Sexual functioning of women and men with thyroid diseases

Thyroid hormones have a wide range of effects on different body systems, and both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect sexual health in both men and women. Studies have shown that women with overt hypothyroidism score significantly lower on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in all areas, particularly lubrication. Subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with lower arousal and orgasm scores, while treatment for hypothyroidism reduces but does not completely eliminate sexual problems, which are still more common than in healthy individuals. Hypothyroidism also affects men's sexual health, leading to decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, lower testosterone levels and reduced sperm motility. However, erectile dysfunction does not appear to be associated with either subclinical or overt hypothyroidism in larger sample studies. The effect of hyperthyroidism on sexual function in women remains unclear. While two trials suggest a significant association, another does not, probably because of small sample sizes. The effect of hyperthyroidism on sexual dysfunction in men has been studied more extensively, with most studies showing an increased incidence of premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. More research with larger sample sizes is needed to better understand these relationships.