Original articleThe effect of l-thyroxine treatment on sexual function and depressive symptoms in men with autoimmune hypothyroidism

BackgroundThyroid autoimmunity and mild hypothyroidism in women seem to be associated with sexual dysfunction and depressive symptoms. Data concerning similar associations in men are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate sexual functioning and depressive symptoms in men with autoimmune hypothyroidism.MethodsThe study population consisted of three groups: men with autoimmune overt hypothyroidism (group A), men with autoimmune subclinical hypothyroidism (group B) and healthy euthyroid males without thyroid autoimmunity (group C). Apart from measuring serum levels of thyrotropin and free thyroid hormones and thyroid antibody titers, all included patients completed a questionnaires evaluating male sexual function (International Index of Erectile Function-15: IIEF-15) and assessing the presence and severity of depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition − BDI-II) before and after 6 months of levothyroxine treatment.ResultsMen with overt hypothyroidism obtained lower scores in all five domains of IIEF-15, while men with subclinical hypothyroidism only in erectile function. The total BDI-II score was higher in groups A than in groups B and C, as well as higher in group B than in group C. L-thyroxine improved erectile function and normalized intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic function, sexual desire and overall satisfaction in group A, as well as normalized erectile function in group B. In group A, L-thyroxine reduced, while in group B tended to reduce total BDI-II.ConclusionsThe obtained results suggest that autoimmune hypothyroidism in men is characterized by sexual and mood disturbances and that hypothyroid patients with sexual dysfunction and depressive symptoms benefit from L-thyroxine treatment.