Why Iodine Is Essential for Women’s Wellbeing
And How to Get More in Your Diet
Crystal Maceira, CBP, LMT, MH
January – February 2025 • Vol 4, No 14
Iodine is a mineral that plays an essential role in women’s health. It is a vital micronutrient for all stages of life, including fetal development and early childhood. Iodine is metabolized in the human body through a series of stages involving the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid gland and blood.
Despite being present in only small amounts, iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, which regulates hormones that control metabolism, growth, and development. In this article, we will explore why iodine is so important for women’s wellbeing and how you can ensure you are getting enough of it in your diet.
Iodine’s Importance for Women’s Health
While the majority of iodine is in the thyroid gland, it can be found in several other areas of the body: mammary glands, eyes, gastric mucosa, cervix and salivary glands. The human body requires iodine to produce thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), two hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Its deficiency interferes with the synthesis of these hormones.
When that happens, the pituitary steps in by increasing the TSH, which then stimulates the thyroid to increase the uptake of iodide and makes sure that the release of the thyroid hormones are in enough supply. Animal studies have proven that iodine normalizes elevated adrenal corticosteroid hormone secretion related to stress and reverses the effects of hypothyroidism on the ovaries, testicles and thymus.
The mammary glands have a trapping system for iodine similar to that of the thyroid gland, they seem to “compete” with the thyroid gland for ingested iodine. When iodine disappears into the breast tissue, it also decreases the ability to supply the thyroid gland with enough iodine.
The Dangers of Iodine Deficiency Disorders
Iodine deficiency is a significant public-health problem worldwide, particularly in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 2 billion people globally have insufficient levels of iodine intake. This has led to increased rates of goiter, cretinism, stillbirths, miscarriages, and congenital abnormalities. Goiter is a condition where the thyroid gland becomes enlarged due to iodine deficiency. Cretinism refers to severe mental-retardation conditions caused by lack of iodine during fetal development. Additionally, iodine deficiency can impair cognitive development in children and reduce productivity among adults.
How Iodine Can Help Prevent Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting women today. According to Cancer.org, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer. It is the second leading cause of death among women. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, studies suggest that adequate iodine intake may play a protective role against this disease. Research has shown that one of the main causes of this form of cancer is the lack of iodine. Research also shows that iodine helps to regulate estrogen production, which is a hormone associated with breast-cancer risk. There is strong evidence that a lack of iodine increases the risk of breast cancer.
Iodine supplementation has been shown to reduce the size and growth rate of breast tumors in animal models. If you were to research other areas of the world, especially Japan and Iceland, you’d find very low incidences of breast cancer due to their high intake of iodine-rich foods, like seaweed.
Iodine Supplementation for Women’s Wellbeing
In addition to its importance for thyroid function, iodine also offers several benefits for overall health. For example, iodine supports immune system function, promotes healthy skin, hair and nails, and helps to detoxify the body from heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium. Iodine promotes the normal killing of defective and abnormal cells and reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, iodine supplementation has been linked to improved fertility outcomes, reduced pregnancy complications, and better neurological development in infants. Accumulation of iodine in the breast plays an important role during breast-feeding, because of its antioxidant activity.
Getting Tested
There are three ways you can make sure you have enough Iodine in your system. If you have symptoms of a goiter or hypothyroidism, do a 24-hour urine collection for iodine. If it is below 50 ug/liter, that would be an indication for low iodine. Another way to check thyroid function is to do a basal body temperature test. It consists of taking your temperature for at least six days, add up the readings and divide by six. The average reading should be between 97.8 and 98.6. I have instructions and a list of symptoms that can be related to a weak thyroid, if you would like more information. The third way is to put one drop of Lugol’s iodine on the forearm. If it disappears quickly (in less than an hour), then you may be low in iodine.
Ways to Get More Iodine
Eating more fish and seaweed-type foods are good ways to get more iodine into your diet. Here at Positive Life Changes, LLC, we have products that will improve thyroid function. My favorite is Crystal’s Super Greens (a powder). I use this every day. My blood work showed my thyroid to be “very normal” (doctor’s words). This formula contains dulse, kelp, spirulina, chlorella and more. We also have each of these in a tincture form. Many customers have been able to improve their thyroid function by using our T.A.P. (Thyroid Adrenal Pituitary) formula herb tincture. Another way that you can increase iodine in your body (and quicker) is to use Lugol’s iodine 10% solution. We have this available as well.
Conclusion
Getting enough iodine in your diet is critical for maintaining good health, especially if you are a woman. Consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement routine to determine what dosage is right for you. Remember, iodine is essential for optimal health and wellbeing, but too much can be dangerous. Stay informed about the risks and benefits of iodine supplementation and make educated decisions about your healthcare needs.
Here at Positive Life Changes, LLC, we offer free consultations. Come see us at the Made in Montana Trade Show, coming up on March 7th and 8th, at the Helena Fairgrounds.
Good Health to You!
—Crystal
References: Iodine, Iodine Metabolism and Iodine Deficiency Disorders Revisited (PMC)
Thyroid Hormone Therapy Appears to Cause Breast Cancer (Dr. J. Howenstine)
Crystal Maceira is a Certified Bowenwork Practitioner, practicing in Helena. She has been a massage therapist for 23+ years. She is also a Master Herbalist and certified IIPA Iridologist. She prepares her own single and formula-blend herbal tinctures. Find out more on her websit