Happy to report this progress. I've had an enlarged thyroid (goiteroid tissue with nodules) for a number of years. (Discovered in '98 during a scan of an enlarged submandibular gland.) The nodules were then biopsied because of the concern they tend to eventually turn malignant. I have had a thyroid ultrasound annually since then to keep track of any changes.
Several years ago, I got on the Iodine supplementation bandwagon and began with microgram doses...at first just 1,000 mcg ...with my doctor's approval. The most significant change was a steady decrease in the amount of Armour thyroid hormone I required to keep the TSH at less than 2.0. I now take only 15 mg five days a week and the TSH is .5
No nodule changes were noted in the annual ultrasounds until a recent scan. The larger nodule had shrunk by a couple of millimeters and a small one had disappeared completely! Another remained unchanged. I thought I was given the formal writeup and was not, so I can't quote the exact measurements. I'll request a copy.
Since I could hardly contain my enthusiasm over the results, I had to share with the Endocrinologist why I was excited. I told her about my iodine experiement and while she looked skeptical (!!!!), she couldn't deny the facts that were right there on the computer monitor... comparing the previous and current u/s image.
I'm currently taking 6.25 mg of a mixed iodine supplement every other day... (Iodine (2.5 mg as molecular iodine, 2.5 mg as sodium iodide, and 1.25 mg as potassium iodide) 6.25 mg) and I once a week or so I paint on Iosol.... more than that gives me the uncomfortable metallic taste and skin lesions from the detoxing process. My plan is to be diligent in ramping up the dose so that by next year, perhaps more of the nodules will resolve. I've been told (by endocrinologists) that it's extremely difficult to reverse the nodules... but none of them ever tested my iodine levels or even suggested that I might be low....or acknowledged a connection. If I didn't need the ultrasound referral for monitoring, I wouldn't bother seeing one. My FM MD has helped me more than any of the specialists.
My Iodine awareness began after hearing several webinars on the topic of the need for supplemental iodine. I was hoping to find a solution to the hypothyroid symptoms that I still have even though all my numbers are in the range. Perhaps, as I reach a more optimal overall tissue level of iodine, those symptoms will resolve as well.
Stay tuned.
Jackie
