5 MYTHS ABOUT THYROID HEALTH

It's true that this butterfly-shaped gland in your neck keeps your metabolism on course, but it is not to blame every time things go south. Here's your monthly fact-check.

- KATE ROCKWOOD

1 MYTH:
If you have unexplained weight gain and fatigue, it's most likely a thyroid problem.

MYTHBUSTER
While these symptoms can point to a thyroid issue, "weight gain and fatigue can result from other factors such as diet, lifestyle, stress, and poor sleep," says Mihail Zilbermint, M.D., M.B.A., an associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The thyroid releases hormones that help regulate many bodily functions, and when it puts out too much of them, that's known as hyperthyroidism. When it secretes too little (hypothyroidism), you may gain weight and feel fatigued. Ask your doctor for a thorough evaluation, advises Dr. Zilbermint, especially if you've noticed a heart rate shift; unexplained weight changes; difficulty sleeping or staying awake; sensitivity to cold or heat; jitteriness or anxiety; depression; irritability; or significant shifts in your menstrual cycle.

2 MYTH:
Neck lumps are typically thyroid cancer.

MYTHBUSTER