People with overt hyperthyroidism are more than twice as likely to develop sexual problems compared to the general population, according to the results of a recent review and meta-analysis in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Sexual medicine providers should be aware of this link and screen for hyperthyroidism, if necessary, in patients seeking help for sexual issues.
Hyperthyroidism is sometimes called an overactive thyroid. It occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. Overt hypothyroidism is considered to be more serious than its subclinical counterpart.
Past research has suggested overt hyperthyroidism has a negative impact on sexuality. For example, men with hyperthyroidism may develop erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation. For women with hyperthyroidism, poor vaginal lubrication and low desire are common. The current study provided an overview of medical studies for a better understanding.
Researchers analyzed 7 studies published before February 1, 2020. Overall, the studies had 323,257 participants, and 7,741 of those participants had overt hyperthyroidism. Four of the studies involved males. The remaining three studied females and used the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) as an assessment tool. Research took place in Turkey, Italy, China, and Poland.
The research team determined that the men in the study had a 2.59-fold higher risk for sexual dysfunction compared to men without hyperthyroidism. The women were at 2.51-fold higher risk compared to female control subjects.
In addition, FSFI analysis showed that women with overt hyperthyroidism had lower total scores than controls, indicating poorer function. These women also had lower scores in the sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction domains.
Why is hyperthyroidism associated with sexual dysfunction? The reasons aren’t clear, according to the authors. However, it’s possible that hormonal issues play a role. Also, patients with overt hyperthyroidism often cope with depression and anxiety, which can contribute to sexual difficulties.
“In alignment with clinical observations, the present meta-analysis empirically demonstrates that overt hyperthyroidism and the risk of [sexual dysfunction] are associated,” the authors wrote.
They recommended further research on this subject.
Resources
Clinical Thyroidology for Patients – American Thyroid Association
“Subclinical Thyroid Disease”
(March 2012)
https://www.thyroid.org/patient-thyroid-information/ct-for-patients/vol-5-issue-6/vol-5-issue-7
International Society for Sexual Medicine
“How does thyroid disease impact a person’s sexual health?”
https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/how-does-thyroid-disease-impact-a-persons-sexual-health
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
Pan, Yin, MM, et al.
“Association Between Overt Hyperthyroidism and Risk of Sexual Dysfunction in Both Sexes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”
(Full-text. Published: August 13, 2020)
https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(20)30764-5/fulltext
MedlinePlus
“Hyperthyroidism”
(Page last updated: May 20, 2020)