Changes in Mental Capacity
Thyroid dysfunction can also be responsible for alterations in mental capacity, as mentioned briefly earlier. When the thyroid gland produces an excess of hormone, patients tend to experience a loss of concentration and increased distractibility. Conversely, when it produces too little hormone, patients suffer from mental fog, slow mental processing, and forgetfulness. In many cases, these symptoms go unnoticed as they are more subtle than other signs of thyroid disease. Treating the underlying thyroid disorder can quickly alleviate these cognitive function problems. These are among the earliest symptoms to disappear.
Decreased Sexual Desire
The loss of libido, especially in women, has been linked to thyroid problems. Hypothyroidism, in particular, is known to be responsible for decreased sexual desire. When the thyroid gland produces low levels of hormones, metabolism and other bodily functions are slowed down. The reproductive organs, as well as the adrenal glands, which produce sexual hormones, also respond more slowly. These changes can lead to temporary disinterest in sexual activity. However, once thyroid hormone replacement therapy begins, individuals can expect their libido to normalize. Patients with hyperthyroidism rarely exhibit a loss of libido; in some cases, in fact, sexual desire may increase.