Signs you may have a iodine imbalance

Nutrition Foundations
Written By Ilona

Feeling off-balance, low in energy, or like your hormones are just out of sync? It could be more than stress or lifestyle—it might be a sign your body is missing something essential, like iodine.

Iodine is a trace mineral with a powerful role in the body, especially when it comes to thyroid health, hormone regulation, and ovulation. It’s one of the key building blocks your thyroid uses to make the hormones T3 and T4, which influence everything from metabolism and energy to body temperature and menstrual cycle regularity.

When iodine is lacking, thyroid function can start to slow down. And when the thyroid struggles, it often has a ripple effect—impacting hormone balance, ovulation, and fertility. Many women don’t realise that iodine is also highly concentrated in ovarian and breast tissue, not just the thyroid, making it especially important in the reproductive years.

Despite its importance, iodine deficiency is surprisingly common—especially for those following a whole food or low-sodium diet, avoiding dairy, or not regularly consuming iodine-rich foods.

If you’ve been tracking your cycle, struggling with irregularity, or suspecting low thyroid function, iodine might be worth exploring. Testing (not guessing) is the best first step, especially when paired with thyroid markers.

Your hormones are deeply connected to your micronutrient status—and iodine is one of those quiet but powerful players that can bring your cycle, energy, and hormones back into balance.

Look out for these signs of deficiency.

  • Enlarged thyroid gland “goitre”

  • Increased miscarriage

  • Anovulation

  • Gestational hypertension

  • Lethargy

  • Sleepiness

  • Reduced mental capacity

  • Sluggish physical movement

  • Cold intolerance

Look out for these signs of excess.

  • Enlarged

  • Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)

  • Reduced thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

  • Brassy taste

  • Burning sensation of mouth and throat

  • Gut irritation

  • Diarrhoea

  • Hypersensitivity

Increase or limit these foods.

  • Seaweed

  • Mackerel

  • Cod

  • Yoghurt

  • Baked potato

  • Whiting

  • Cow’s milk

  • Iodised salt

Ilona
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