The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ in your neck that produces two vital hormones (triiodothyronine and thyroxine) that govern your body's temperature, metabolism, and digestion. It also manages essential organs including your heart, brain, liver, kidneys, and skin. What do you know about your thyroid? Chances are, some of what you've heard or read about thyroid are incorrect.
The thyroid has a poor reputation, having been blamed for everything from sleepiness to weight gain. While these are frequent signs of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), this essential endocrine gland isn't always to blame for your bad physical symptoms. In this article, we have gathered seven common myths about the thyroid gland that should be addressed.
1. Thyroid malfunction makes you fat
Since your thyroid regulates your metabolic processes, which have an impact on how many calories you burn each day, you may consider it responsible for major weight gain. Indeed, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) results in a slowed metabolism or the pace at which your body transforms food into energy. A slow metabolism, on the other hand, is quite uncommon.
Additionally, it is simply one factor in a vast network of hormones and neural interactions. While a small number of people experience considerable weight gain, the majority of people should address factors that lead to weight gain even if their thyroid is normal.
2. Sudden weight loss indicates an overactive thyroid
On the other hand, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or Graves' disease can sometimes cause weight loss symptoms. When the thyroid is hyperactive, some people may also gain weight. Other hyperthyroid symptoms include a fast heart rate, a high body temperature, and sleeping issues.
3. All thyroid sufferers have bulging eyes
Bulging eyes are only one sign of thyroid eye disease, which is most commonly associated with hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone) and Graves' disease (an autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid). However, thyroid eye disease causes bulging eyes in a small percentage of people who do not have thyroid issues.
4. Thyroid patients will be on medications for the rest of their lives
The truth is that it is dependent on the source of your ailment. Some women experience thyroid issues during or after pregnancy. The thyroid may repair itself after the body's hormones have stabilized. It is also true that prescriptions might vary over time. People with an underactive thyroid, for example, may require additional thyroid hormone during pregnancy.
5. Iodine can be used to treat thyroid disease at home
True, your thyroid needs iodine (found in table salt) to work, therefore consuming enough of it is essential for a healthy thyroid. In certain cases, radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment is used to treat hyperactive thyroid problems or thyroid cancer. However, most people obtain appropriate quantities of iodine through their everyday meals.
In fact, consuming too much iodine may create further thyroid issues, such as generating too much thyroid hormone in an attempt to digest all of the extra iodine. So, instead of doing it yourself, contact an endocrinologist before taking iodine supplements.
6. A thyroid lump or nodule indicates cancer
The vast majority of thyroid nodules are benign, with about 5% of nodules proving to be cancerous. Your endocrinologist may suggest you have ultrasonography of a thyroid nodule, and if necessary, a needle test of the nodule.
7. Your diet can improve thyroid disease
Thyroid disease treatment is more complex than simply maintaining a healthy diet. Since food has a limited influence on your thyroid, a special medication is required to manage it. If you are diagnosed with thyroid disease, see your doctor to determine the best course of therapy for you. It is mostly a combination of medications, exercise, adequate sleep, and healthy foods.
