5 Common Myths About Hyperthyroidism and Graves Disease

There are numerous myths about hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease, and I’m going to discuss five of the more common ones in this article. So let’s take a look at them:

Myth #1: Antithyroid drugs and RAI are the only treatment options. According to most endocrinologists and other types of medical doctors, there are essentially two treatment options for people with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease. In the United States, radioactive iodine is commonly recommended as a first option to people who have hyperthyroid conditions. Many others will take antithyroid drugs to help manage the hyperthyroid symptoms. In some cases surgery will be recommended, but it’s rare.

However, many people are turning to natural treatment methods in order to get to the underlying cause of the condition. Although antithyroid drugs may be necessary to temporarily manage the symptoms, they do nothing for the actual cause of the problem. Radioactive iodine obliterates the thyroid gland, and so it also doesn’t do anything for the actual cause of the disorder. On the other hand, the goal of a natural treatment protocol is to detect and then correct the underlying cause of the condition.

In most cases of hyperthyroidism, and in just about all cases of Graves’ Disease, the malfunctioning thyroid gland isn’t the actual cause of the condition. One needs to address other areas of the body, such as the immune system, adrenal glands, sex hormones, and digestive system. If one or more of these areas is responsible for the hyperthyroid condition, they will need to be addressed in order to restore the health of the individual.

Myth #2: RAI cures hyperthyroidism & Graves’ Disease. Some medical doctors think of radioactive iodine as a cure for hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease. While RAI may be necessary in some cases, the problem is that it doesn’t do anything for the underlying cause of the condition. This harsh treatment method obliterates the thyroid gland, and in most cases will make someone hypothyroid for the rest of their life. Once again, some people may need to receive radioactive iodine, but by no means is this curing hyperthyroidism or Graves’ Disease.

Myth #3: Natural treatment methods don’t work. If you were to ask any endocrinologist whether natural treatment methods can help with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease, chances are they will firmly tell you “no”. The main reason for this is because they don’t know much about natural treatment methods. Plus, you need to remember that they were trained in medical school to use drugs, surgery, and other conventional medical treatment methods. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that they will tell their patients that natural treatment methods don’t work.

Plus, something to keep in mind is that many people attempt to self-treat their condition naturally. Taking this approach usually doesn’t work, as while it might help to manage the symptoms temporarily, self-treating one’s condition probably won’t restore their health back to normal. While natural treatment methods can be very effective when under the supervision of a competent natural endocrine doctor, by no means is it a quick and easy process. The person needs to take responsibility for their health if they want to have any chance of restoring their health back to normal.

Myth #4: Hyperthyroidism is never life threatening. While it is true that most hyperthyroid conditions aren’t life threatening, there are some cases when they can be. This is especially true when someone with hyperthyroidism develops thyroid storm, which is an emergency situation that requires immediate medical intervention. With this condition the person’s pulse rate can exceed 200 beats per minute. So again, it is rare for hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease to be life threatening, but it definitely can be.

Myth #5: Genetics is the primary reason why people develop hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease. When it comes to the development of hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease, genetics definitely can play a role. However, research is showing that lifestyle factors are more prominent in the development of such conditions. In other words, just because you have a genetic marker for hyperthyroidism or Graves’ Disease doesn’t mean you will develop these conditions. Most people can prevent this condition from developing by living a healthy lifestyle, which most people don’t do. So eating healthy, doing a good job of managing stress, getting sufficient sleep, etc., can all help to prevent the development of such conditions.

So hopefully you now realize that these myths aren’t true. And if you currently have hyperthyroidism or Graves’ Disease, then you just might want to consider consulting with a natural endocrine doctor to see if you’re a good candidate for a natural treatment protocol. Although not everyone with these conditions can have their health restored back to normal, many people can benefit, and you have absolutely nothing to lose by speaking with an expert.