Men and Hypothyroidism

[Boristhespider]

Is it terribly uncommon for a man to be hypo? I am a male who had a TSH of 16.96. I went and had more blood work done monday and still have not received a call from my doctor. I am just nervous and feel bad. I was just talking with guys at work and they never heard of men having thyroid problems, and then I check on line and it is rare. I was just wondering if anyone here knows of any men who have thyroid problems?
And if my 16.96 TSH is something to be concerned about.
THANKS!

[mhomerjr]

A year ago, I had a cervical CT conducted for a swollen mass on the back of my neck. Incidentally, multiple hypodensities were discovered in my thyroid. A few months later, my general practicioner, wanted me to have a follow-up ultrasound of my thyroid, which resulted in a diagnosis of NON-DIFFUSE MULTI-NODULAR GOITER. I had several small nodules both anechoic and a few solid, as well as two complex cysts in the right lobe that were close to 1 cm^3. I consulted an endocrinologist who put me on 50mcg Synthroid after I had bloodwork conducted. The bloodwork was relatively normal , except that the TSH was borderline low. I have been on the meds for 6 months now, and about a month and 1/2 ago, I began developing extreme tightness in my throat like a choking feeling, pill stuck-feeling, tightness in the back of my neck and sternum. My general practicioner had me see GI doctor, who found minor constriction in my esophagus by conducting an upper endoscopy. I had a followup ultrasound of my thyroid indicating the same findings as the previous except additional growth (+1mm) in some of the cysts. I have since been taking Prevacid, Sertraline, and Xanax with the Synthroid. I take the medications at least 4 hours after taking the Synthroid to avoid interactions among the medications. Since seeing the GI, I had minor relief from the symptoms in my neck, and they have since returned and are getting progressively worse (tightening in throat, choking, pill-like feelings; tightness in sternum and back behind lungs). I am also noticing some weight gain, and I lift weights and do cardio 4-5 days a week for at least an hour. I am 29, male, biracial (black & white), and I was in good health up until a year ago...

I am curious to see if these choking/tightness/pill-feelings are a side-effect of the Synthroid...? Also, I am concerned that this goiter may be causing these issues... I am really concerned that these nodules may be forming into thyroid cancer... Currently, the doctors feel that they are too small to biopsy, and they are pretty much playing The Waiting Game... Any pointers?

[Gibbon1]

Not showing would mean it's taking up the same amount of radio iodine as the rest of your thyroid.

Since the nodule isn't hot, I'd expect your doctor to order a biopsy, to rule out cancer. 95% chance it's not cancer, just a lump. For a 38 year old man in good health, the twenty year survival rate for thyroid cancer is 99%. So don't let the cancer word scare you.

Did your doctor test your TSH and T4 hormone levels?  Those are what are important for detecting hypothyroidism.  A thyroid antibody panel is also a reasonable test.

PS: Other endocrine disorders can cause symptoms very similar to hypothyroidism.  Checking the thyroid is a good start since it's the most common problem after diabetes. And it's much less tricky to diagnose than other problems. Also problems with libido in younger men is a big red flag for endocrine problems.

[DarkHark]

38 yr old male with a 1.1cm single solid nodule on my left thyroid. I'm always tired. I just had an up-take that should on the high end of normal. However the  the scan didn't show the nodule. It is still there, but for some reason that scan show no 'hot' and 'cold' spot. What can case it to not show during an up-take?

[Iowatim]

Hi Im a 53 year old male and I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism about 6 months ago after going clinic having palps and uncomfortableness, anxiety, stress. Would come and go still does. Im on 25 mcg of Levothyroxine. I need to get back to doc these heart palps are really scary and can't relax or sleep well. It stops and goes. Ugh.  Tim

[Brucergoldberg]

Gimel is very macho.  

I had a whole conversation with my wifes uncle about 6 months ago about what was going on with me.  I explained the whole thing like i would someone who had no clue.  I get done with my conversation and he looks at me and says "i take 125 synthroid and have for years".    I look at him and say "what???"   Hes like "yes for 15 years and sometimes ill forget to take it for a few days and i just get tired but i dont even think about it anymore.  I went in for a routine blood test and they said i needed some thyroid, never felt any symptoms, never had any side effects".     Unreal!

[Barb135]

gimel takes his pills and says he feels best ever.