors noted that delayed ejaculation was “strongly associated” with hypothyroidism and that premature ejaculation was similarly associated with hyperthyroidism.

In Women :

* Avoidance – Some women actively avoid sexual encounters completely.

* Desire – A lowered libido interest in sex or less desire than in the past.

* Arousal – Interest in sex, but the body does not become or stay aroused sex

* Orgasm – Inability to have an orgasm

* Pain – Before, during or after sex.

An under active thyroid is known to cause or contribute to various sexual dysfunction. But in particular, women with hypothyroidism most commonly experience low sex drive, and arousal problems.

When medical and lifestyle approaches don’t resolve the issue entirely, appropriate therapy often can. Traditional psychotherapy may help identify and resolve root causes of problems, improve self-esteem, or teach new skills in self-expression. Communications or couples counseling may help improve the relationship. Sex therapy may help resolve specific dysfunctions, and teach techniques that aid in sexual desire and satisfaction.

If you’re experiencing some type of sexual dysfunction, your doctor may want to do a thyroid evaluation, including a blood test to measure your levels of thyroid hormone.