Debunking Common Myths About Thyroid Disease
This Thyroid Awareness Month, let’s debunk common myths about thyroid disorders and empower people to take charge of their health.
The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located close to the base of your neck, regulates metabolism, energy levels, and various bodily functions. Despite its importance, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about thyroid disease that can lead to misinterpretations, inaccurate diagnosis, and delayed treatment.
This blog post will dispel five widespread misunderstandings around thyroid disease and discuss how Modality Global Advisors may assist in debunking these myths, increasing public knowledge, and offering creative solutions for improved diagnosis and care.
Myth 1: Thyroid diseases only affect women.
Thyroid disease does not discriminate based on gender, although it is true that women are more prone to have thyroid abnormalities, especially during pregnancy, menopause, or after giving birth. In actuality, one in three hundred men are at risk of developing a thyroid issue, and one in eight women will experience one at some point in their lives.
Though these symptoms are sometimes overlooked or mistakenly attributed to other causes, men may experience thyroid disease symptoms including fatigue, weight fluctuations, depression, and muscle weakness. Since thyroid disorders can affect both men and women, it is important for everyone to recognize the symptoms and get medical attention when needed.
How Modality Global Advisors Can Contribute:
Modality Global Advisors supports awareness-raising initiatives that inform women and men about thyroid disease risk factors. They can also aid in creating healthcare plans that guarantee thyroid disorders are identified and managed in all demographics, irrespective of gender.
Myth 2: You can’t develop thyroid disease without being overweight.
Thyroid disease is sometimes wrongly linked to weight issues, particularly weight gain. Although weight gain is a possible side effect of hypothyroidism, thyroid disorder entails much more than weight. Similarly, maintaining a healthy weight does not ensure that your thyroid is operating at its best.
Many different symptoms of thyroid dysfunction have nothing to do with weight. For instance, despite having an increased appetite, hyperthyroidism is frequently associated with inexplicable weight loss. However, not all people with an underactive thyroid will noticeably change their weight. Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, might result in weight gain.
If symptoms like exhaustion or brain fog aren't readily connected to the thyroid, a person with normal weight may nevertheless have thyroid disease and go untreated.
How Modality Global Advisors Can Help:
Through outreach campaigns and education programs, Modality Global Advisors can help spread awareness about thyroid disease's association with weight. Modality can also help create guidelines for comprehensive screening of thyroid problems in all individuals. By leveraging research to debunk this myth, Modality can also help incorporate awareness of thyroid disease.
Myth 3: Your thyroid is healthy if your TSH level is normal.
A common myth is that your thyroid is operating normally if your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test results are normal. The truth is that a normal TSH does not necessarily mean that thyroid issues are not present, even though it is a common indicator of thyroid function.
A TSH test by itself might not reveal conditions like autoimmune thyroid disorders or subclinical hypothyroidism. For a thorough evaluation, other tests for thyroid antibodies, free T3, and free T4 may be required.
How Modality Global Advisors Can Help:
Modality Global Advisors can assist by promoting improved thyroid testing procedures that go beyond routine blood tests. They can aid in the creation of more thorough diagnostic instruments and protocols that consider a patient's symptoms as well as general health.
Conclusion
Misunderstandings about thyroid disease frequently result in misconceptions, incorrect diagnoses, and postponed treatment. By debunking these widespread misconceptions, we can advance knowledge about thyroid health and motivate more individuals to get treatment if they have symptoms. Thyroid disorder is more common and more treatable than most people realize. Do not hesitate to consult your healthcare professional and obtain the necessary testing if you have concerns about your thyroid health.
Modality Global Advisors can help develop a more knowledgeable, caring, and efficient thyroid condition management strategy that will benefit millions of patients. Modality can be pivotal by the following effort:
Education
Better Diagnostic Tools
Patient-Centered Tools
