Iodine is essential for optimal thyroid function, and the biggest cause of hypothyroidism worldwide is iodine deficiency.
Hypothyroidism can result in:
- Weight gain
- Inability to lose weight
- Coldness
- Depression
- Loss of the outer third of the eyebrows
- Sluggishness
- Foggy brain
- Infertility
In fact, it can result in a deficiency of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), which means the follicles in your ovaries may not mature to produce an egg.
This interferes with ovulation and a regular, healthy menstrual cycle.
Sounds a lot like PCOS, doesn’t it? And the two are strongly linked.
How can you tell if you are iodine-deficient?
All of the symptoms of iodine deficiency are related to its effect on the thyroid:
Goitre
Without adequate iodine, the thyroid gland progressively enlarges (develops a goitre) as it attempts to meet the increased demand for thyroid hormone production. Worldwide, iodine deficiency is the most common cause of thyroid enlargement and goitre (see Goitre brochure). Within a goitre, nodules can develop. Patients with a large goitre may experience symptoms of choking, especially when lying down, and difficulty swallowing and breathing.
Hypothyroidism
As the body’s iodine levels fall, hypothyroidism may develop, as iodine is essential for making thyroid hormone. While this is uncommon in the United States, iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide (see Hypothyroidism brochure).
Pregnancy-related problems
Iodine deficiency is especially important in women who are pregnant or nursing their infants. Severe iodine deficiency in the mother has been associated with miscarriages, stillbirth, preterm delivery, and congenital abnormalities in their babies. Children of mothers with severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy can have intellectual disability and problems with growth, hearing, and speech.
In the most severe form, an underactive thyroid can result in cretinism (a syndrome characterised by permanent brain damage, mental retardation, deaf mutism, spasticity, and short stature), though this is not seen in the United States. Congenital hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency is the most common preventable cause of intellectual disability in the world. Even mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy, which may be present in some women in the United States, may be associated with low intelligence in children.”
(http://www.thyroid.org/patients/patient_brochures/iodine_deficiency.html)
Want to know more?
To discover more about your iodine intake and your thyroid, see chapter 9 ‘Your Thyroid – How To Boost Your Metabolism, Have Abundant Energy And Lose Weight’ from page 149 in Conquer Your PCOS Naturally.
From PCOS to perfect health, with love,
Dr. Rebecca Harwin
The PCOS Expert
Chiropractor & Bestselling Author of
Conquer Your PCOS Naturally
www.ConquerYourPCOSNaturally.com
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