Millions of Americans have hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enoughthyroid hormone. Yet many people don't know the facts about the condition. "People feel that, because they have thyroid issues, they expect certain things, such as fatigue and weight gain," saysLindsay Ann Bischoff, MD, an endocrinologist and assistant professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. "They often attribute a lot of symptoms to the thyroid, though they probably have no relation."
When hypothyroidism is properly treated, you can live well with the condition. Left untreated, however, hypothyroidism can lead to poor quality of life, complications during pregnancy, and other health conditions such as heart disease and depression.
Getting the facts straight about hypothyroidism can help you better manage the condition. Start by learning the truth behind these common hypothyroidism myths.
Myth #1: Only Women Get Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can affect both men and women. "There’s a myth that it’s a female disease, which is not true," Dr. Bischoff says. "It is more common in females, but certainly males get hypothyroidism." Women are five to eight times more likely than men to develop athyroid disorder, according to the American Thyroid Association, but men should also understand their risk. Risk factors include previous thyroid problems, having a family history of thyroid disease, and having radiation in the areas of the chest, neck, or thyroid, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
Myth #2: Only Older People Get Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is most common after age 60, but the condition can strike at any age. "Although the incidence of hypothyroidism increases with advancing age, younger men and women can develop hypothyroidism at any given time," saysRuchi Gaba, MBBS, an endocrinologist and assistant professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. "Young women can especially develophypothyroidism during pregnancyand in the post-partum period."
Myth #3: "I'd Know If I Had Hypothyroidism"
About 60 percent of people with thyroid disease are undiagnosed, according to the American Thyroid Association. Hypothyroidism symptoms are often vague and don't necessarily point to a thyroid problem, Dr.Gabasays. "Plus, in some people with underactive thyroid, the symptoms take some time to develop and might not always be clinically recognizable," she says.It can also be easy to mistakecommon symptoms of hypothyroidism— such as fatigue, weight gain,constipation, depression, pain in the joints, anddry skinand hair — for those of another condition. If these problems are new for you, see your doctor for an evaluation, especially if you have anyrisk factors for hypothyroidism.
Myth #4: It's Impossible to Lose Weight With Hypothyroidism
The truth is thatlosing weightcan be hard for anyone — especially during your late 30s and early 40s, when metabolism slows and pounds can pile on. If your thyroid hormone dosage is appropriate, you should not have a tougher time shedding weight. Part of this myth, Bischoff says, lies in the fact that weight gain is a sensitive topic. "It can be helpful for people to point to something and say this is the reason [I can’t lose weight]," she says. "But if you're adequately placed on thyroid hormone, you're on the same playing field."
Myth #4: More Thyroid Hormone Is Better
如果甲状腺激素帮助治疗甲状腺功能减退,some may think that more means better. "There's a myth that extra thyroid hormone gives you extra energy and makes you lose weight," Bischoff says. It's important to find the right dosage for your thyroid hormone medication to give your body just what it needs. "Not having enough can make you gain weight and not have enough energy,” Bischoff explains. But taking too much of the medication can also cause side effects, such as increased appetite,insomnia, shakiness, and heart palpitations. Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing any of these problems. He or she may adjust your thyroid medication dosage to address the side effect.
Myth #5: Hypothyroidism Means Constant Fatigue
This myth is much like the one about weight. Fatigue is a very common complaint amongpeople with hypothyroidism, but it's also a very common complaint in people without the condition, Bischoff says. One of the early signs of hypothyroidism is fatigue and lack of energy due to slowed metabolism. But once properly treated, your energy levels should return to normal. If you're still struggling with fatigue despiteproper sleep, nutrition, and exercise, talk to your doctor about having your thyroid hormone levels tested.
Myth #6: You Can Manage Hypothyroidism With Diet
Diet can often cure what ails you, but that simply isn't the case with hypothyroidism. From gluten-free to anti-inflammatory to iodine-rich diets, Bischoff says she's heard it all. The most common reason for hypothyroidism in the United States is the autoimmune disease Hashimoto's, a form of chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland, notes the National Institutes of Health. And diet does not affect Hashimoto's, Bischoff says. "People are often understandably looking for alternative treatments after diagnosis, and [will] say, 'I'm going to try diet first.' I say, ‘It's not that kind of disease.’" Although diet alone can’t improve thyroid function, eating a well-balanced, nutrient-richdietcan help improve your overall health.
Myth #7: You Can't Take Thyroid Medication During Pregnancy
Not true, Gaba says. Without treatment, hypothyroidism can result in serious complications duringpregnancy, including miscarriage,preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and developmental issues, the NIDDK states. "It’s safe to take synthetic thyroid hormone thyroxine during pregnancy to treat hypothyroidism," Gaba says. "In fact, your baby is dependent on you for its thyroxine requirement. And thyroxine is essential for the proper brain development of the baby."
