Your thyroid is a gland in your neck that secretes hormones that regulate your metabolism. If you have problems with your thyroid gland not working properly, you may need to take medications to help treat your health problem. Thyroid hormone replacement treatment is usually more effective than iodine supplements, though there are some situations in which iodine supplements can be useful.
What Is Hypothyroidism?
Iodine supplements or thyroid hormone replacement should only be used if you have a documented case of hypothyroidism which occurs when your thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormone. This can cause you to feel tired or sluggish and will also make you more sensitive to cold. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include unexpected weight gain, brittle nails and hair, skin that is pale and dry, heavy menstrual periods, depression and constipation.
Thyroid Hormone Replacement
Hormone replacement using synthetic thyroid hormone is the most commonly used treatment for hypothyroidism. The medication levothyroxine, which is a prescription form of thyroid hormone, is used to increase the levels of thyroid hormone in your body. One advantage of levothyroxine is that it can be used to treat any type of hypothyroidism and the dosage can be adjusted depending on how your thyroid is functioning. This medications should be taken on an empty stomach.
Iodine Supplements
Iodine is an important mineral for the function of your thyroid because it is an integral part of thyroid hormone, so an iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism. Some alternative medicine practitioners recommend taking iodine supplements or consuming iodine-rich kelp to treat hypothyroidism. Iodine supplements are only effective if your hypothyroidism is caused by an iodine deficiency. Such deficiencies are rare in the United States because iodine is added to salt.
Considerations
Although iodine supplements may be helpful for treating hypothyroidism, you should only take them if you doctor has diagnosed you with an iodine deficiency. They should never be used as a replacement for other thyroid medications unless your doctor tells you that this is acceptable. High doses of iodine can be dangerous and doses above 1,100 mcg per day should not be taken unless you are under the supervision of a doctor.
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