Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, doesn’t generate a sufficient amount of hormones. These hormones control metabolism and have several impacts on the body. Hypothyroidism can induce fatigue, weight gain, and cold sensitivity, and if uncontrolled, can result in significant medical complications.
Unfortunately, there are several misconceptions regarding hypothyroidism that can lead to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment. Here are seven popular hypothyroidism myths and the facts behind them.
Myth 1: Only women get hypothyroidism
Although females are more prone to hypothyroidism than males, men can also be impacted by the disease. Men account for around 5% of hypothyroidism cases. This is due to the thyroid gland’s involvement in controlling metabolism and hormone balance, which can affect both men and women. Radiation exposure, some drugs, and autoimmune illnesses are all risk factors for hypothyroidism in males.
Myth 2: Hypothyroidism only affects older people
People of all ages, including children and young adults, can be affected by hypothyroidism. The chance of getting hypothyroidism, on the other hand, grows with age, and the disease is most common in individuals over the age of 60. Because of things like inflammation, infection, or radiation exposure, the thyroid gland can become damaged over time. Moreover, elderly people are more likely to have underlying medical issues that raise their risk of hypothyroidism.
Myth 3: Hypothyroidism is rare
About 4% of people in the population have hypothyroidism, making it a very common issue. Hypothyroidism affects around 10 million people in the United States. The disease is most usually caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune ailment in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Other causes of hypothyroidism include thyroid gland removal surgery, radiation treatment, and certain medications.
Myth 4: Hypothyroidism only causes fatigue and weight gain
Hypothyroidism can lead to a number of symptoms (including fatigue and weight gain) like dry skin, hair loss, cold sensitivity, and constipation. In fact, some hypothyroid patients have no clinical manifestations at all. This is because hypothyroidism symptoms can be mild and resemble other diseases. Moreover, the severity of symptoms varies from person to person, and some people may not feel any symptoms until the condition has worsened.
Myth 5: Hypothyroidism is caused by eating too much soy
Soy contains goitrogens, which can affect thyroid function. However, moderate soy consumption is unlikely to result in hypothyroidism, and there is no scientific evidence to back up the theory that soy consumption can lead to hypothyroidism. The truth is that soy is a wonderful source of protein and other minerals and can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet. People who are worried about the effects of soy on their thyroid should consult with their doctor to see whether they need to reduce their soy consumption.
Myth 6: Hypothyroidism can be cured with natural remedies
Although there is no cure for hypothyroidism, it can be managed with medicine. Natural treatments, such as supplements and herbs, are ineffective in the treatment of hypothyroidism and should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment.
Because home remedies don’t address the underlying issue, which is a shortage of thyroid hormones, they are ineffective. Besides that, some natural remedies might react with other medications, causing negative effects. That’s why it is better to use medications prescribed by a professional endocrinologist.
Myth 7: Once treated, hypothyroidism will never come back
While medication can effectively control hypothyroidism, the disease might reoccur, especially if the underlying cause is not handled appropriately. To ensure that the disease is assessed and treated, the dose of medication may need to be modified and regular monitoring by a doctor is required. Moreover, some people may develop other autoimmune diseases that affect the thyroid gland, leading to a recurrence of hypothyroidism.
