Debunking 5 Big Myths About Thyroid Disease

source: Cleveland Clinic

Your thyroid gland keeps your body’s metabolism humming and plays a key role in your overall well-being. So if you have some type of thyroid disease, you’d know it, right?

Not necessarily, says endocrinologist Mary Vouyiouklis Kellis, MD. About 20 million Americans have one of these problems with the butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck:

• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• Goiter (enlarged thyroid)
• Thyroid nodules
• Thyroid cancer

Here, Dr. Kellis shares the facts behind five myths you’ve heard about thyroid disease.

Myth No. 1: The symptoms of thyroid disease are obvious

The facts: The symptoms of thyroid disease can be subtle and easy to overlook. Significant weight gain or loss, fatigue or irritability, and cold or hot sensitivity are quite common and could point to other health issues, too.