Common Myths About Thyroid

Common Myths About Thyroid

1. Patients with Thyroid disorder should follow certain diet restrictions- FALSE

Most Thyroid disorders are a result of auto-immunity which has no relation to the diet taken. A healthy balanced and nutritious diet is always recommended in all patients to boost one’s own immunity. However thyroid patients NEED NOT avoid eating cauliflower, cabbage, soya, beans, chicken, eggs or any other food product.

2. Blood sample for thyroid should only be given in the morning - FALSE

This is generally not required. Thyroid function has no variation through the day and the sample can be given at any time, unless specifically advised by your doctor.

3. Women will not conceive if they have thyroid problem - FALSE

Women suffering from hypothyroidism have NO PROBLEMS conceiving, provided their thyroid hormone levels are treated to the levels suggested by their doctor. Once pregnant, the thyroid doses generally increase during pregnancy. There is NO risk to the fetus and the mother in pregnancy, if thyroid levels are maintained in the suggested range

4. Hypothyroid mothers will transmit their condition to their newborns- FALSE 

Thyroid gland of the fetus develops in the 16th week of pregnancy and mostly has no relation to the mother’s thyroid, especially after birth. There may be a transient hypothyroidism in the newborn which usually resolves without treatment within a few weeks after birth. Congenital hypothyroidism is another rare condition but not associated to hypothyroid mothers.

5. Once the thyroid levels are normal I can reduce or stop the medication- FALSE

In Hypothyroidism, most cases do not resolve, as there is a permanent destruction of the thyroid gland. Therefore it is important to take the thyroid medication for life, unless specified by the doctor. In Hyperthyroidism too, the patient should not stop his medication by self, unless advised by the doctor. Stopping the medication without consultation will lead to rebound disease manifestations.

6. I can eat/drink soon after taking thyroxine tablets- FALSE

Thyroxine or Levothyroxine used for the treatment of hypothyroidism,  HAS to be taken on an empty stomach. No solids/liquids(except water) should be consumed for at least 1 hour after taking the medication.  

7. I can keep the thyroxine bottle anywhere in the house - FALSE

The Thyroxine or Levothyroxine bottle should be kept away from all sources of heat. For example, it should not be kept on the fridge, near the stove, or in direct sunlight.