The thyroid, a bow-tie shaped gland located above the collarbone, regulates the body's energy level, pulse and heart rate. Symptoms in men appear if the thyroid produces too much or too little hormone, and if there is a benign or malignant growth in the gland. Symptoms vary widely, depending on the severity and duration of the problem, and may be so subtle or generalized that they are not immediately attributed to the thyroid.
Weight Change
Weight gain despite no change in diet or exercise habits is a sign that the thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormone, reports the website EndocrineWeb. Men rarely gain more than 30 lbs., most of which is fluid, reports MayoClinic.com.
On the other hand, sudden weight loss, even when the appetite and diet are normal or increased, is a symptom of an overactive thyroid producing too much hormone, reports MayoClinic.com.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a symptom of both an overactive and underactive thyroid gland, reports The Hormone Foundation. Men with an underactive thyroid may also experience decreased libido, reports EndocrineWeb.
Fatigue and Weakness
Feeling tired and weak, even with no change in activity levels, are symptoms of both an overactive and underactive thyroid, according to MayoClinic.com. These subtle symptoms, which can include muscle weakness, may be especially confusing for older adults, who may attribute them to medications they are taking, such as beta-blockers.
Intolerance to Heat or Cold
An inability to tolerate either heat or cold is a sign that the thyroid is not functioning correctly. Heat intolerance and excessive sweating a sign of an overactive thyroid, reports MayoClinic.com, while increased inability to tolerate cold like people around you is a sign that the thyroid is underactive, reports EndocrineWeb.
Altered Heart Rate
Another nonspecific symptom of thyroid problems in men is a change in the heart rate which, especially in older adults, may be simply be attributed to a medical condition or drugs, reports MayoClinic.com.
Heart pounding and a rapid or irregular heartbeat are symptoms of an overactive thyroid, while slower heart rate signifies an underactive thyroid, explains MayoClinic.com.
Swollen Thyroid
One of the most obvious symptoms of a thyroid problem in men is a swollen thyroid, which is called goiter, reports MayoClinic.com. This symptom is caused by many thyroid conditions, including overactive and underactive conditions, cancer and cysts.
Changes in Bowel Patterns
Constipation in men may be a symptom of an underactive thyroid, reports EndocrineWeb, while diarrhea and more frequent bowel movements may be signs of an overactive thyroid, including Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder, reports MayoClinic.com.
Because gastrointestinal problems can have many causes, men may not connect them to a thyroid problem.
