Iodine. Thyroid. Ovaries.
Does one of these seem like it doesn’t belong?
The three can actually be interconnected. You may know that iodine is important to thyroid function, but did you know that the ovaries also need iodine? In fact, ovaries contain the second largest concentration of iodine in the body after the thyroid!
An iodine deficiency can not only cause problems with thyroid function but can also affect fertility and contribute to ovarian cyst formation.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a common autoimmune disorder. PCOS and Hashimoto’s occur together more frequently than they should by chance. Genetics, inflammation, and potentially iodine deficiency are the underlying reason these conditions are frequently found together.
If you have PCOS, Hashimoto’s, or hypothyroidism, you should have your iodine level checked. We don’t usually think of the US as a country where citizens are at risk for iodine deficiency, however, it occurs more than we realize. This can lead to people suffering needlessly for years because iodine isn’t being checked.
Couldn’t I just supplement with iodine to ensure I have enough? Yes, you could, but excess iodine is also problematic to the thyroid. Therefore, it is much safer to check your levels before supplementing with iodine.