Supplements and Iodine? Endo says no Iodine - what can I do?

[Nicardiff]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with Grave's disease last year (June 14) and was treated initially with Carbimazole and Propranolol. I was put on 'block and replace therapy' last November after seeing an Endocrinologist and have been on varying amounts of Carbimazole ( now 30mcg) and a varying range of Levothyroxine (75mcg) then 125 mcg then 100mcg having episodes of being both Hyper and Hypo. After having symptoms of being over-medicated during the last summer I reduced my own dose to approx 90mcg but still haven't felt well. My last appointment with my Endo, after discussing everything, led to his decision to stop all medication ( 9 months on Block and replace ) to see what happens. I explained I would like to take supplements and he recommended Selenium (200 mcg) but said there was no evidence that anything actually helped but it wouldn't hurt except I mustn't take Iodine.

I have been researching on supplements as I want to optimise the chance of the therapy working ( I know there is a 50% chance of going into remission!). Having read Dr Peatfields book and Thyroid UK's information I have been researching Thyroid support supplements which have everything included.....my problem is they all contain Iodine.

If I buy everything separately the list is huge! I am not sure what to do? Please can someone help?

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Nicardiff.

Iodine supplementation is very contentious. It has been used to lower thyroid levels in hyperthyroid patients, and it may improve thyroid function in those with low thyroid levels due to iodine deficiency, but too much has been shown to induce autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's).

There are more than 2,500 posts on the subject of iodine, most concerned with improving thyroid function in hypothyroid patients healthunlocked.com/search/i...

Thyroid support supplements may improve thyroid function which is probably not a good idea when you are testing remission after stopping Carbimazole. I'd be inclined to stick with the 200mcg selenium your endo recommended and avoid iodine for now, at least.

Ask your GP to test ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate which may be depleted after being hyperthyroid.

[Nicardiff in reply to Clutter]

Thanks Clutter,

That has been very useful. I have found this forum really informative as I have been following it for the last few months trying to find out as much as I can about Thyroid issues.