The thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck, regulates the body's energy level. When it is slow, which is called underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism, all the of body's processes slow down, including pulse and heart rate, reports EndocrineWeb.com. Because the symptoms of slow thyroid in men may be subtle and seemingly unrelated, many men do not realize an underactive thyroid is compromising their functions.
Fatigue and Sluggishness
Feeling tired and sluggish is a symptom of hypothyroidism, reports MayoClinic.com. A slower heart rate and pulse is also a sign of underactive thyroid in men, reports the Hormone Foundation. Unfortunately, these vague and general symptoms, which occur from many conditions, are not always understood to come from a thyroid problem.
Memory Loss and Depression
Forgetfulness, confusion and depression are other symptoms caused by thyroid-related slowing of bodily processes, reports the Merck Manual. These signs are more common in older men and may be mistaken for dementia. Irritability is another generalized symptom of a slow thyroid.
Extreme symptoms of an underactive thyroid, which occur if the condition is untreated, include stupor or coma, which occur if ongoing hypothyroidism remains untreated. Blood flow and breathing may be reduced. These rare symptoms typically result from a trigger, such as an operation, markedly cold weather or an injury.
High Cholesterol
One of the most misunderstood symptoms of an underactive thyroid is an elevated cholesterol level in the blood, reports MayoClinic.com. This symptom is caused by many conditions in men--a factor that may mask the cause if the thyroid is responsible.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a symptom of a slow thyroid in men, reports the Hormone Foundation. Because it also occurs as a result of an overactive thyroid, men with this problem need to discuss their symptoms with a doctor, who most likely will refer them to an endocrinologist, reports EndocrineWeb.com. Decreased sex drive is also a sign of an underactive thyroid.
Muscle and Joint Problems
Men with an underactive thyroid may experience aches and cramps in their muscles, especially in their hips or shoulders, reports MayoClinic.com and EndocrineWeb.com.
The muscles of their lower legs may feel weak and their knees and the small joints of their hands or feet may swell up. Overall, their joints may be stiff. Unfortunately, these generalized symptoms can also be caused by many conditions.
Weight Gain
Weight gain despite no change in diet or exercise patterns and an inability to lose weight is a clear sign of an underactive thyroid, reports MayoClinic.com. Men rarely gain more than 30 lbs. due to thyroid dysfunction, most of which is fluid.
Hair and Skin Changes
Men with a slow thyroid may find that their hair has become coarse and dry, reports EndocrineWeb.com. Their skin also may be dry and rough. It also can become pale.
Constipation
Constipation is a sign of hypothyroidism in men, reports EndocrineWeb.com. A man may experience this symptom as their main complaint, or they may have it in combination with other general signs that signify a slower thyroid.
