Myths and Facts About Hypothyroidism

Question 1/8
Hypothyroidism means your thyroid is:
- a
  Underactive
- b
  Overactive
Answer 1/8
Hypothyroidism means your thyroid is:
- You answered:
- The Correct Answer:
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the lower part of your neck. It makes thyroid hormone that helps you use energy and stay warm. It also keeps your brain, heart, muscles, and other organs running normally.
If you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormone.
Question 2/8
Men are more likely to have hypothyroidism.
- a
  True
- b
  False
Answer 2/8
Men are more likely to have hypothyroidism.
- You answered:
- The Correct Answer:
It's more common in women, especially those over 50. Still, you can have low thyroid levels at any age. Even babies and older children can have them.
Question 3/8
Which can be a symptom of hypothyroidism?
Answer 3/8
Which can be a symptom of hypothyroidism?
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- The Correct Answer:
Fatigue, weight gain, numbness, and tingling in your hands and, yes, always feeling cold can be signs that you have low thyroid levels. Symptoms tend to come on slowly over a few years.
Question 4/8
Your doctor can diagnose hypothyroidism with blood tests.
- a
  True
- b
  False
Answer 4/8
Your doctor can diagnose hypothyroidism with blood tests.
- You answered:
- The Correct Answer:
Hypothyroidism can be tricky to diagnose because your symptoms can look like those associated with other conditions. Blood tests that check how well your thyroid gland is working are the only way to know for sure if you've got it.
Your doctor will also check for other symptoms of it, like dry skin, hair loss, and a hoarse voice.
Question 5/8
What's the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S.?
Answer 5/8
What's the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S.?
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- The Correct Answer:
When someone has an autoimmune disease like Hashimoto's disease, their immune system attacks healthy cells. Some people make antibodies that attack their thyroid gland. That can lead to hypothyroidism, too.
Other reasons for it include:
Removal of part or all of the thyroid
Radiation treatment
Too much or too little iodine in your diet
Question 6/8
Hypothyroidism can be controlled with medication.
- a
  True
- b
  False
Answer 6/8
Hypothyroidism can be controlled with medication.
- You answered:
- The Correct Answer:
You can't cure hypothyroidism. But with the right dose of medicine, you'll start to feel better and your symptoms probably will go away. People who have it take daily pills to replace the hormones their thyroid can't make.
It may take a few tries to get the dose right. If you don't get enough replacement hormone, you may still have symptoms. If you get too much, you might have symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Question 7/8
If you don't treat your hypothyroidism, you could get:
Answer 7/8
If you don't treat your hypothyroidism, you could get:
- You answered:
- The Correct Answer:
Without treatment, you may have a higher risk of heart disease. That's mostly because people with hypothyroidism may have high levels of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, which can cause fatty deposits in your arteries. Hypothyroidism can also lead to an enlarged heart and heart failure.
Question 8/8
You can prevent hypothyroidism through diet and exercise.
- a
  True
- b
  False
Answer 8/8
You can prevent hypothyroidism through diet and exercise.
- You answered:
- The Correct Answer:
There's nothing you can do to prevent the condition. But be on the lookout for symptoms, and see your doctor if you're concerned.
With the right treatment, you can manage the disease and live a normal and healthy life.
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Reviewed by Sabrina Felson, MD on November 13, 2019

Sources

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SOURCES:

American Thyroid Association: "Hypothyroidism."

Cleveland Clinic: "Hypothyroidism."

Familydoctor.org: "Hypothyroidism."

Johns Hopkins Medicine: "Hypothyroidism."

Kaiser Permanente: "The Truth About Thyroid Disorders."

Kidshealth.org: "Blood Test: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)."

Womenshealth.gov: "Thyroid Disease Fact Sheet."

National Health Service: "Underactive thyroid (Hypothyroidism) -- Complications."

Mayo Clinic: "Hypothyroidism."

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THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

NEXT IN THE SERIES

Myths and Facts About Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism means your thyroid is:

Hypothyroidism means your thyroid is:

Men are more likely to have hypothyroidism.

Men are more likely to have hypothyroidism.

Which can be a symptom of hypothyroidism?

Which can be a symptom of hypothyroidism?

Your doctor can diagnose hypothyroidism with blood tests.

Your doctor can diagnose hypothyroidism with blood tests.

What's the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S.?

What's the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S.?

Hypothyroidism can be controlled with medication.

Hypothyroidism can be controlled with medication.

If you don't treat your hypothyroidism, you could get:

If you don't treat your hypothyroidism, you could get:

You can prevent hypothyroidism through diet and exercise.

You can prevent hypothyroidism through diet and exercise.

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