6 Must-Know Thyroid and Sex Drive Female Facts
For years, researchers believed that reduced sexual drive in women was directly correlated to aging. Little did we know that this wasn’t the entire truth!
In reality, the real correlation lies within our hormone levels, which are linked to the thyroid gland. With that being said, thyroid health and female sex drive go hand-in-hand.
So, want to learn how to improve libido? The first place you should investigate is your thyroid.
Here are 6 must-know thyroid and sex drive female facts that will help you understand the delicate relationship between your thyroid and libido. Let’s get started.
1. The Thyroid Regulates Growth and Development
Your thyroid is a small gland located in the front of the neck. It is shaped like a little butterfly with two lobes on either side that look similar to butterfly wings. Its main function is to produce thyroid hormones that regulate body growth and metabolism.
When we’re young, our thyroid plays a HUGE role in our body’s development. For instance, in infants, the thyroid encourages brain development. As we hit puberty, the thyroid takes a strong position in sex hormone regulation and metabolic rate.
But, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Your Thyroid Influences MANY Systems In Your Body
The thyroid is part of the endocrine system, also referred to as your internal messenger system. It produces two main hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
These hormones send messages to other organs in the body and give them ‘directions,’ so to speak, on how to control metabolism and drive energy levels.
Furthermore, your thyroid helps you maintain healthy levels of hormones, including those that regulate sex drive!
So, what does this mean for women? After all, women go through cyclical phases in life due to menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. How does the thyroid play a role in all of this?
Keep reading to learn more about the thyroid and sex drive for female libido.
2. Your Menstrual Cycle is Linked to the Thyroid
Here’s an interesting truth: Your thyroid is connected to your monthly cycle, as well as perimenopause, menopause, and female hormone balance in general. Let’s dive a little bit deeper into this.
The Ever-Changing Hormone Balancing Act
For women, our menstrual cycle causes hormone levels to ebb and flow, which can result in brief periods of slight mood changes, weight gain and loss, lengthened and shortened sleep patterns, and so on.
This is totally natural, UNLESS you experience nasty, lingering symptoms caused by an underlying hormone imbalance.
It is normal to feel a shift in mood and energy as you age. Perimenopause and menopause cause hormone patterns to shift, which typically result in a slower metabolism, some weight gain, and less libido. BUT…
The Real Problem Arises When Symptoms Get Out Of Control
If your symptoms are affecting your everyday life or you experience them BEFORE you enter perimenopause, you may have an underlying thyroid issue on your hands.
Symptoms such as major mood swings, rapid weight gain or loss, insomnia, hot flashes several times a day, and a complete lack of sexual drive may indicate a thyroid disorder.
3. Thyroid Disorders Affects 1 in Every 8 Women
Without the regulatory role of the thyroid, key hormonal processes that promote sexual health, maturity, and energy conversion will not function properly.
Unfortunately, the thyroid is susceptible to a couple of disorders that can have a negative impact on these processes, which result in hormone imbalances.
There are 3 main thyroid dysfunctions that you should be aware of as you age.
Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
Hypothyroidism is caused when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. While an underactive thyroid may be triggered for a number of reasons, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is often the root cause.
This condition is a result of the body’s immune system turning on the thyroid gland, causing it to limit thyroid hormone secretion. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Weight gain (reduced metabolism)
- Hair loss
- Dry skin
- Brittle nails
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Loss of libido
- Abnormal menstrual cramps /Irregular periods
According to statistics, roughly 10 million Americans are affected by hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. An overactive thyroid typically produces symptoms opposite of hypothyroidism. These include:
- Weight loss
- Nervousness or edginess
- Anxiety
- Increased sweating
- Racing heart or palpitations
- Increased bowel movements
- Loss of libido
- Abnormal menstrual cramps/Irregular periods
It is interesting to note that both hypo- and hyperthyroidism may negatively impact sexual health. This demonstrates the delicate relationship between the thyroid and our reproductive organs.
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid conditions such as goiter, autoimmune thyroiditis, abnormal thyroid growth, and thyroid nodules lead to a growing concern of thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer occurs when a growth of cells or enlarged nodules form on the thyroid, often causing voice changes and difficulty swallowing.
Here’s the good news…
4. 95% of Thyroid Nodules are Benign
Around 6% of women will experience thyroid nodules. Of these, most will NOT develop thyroid cancer. These may cause some concern because there is a possibility of thyroid cancer. However, in most cases, the nodules are benign.
Although thyroid nodule formation and thyroid cancer can occur at any age, most female patients experience it in their 40s and 50s. This is right around the same time when sex hormones begin to shift and women enter into menopause.
Speaking of menopause…
5. Hypothyroidism May Worsen Menopause Symptoms
Since there is a connection between the thyroid and female sex drive, it’s no secret that thyroid conditions may increase menopause symptoms.
Most women who suffer from hypothyroidism are middle-aged. Consequently, it isn’t uncommon to experience hypothyroidism and go through menopause at the same time.
Sadly, many cases show worsened overall menopause symptoms when a thyroid disorder is present. This includes frequent body temperature changes, mood swings, and lack of sexual appetite.
On the bright side, research studies show that many of these adverse symptoms were reduced when the thyroid dysfunction cases were treated through procedures like hormone replacement therapy!
6. Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Disrupt Sexual Desire
In both men and women, thyroid dysfunction often results in sexual dysfunction.
For women in particular, sexual dysfunction symptoms caused by an under-performing or over-performing thyroid may include:
- Low sex drive, low energy, and excessive fatigue
- Total lack of sexual desire
- Inability to become sexually aroused
- Difficulty reaching climax or orgasm
All of these can have major negative impacts on your mental and sexual health, not to mention it may also put a strain on your relationship with your partner.
Here’s the good news: If you are experiencing low libido due to thyroid issues and hormonal imbalances, there are steps you can take to remedy your symptoms and improve sex drive.
For instance, thyroid replacement therapy and bioidentical hormones are ways to balance your hormones, reduce negative symptoms, and increase libido.
Get a Thyroid Evaluation at Synergistiq Wellness
Are you worried about a growing lack of sexual desire? Do you wonder if your thyroid has anything to do with it?
Contact Dr. Deepa Verma, MD at Synergistiq Wellness to receive a comprehensive thyroid evaluation and wellness exam. During your evaluation, you will discover if there is a thyroid and sex drive female link to your symptoms. Book an appointment now!