Although thyroid problems occur five to eight times more frequently in women than in men, according to the Cleveland Clinic, thyroid disorders can be a significant source of health problems in males. The most common types of thyroid problems in men are a hyperactive thyroid gland, which causes hyperthyroidism, and an underactive thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland regulates the body's metabolism, so problems with the thyroid gland tend to either speed up or slow down metabolism, causing different symptoms.
Changes in Energy Levels
Hyperthyroidism kicks the metabolism into overdrive, which can make men feel irritable, restless or nervous and cause difficulty falling asleep. Anxiety, mood swings and difficulty concentrating may also result. In contrast, in hypothyroidism, the body does not mobilize as much energy as it needs, which can cause symptoms of fatigue and tiredness. Some men with hypothyroidism may also develop memory problems or depression, reports the Mayo Clinic.
Weight and Diet Changes
Because the metabolism is increased in hyperthyroidism, men with this condition may notice that their appetites increase and they are eating more food than usual. Even after eating more food than normal, men with hyperthyroidism may lose weight. Bowel movements may increase in frequency, and diarrhea may occur repeatedly. On the other hand, with the decrease in metabolism caused by hypothyroidism, men may notice a decrease in appetite, and may gain weight even while eating less food, explains MedlinePlus. Constipation may also result as intestinal activity slows down.
Changes in Sensitivity to Temperature
Men with hyperthyroidism often sweat more than normal, because heat is a byproduct of the metabolism. As a result, they may find warm temperatures extremely uncomfortable. On the opposite end of the spectrum, men with hypothyroidism often sweat less than normal and will often find cold temperatures to feel extremely uncomfortable, according to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service.
Other Physical Symptoms
Breast enlargement, also known as gynecomastia, sometimes occurs in men with hyperthyroidism and an overactive metabolism, MedlinePlus explains. Other physical symptoms include muscle spasms or tremors, double vision, eye irritation and periods of rapid or pounding heartbeat. Swelling of the thyroid, known as goiter, may occur or swelling may occur behind the eyes, causing the eyes to protrude from the face. Men with the opposite condition of hypothyroidism may experience unusually dry skin or coarse hair, a hoarse voice and pain in the muscles and joints. In some men, the face may become swollen or puffy.
