Iodine patch and hypothyroidism what does this mean??? Does it effect how I feel

[Katie39]

I am a bit confused x I did an iodine patch test as advised by nurse as she said it may affect how my levothyroxine is absorbed.

The patch has faded after 8 hours

What does this mean?

Thank you

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Is that where you paint iodine onto your skin? It's said not to be the best test. More reliable is supposed to be the non-loading iodine test, Genova Diagnostics do one.

[Katie39 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi x yes it is x it was just during a conversation and she did it quickly but I don’t understand the link and what it means if it did fade?

( lol feet were frozen and wanted home)

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Katie39]

Did she not explain anything about it when doing it? Extremely strange if she didn't. Surely not an NHS nurse, I'd be very surprised if it was.

It's said that if it fades in less than 24 hours then that shows iodine deficiency but it's also said that it's not the best test.

[greygoose in reply to Katie39]

It doesn't mean anything. There are so many external factors that affect it, like temperature and humidity, and even altitude, that it has no bearing on your need for iodine. The iodine patch test was discredited a long time ago.

she said it may affect how my levothyroxine is absorbed.

That is absolute rubbish. It has no effect on your levo whatsoever. Many things do affect absorption, like stomach acid levels, and certain foods and medication, and the timings thereof, but not iodine levels.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to greygoose]

The iodine patch test was discredited a long time ago.

Yes - we have agreed that many times over the years!

[greygoose in reply to helvella]

Pity that nurse didn't know about it!