If you have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism or have discussed with your doctor the possibility of thyroid disease, you know what a battle it can be to stabilize your body’s weight. Proper hormones may offer you some aid, but for many (especially women), hormone changes only complicate the condition further.
It is also common for many people to assume they have a thyroid disease merely because of spikes in weight gain and loss. It is important to be tested if you believe you may be suffering from improper thyroid function, but read on to debunk some of the most common thyroid myths before you make your appointment:
Myth: You can catch thyroid disease.
Truth: Thyroid disease is almost completely inherited and cannot be caught from another person.
Thyroid disease is typically inherited genetically and does not even have consistent ties to environmental causes. While some people may believe you can catch thyroid disease like a germ, this is simply untrue. If you have thyroid disease in your family and may be noticing symptoms of weight fluctuation, fatigue, bloating, high heart rate, etc., you may want to consult your doctor to find out whether you have a healthy thyroid.
Myth: Hypothyroidism is best treated with a low calorie diet & exercise.
Truth: Diet adjustment can treat hypothyroidism and promote weight loss.
While it is always important to practice portion control and stay active to keep your entire body healthy, calorie counting and exercise might have no affect on your weight if you are hypothyroid. This condition responds more to what you put in your body than how much. Typically a diet low in carbohydrates and high in proteins will help, but it is important to learn about which foods trigger your autoimmune response in order to avoid them.
Myth: Men do not get thyroid disease.
Truth: 20% of thyroid cases occur in men.
While thyroid disease is usually triggered in older women or women post-partum, men can also be susceptible to inheriting the disease. It is much more common for a woman to suffer from an inactive thyroid especially, but it is not out of the question for a man. If you are a man suffering from symptoms that may be associated with thyroid disease, contact your doctor to run appropriate tests.
Myth: Hyperthyroidism cannot be treated if medications have no effect.
Truth: Surgery can treat hyperthyroidism.
If you are suffering from hyperthyroidism and neither medication nor radioactive iodine have made an influence in your weight gain, you might be a candidate for surgery. This procedure may also treat thyroid cancer, benign nodules or cystic nodules that affect the thyroid. No matter your condition, know there is hope and there is a solution.
Dr. Schlotter has a keen interest in treating thyroid disease and helping patients in the Beeville, Texas area find health and healing. If you are suffering from thyroid disease and would like to learn more about your treatment options, call Coastal Plains Surgical Care today: (361) 354-2832.