Thyroid: Myths and Facts

Early detection is critical for successfully treating any thyroid problem. To assist with this, perform a self-exam known as the "neck check." Looking into a mirror, extending your neck, and gently turning your head slightly left and then right can help you detect a lump or enlargement. 

You may have a lump or goiter if the surface of your neck below your Adam's apple and above your collar bone is uneven or protruding even slightly. You should see an endocrinologist right away.

To get thyroid treatment or learn more about thyroid management, contact our endocrinologist.

Fact sheet 

Myth: Your symptoms will go away right away if you start taking thyroid medication

Truth: It takes time for thyroid levels to return to normal. Few people take medication for months before they start feeling better.

Myth: People with thyroid conditions should continue to take medication throughout their lives.

Truth: It is dependent on the cause of your condition. Thyroid issues can occur during or after pregnancy for some women. The thyroid may adjust itself once the body's hormones have stabilized. Also, prescriptions may change over time. At times, individuals with an underactive thyroid may require additional thyroid hormones during pregnancy.

Myth: It's okay to skip medicine if your symptoms aren't bothering you.

Truth: The thyroid hormone is in charge of many vital organ functions. Failure to treat even a mild case of thyroid disease can result in serious health issues such as heart disease, weak bones (osteoporosis), and/or inability to have children (infertility).

Myth: I can stop taking my medications once I feel better and my lab results are normal.

Truth: Regardless of how well you feel, it is critical that you continue to take your medications on a regular basis. Leave the decision to change or discontinue medication to an endocrinologist.

Myth: All thyroid nodules or lumps are cancerous.

Truth: This is not correct. In fact, only about 10% of thyroid nodules are cancerous. Several diagnostic procedures can be used to determine whether your nodule or lump is one of the rare cancerous lumps. Nodules that form in thyroid glands that are functioning normally are less likely to be cancerous than those that form in hyperthyroid patients. 

Radiation exposure, combined with advanced age, may increase the likelihood of a thyroid lump is cancerous. If thyroid nodules are not cancerous or interfering with your daily life, most doctors will leave them alone and reevaluate them every 6-12 months.

Myth: It is a female disorder

Truth: Though, as with most autoimmune diseases, it affects far more women than men, men are not uncommonly diagnosed with hypothyroidism. TFT levels should be checked every five years if you are healthy, but if you have been diagnosed with hyper/hypothyroidism, TFT levels should be checked more frequently.

Myth: I must follow a special diet because of my thyroid condition

Truth: Thyroid disease is not a lifestyle disease. Don't feed your brain with false information from non-medical websites. People with thyroid disorders, like everyone else, need to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Thyroid disorders are not caused by diet, so they won’t even be cured by diet.

Get in touch with our endocrinologist if you suspect you have a thyroid disorder.

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