When to worry about loss of libido with hypothyroidism

An underactive thyroid can affect energy, mood, sleep and the body systems involved in sexual response. Low desire may also be influenced by relationship stress, low mood, pain, medication effects or another hormone problem, so it should not be used alone to identify a cause.

Arrange a routine appointment if the change continues after other thyroid symptoms improve, affects your relationship or wellbeing, or comes with marked tiredness, feeling unusually cold, constipation, dry skin or mood changes. A clinician can review symptoms, medicines and thyroid monitoring, then decide whether further assessment is useful.

Write down when desire changed, whether it is constant or situational, and any related changes in energy, erections, vaginal comfort, mood or sleep. Take prescribed thyroid medicine as directed and do not change the dose or add hormone products without medical advice.

Bring a list of medicines and supplements to your appointment. Honest, private information about sexual symptoms helps the clinician separate thyroid-related effects from medication, emotional, vascular or relationship factors.

Seek prompt medical advice for a sudden or severe change, new genital pain, bleeding, an erection lasting unusually long, or severe depression. Seek urgent help if low mood includes thoughts of self-harm. Otherwise, book a routine review when loss of desire persists or is troubling.

Ask whether your thyroid control, medicines, mood, sleep or another hormone could be contributing; whether testing is appropriate; and what improvement to watch for after any treatment adjustment.