What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your iodine levels mean for your thyroid health, energy, and metabolism. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary changes to increase iodine intake, supplement suggestions, or whether you should follow up with an endocrinologist. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your iodine levels over time using our trends feature to see how dietary changes are working.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is important for anyone experiencing symptoms of thyroid dysfunction like fatigue, weight changes, or feeling cold. It's especially useful for pregnant women or those planning pregnancy, people on restrictive diets that may lack iodine-rich foods, and anyone taking medications like Amiodarone that can affect iodine levels. Those with a family history of thyroid problems should also consider testing.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms of iodine deficiency include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, feeling unusually cold, dry skin, and difficulty concentrating. You might also experience thinning hair, muscle weakness, or a slower heart rate. These symptoms overlap with thyroid dysfunction because iodine is crucial for making thyroid hormones.

How can I naturally increase my iodine levels?

The best dietary sources of iodine include seafood like fish and seaweed, dairy products, eggs, and iodized table salt. Eating a varied diet with these foods several times per week usually provides adequate iodine. If you avoid these foods or follow a restrictive diet, you might benefit from a multivitamin containing iodine, but it's important not to overdo it as too much iodine can also cause problems.

What is iodine and why does it matter for my health?

Iodine is an essential mineral that your body cannot produce on its own, so you must get it through food or supplements. Your thyroid gland uses iodine to make hormones that regulate your metabolism, energy production, body temperature, and even brain development in children. Without enough iodine, your thyroid can't function properly, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and other metabolic issues.

What does low iodine mean?

Low iodine levels indicate you're not getting enough of this essential mineral through your diet, which can lead to hypothyroidism or an enlarged thyroid gland called a goiter. This deficiency can cause fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, dry skin, and difficulty concentrating. It's particularly concerning during pregnancy as it can affect fetal brain development.

What does high iodine mean?

High iodine levels can occur from taking too many iodine supplements, eating excessive amounts of seaweed or kelp, or from certain medications like Amiodarone. Excess iodine can actually cause thyroid problems including both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, leading to symptoms like rapid heartbeat, anxiety, weight changes, or fatigue. If your levels are elevated, your doctor will help identify the source and adjust accordingly.