I had micronutrient and thyroid tests for hair breakage and falling. Kindly help.

Hi,

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If you have iodine deficiency hypothyroidism, then it should not be a problem but you need to see if you have autoimmune thyroid disease in which case you cannot take iodine supplement. Thank you and take care. Regards.

Hi,

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In case of autoimmune hypothyroidism, iodine is thought to do more harm than good because it causes the already inflamed thyroid gland to flare up. You see, before the body can use iodine, it needs to be processed and modified by the thyroid gland but in case of autoimmune hypothyroidism like in your case, there are already existing antibodies reacting against the gland so in this case if iodine is given, in the process of trying to process it, the gland flares up even more. Having said that, your iodine deficiency needs to be corrected anyhow. So, what you can do is start with low doses. This would not hurt. In addition to that, get your selenium levels checked as studies have shown that iodine supplements in case of selenium deficiency can cause flare ups instead of just iodine itself. So, if it turns out that you have selenium deficiency too, you should take selenium along with low doses of iodine. Furthermore, I would like you to show me the reports of your recent thyroid work up including thyroid antibodies. It would be better to get the tests done first if not done recently along with selenium levels. Then we could start with supplements as required. I hope this helps. Thank you.

Hi,

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Yep, that is the lowest daily recommended intake, 150 micrograms. You can take it, but, with Selenium supplementation of daily 55 micrograms. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and take medications with their consent. Also, eat Selenium-rich food and there is this green tea with Selenium in it, you can try it. Coming back to iodine, as you are getting the full daily requirement from the supplements, be sure to eat a salt-restricted diet. I understand you are frustrated but do not worry. On a personal note, my husband has autoimmune hypothyroidism too just like you. So, I know how you might feel. Now, if you got these tests done recently, you can repeat the tests after one month to see how the supplements are working. We can always readjust doses in case of any untoward symptoms. Remember, of all the endocrine disorders, thyroid hormones are the easiest to fix. Thank you and take care. Regards.