Can Hypothyroidism Cause Low Testosterone? (Explained)

The connection between hypothyroidism and low T is direct, and thyroid dysfunction affects levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and free testosterone, both of which can contribute to symptoms of low testosterone.[1].

There is a chain reaction of events that begins with proper thyroid function [2].

It might seem too complicated but bear with me.

It goes something like this:

1. Adequate thyroid hormone stimulates the hypothalamus
2. Hypothalamus promotes the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
3. GnRH tells the anterior pituitary gland to produce luteinizing hormone (LH)
4. LH sends a signal to the testes
5. The testes produce testosterone

So, in a nutshell, when things go awry in the endocrine system with low thyroid hormone production (subclinical hypothyroidism), there is a trickle-down effect with other hormones, ultimately resulting in low testosterone levels.

While the relationship and treatment of hypothyroidism related to low testosterone levels remain a much-debated topic in the medical field, we know that both the thyroid and testosterone levels link to several common body functions.

Let’s start by taking a brief look at the thyroid.

What Does Your Thyroid Do?

Your thyroid gland produces two essential hormones, T3 and T4, that help regulate metabolism.

The thyroid is a small adrenal gland in the front of the neck shaped like a butterfly. Like other bodily glands, it produces substances that aid body functions, such as hormones.

The thyroid produces T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine).

These thyroid hormones basically tell your body how much energy to use.

When the thyroid functions correctly, your metabolism will work at the proper rate, and as T4 and T3 deplete, it will produce more [3].

Now let’s look at when it doesn’t function properly, as in the case of hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough T4 and T3 hormones.

Also known as underactive thyroid, this condition can lead to several health problems, including heart disease, infertility, and obesity [4].

Subclinical hypothyroidism is when the thyroid hormones are teetering on the edge of the normal range.

Causes

Several factors can lead to insufficient thyroid hormone production [5].

Including:

• Autoimmune disease
• Thyroid surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Medications
• Congenital disease
• Pituitary disorder
• Pregnancy
• Iodine deficiency
• Over-correction of hyperthyroidism (producing too much thyroid hormone)

Studies show that men who exercise have higher testosterone levels than sedentary men [10].

An analysis of obese men with low testosterone levels found that exercise increased testosterone levels more than reduced caloric intake and weight loss [11].

Some exercises prove to be more effective at raising testosterone levels than others.

Weight lifting and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are two of the best testosterone-boosting exercises.

One study shows that men who did resistance training three times per week for four weeks had increased T levels immediately after a workout and also in the long term [12].

Another study of treadmill running showed that 90 seconds at 100-110% VO2 max followed by 90 seconds of active recovery pace (40% of VO2 max) increased testosterone significantly more than a 45-minute run at a continuous pace [13].

Many testosterone-boosting supplements contain scientifically-backed ingredients, like magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, selenium, and boron, that naturally increase levels.

It is critical to get the root cause of low testosterone levels, like low thyroid hormones, evaluated and treated, but these supplements can give you a jumpstart in recouping levels.

Testosterone boosters can help erectile dysfunction and low sex drive and improve energy levels, focus, muscle mass, and bone density.