If thyroid diseases are not treated properly and promptly, they can lead to a variety of issues such as:

• Exophthalmos, or proptosis, i.e., bulging out of eyes, leading to blurred vision, or in severe cases, complete loss of vision
• Heart issues, like increased heart rate, irregular heart rhythm, and in severe cases, heart failure
• Osteoporosis, i.e., brittle bones
• Red and swollen skin, especially in the shin and feet regions
• Thyrotoxic crisis, worsening of symptoms like fever, rapid heart rate, etc., leading to delirium and irregular heartbeat, that requires immediate medical attention
• Benign thyroid growths (goiter) can also obstruct the airway and voice box and lead to breathing and speaking difficulties.
• Nerve damage leading to tingling, numbness, and pain in the limbs
• Infertility
• Birth defects
• Miscarriage or premature birth
• Mental health issues like anxiety, delirium, depression, etc.
• Myxedema 
• Graves eye disease, dermopathy, heart problems, and osteoporosis.
• Suspicious nodules/growths on the thyroid gland can be a sign of metastatic thyroid cancer.

Myth: Hypothyroidism only occurs in middle-aged women.

Fact: Though it mostly occurs in women, hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder that can occur at any age and in both genders. Low thyroid hormone levels in men are a common factor behind poor sexual libido and erectile dysfunction.

Myth: All patients with thyroid problems get goiter.

Fact: No, goiter, i.e., the enlargement of the thyroid gland, may not occur in the early stages of the thyroid disease. In fact, nowadays, it is more common for even severe thyroid problems not to have an associated goiter.

Myth: Patients can stop taking thyroid supplements once their hormone levels are normal.

Fact: If you are undergoing thyroidectomy, you may need to take thyroid hormone replacement supplements such as TSH and thyroxine for the rest of your life. This is why often hemithyroidectomy surgeries such as subtotal thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy surgeries are preferred.

Myth: Consumption of brassica family vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, etc. can lead to thyroid issues.

Fact: Various research studies have indicated that cooked consumption of these vegetables does not affect the thyroid gland. They can even be consumed raw in small quantities.

Myth: All lumps or nodules on the thyroid are signs of thyroid cancer.

Fact: This is a common misconception but only 5% of thyroid nodules/growths are cancerous, the rest are all benign.

Myth: Thyroid cancer is incurable.

Fact: If detected early, thyroid cancer can be easily cured through thyroid surgery and radioiodine treatment (radiotherapy). 

Myth: Women can’t get pregnant if they have thyroid disease.

Fact: With proper care and treatment, including thyroid supplements and hormone replacements, women can get pregnant even with thyroid disease.

Myth: Surgery is necessary for the treatment of all thyroid disorders.

Fact: If the growth is benign, thyroidectomy is only performed if the patient is having significant trouble breathing or swallowing or if the thyroid gland is causing cosmetic issues.