Common Thyroid Myths
Answers to common questions about common thyroid myths.
Questions on this page
- “Once I have thyroid, I cannot eat cabbage.”
- “Everyone with thyroid needs lifelong medicine.”
- “A thyroid nodule means cancer.”
- “A normal TSH means everything is fine.”
- “Thyroid medicine causes weight gain.”
- “I can stop thyroid medicine once TSH becomes normal.”
- “Thyroid disease means I cannot become pregnant.”
“Once I have thyroid, I cannot eat cabbage.”
Not true. Most people do not need to avoid cruciferous vegetables.
“Everyone with thyroid needs lifelong medicine.”
Not necessarily. It depends on the cause and type of thyroid disorder.
“A thyroid nodule means cancer.”
No. Most thyroid nodules are benign.
“A normal TSH means everything is fine.”
Not always. Symptoms, medications, pregnancy and other thyroid tests may need to be considered.
“Thyroid medicine causes weight gain.”
Properly dosed levothyroxine does not normally cause weight gain.
“I can stop thyroid medicine once TSH becomes normal.”
Usually, no. A normal TSH may simply mean that the medicine is working.
“Thyroid disease means I cannot become pregnant.”
No. Properly treated thyroid disease is compatible with healthy pregnancy in most women.