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Common myths on hyperthyroidism

There are several beliefs and myths that are linked to hyperthyroidism. With the current technology and the user-friendly sources of information that are freely available, people can break free from such blind theories.

TSH test is the only reliable way to diagnose hyperthyroidism

Conventional endocrinology believes that the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test is most accurate means to diagnose the thyroid disease. However, there are a growing number of medical practitioners who believe that the symptoms are a more reliable way of diagnosing the disease. One such doctor states that over 90 % of his patients who had hyperthyroidism had normal TSH test results. Inspite of having a normal TSH level, some practitioners claim that a narrower range is actually more accurate. There are a few doctors who conduct additional procedures that involve antibody testing inorder to diagnose auto-immune thyroid disease in progress. They may also conduct sensitive TRH test which helps uncover sub-clinical thyroid problems.

Older women alone develop thyroid problems

While women by the age of 60 have a 1 in 5 chance of developing hyperthyroidism, they are not the only ones who develop hyperthyroidism. They are vulnerable to hyperthyroidism at any age, in particular, during the post-partum period, and as their hormones begin to change in their late thirties. However, men in their mid-thirties and forties also risk developing thyroid conditions. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism differ as per gender – symptoms that are seen in men differ from those that are seen in women who have hyperthyroidism.

Everyone with hyperthyroidism will get bulging eyes

Although “Bulging eyes” are one of the symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease, this is not necessarily the case with every patient of hyperthyroidism. Not everyone who has thyroid conditions will develop eye-related symptoms. Hyperthyroidism occurs due to over-functioning of the thyroid gland and this may or may not affect the balance in the body that is linked with the eyes. This is a myth that does not hold any relevance as there is no truth in it whatsoever.

Senior citizens alone get hyperthyroid problems

There are no specific age groups that are prone to hyperthyroidism. Although a person over the age of 60 has a 20% more chance of developing thyroid conditions, age is not one of the reasons for hyperthyroidism. Even infants, teenagers and people in their twenties are susceptible to hyperthyroidism. The disease sprouts mainly due to faulty genes. A normally functioning thyroid gland does not imply no risk of having the disease at a later stage in life. The belief that hyperthyroidism poses a risk only the elderly, is a myth.

People with hyperthyroidism cannot gain weight

Although an overactive thyroid results in excess of thyroxin, this does not always mean that a person suffering from hyperthyroidism could remain without gaining weight for a long time. There are several other diseases that could affect the weight of an individual. A person with hyperthyroidism may or may not have weight issues. Many elderly people suffer from this problem as they are unable to gain weight. Also, minor ailments such as digestion problems, worms, etc also affect the weight of a person.

Hyperthyroid conditions are contagious

People in close proximity to each other often develop hyperthyroidism. However, this disease does not spread. Unlike a common cold which spreads through the air, hyperthyroidism cannot spread to people as it is not caused by a contagious virus. This condition is generally inherited, passing from mother to child, as it is carried forth genetically.

It is easy to diagnose and treat hyperthyroidism

There are several thousands of people who experience great difficulty in getting their condition diagnosed correctly. This is because the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are partially visible. Several times, even the best of practitioners would have to study a person’s test results, as well as conditions, inorder to determine hyperthyroidism. Even after the disease has been identified, it is quite an ordeal to ensure it is treated effectively. Many people discover that the radioactive iodine or other anti-thyroid drugs given for hyperthyroidism do not resolve the problems they face. Several symptoms get aggravated with certain medication and hence a practitioner would have to study the patient intently.

People with hyperthyroidism have to be treated for life

There has been a breakthrough in the field of medicine and hence, almost every disease can be treated and cured in the initial stages. A person with hyperthyroidism need not have to be on medication all through their lives. However, if the thyroid glands have been destroyed completely or removed, a person may need to take hormone therapy for the rest of their life. Many people who are diagnosed with the disease, can be treated using temporary medication. This is a myth that need not be feared any longer.

Lack of symptoms implies absence of hyperthyroidism

This is a myth, as the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are not very pronounced in all cases of the occurrence of the disease. Research shows that over ten million people in the world suffer from undiagnosed hyperthyroidism. A person suffering the disease may not necessarily have any symptoms. However, not having any side effects from the disease could still put a person at risk. This could lead to serious medical problems such as heart disease and high cholesterol. The TSH test is the only way some persons can discover improper hormone levels that their thyroid produces.

Antithyroid drugs or RAI are the only treatment options

Although anti-thyroid drugs and RAI treatments are widely used to effectively treat hyperthyroidism, there are several alternatives to treat the disease. This is a myth that does not carry any weightage. Many people are using natural treatment methods these days in order to get to the underlying cause of hyperthyroidism. Although anti-thyroid drugs could temporarily manage the symptoms, they do not treat the actual cause of the disease. Radioactive iodine only obliterates the thyroid gland, it doesn’t do anything for hyperthyroidism. On the other hand, natural treatment aims at detecting the actual cause of the problem and then works on the underlying cause.

Hyperthyroidism is not life threatening

This is a myth that could lead to severe complications for a person suffering with undiagnosed hyperthyroidism. A majority of the thyroid conditions are not life threatening, however, there are instances where they may be complicated. This is true when a person with hyperthyroidism develops thyroid storm. This is a wreck situation that demands immediate medical intervention. In this condition, a person’s pulse rate can exceed 200 beats per minute. Hence, hyperthyroidism must not be neglected.

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