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Urine Iodine test question
Hello, I've done a urine Iodine test recently.
My results are not clear to me, I am not asking for an interpretation of the results, merely an opinion as for whether they even make sense.
test - Iodine urine
result - 0.00
units - %MCG
reference range - 00.0 - 10.0
The first strange thing is the units of measurement: mcg%.
What is mcg%? I was not able to find info on this anywhere.
I know what mcg means, but never seen a unit of measurement in conjunction with a percent sign.
Second thing is whether it makes sense that someone has 0 Iodine in their urine and beyond that, that the reference range contains a result of 0.
Thank you.
My results are not clear to me, I am not asking for an interpretation of the results, merely an opinion as for whether they even make sense.
test - Iodine urine
result - 0.00
units - %MCG
reference range - 00.0 - 10.0
The first strange thing is the units of measurement: mcg%.
What is mcg%? I was not able to find info on this anywhere.
I know what mcg means, but never seen a unit of measurement in conjunction with a percent sign.
Second thing is whether it makes sense that someone has 0 Iodine in their urine and beyond that, that the reference range contains a result of 0.
Thank you.
This would be the first time I've seen anyone mention an iodine urine test. Thus I wouldn't know what it's for.
My impression is in the United States and Canada, to be iodine deficient you'd have to work at it. I think a quarter tsp of iodized salt would be enough daily. Try and avoid that. Also considering many crops grown contain enough iodine as well.
To much iodine, probably impossible unless you are on certain medications or directly supplementing.
My impression is in the United States and Canada, to be iodine deficient you'd have to work at it. I think a quarter tsp of iodized salt would be enough daily. Try and avoid that. Also considering many crops grown contain enough iodine as well.
To much iodine, probably impossible unless you are on certain medications or directly supplementing.
Hi, I do not consume Iodized salt and I am vegan, so I would say it is not farfetched at all. Right now I am trying to find info on how to diagnose Iodine deficiency. I don't really want to start consuming salt because of this. But if I won't find any other way I guess this is what I'll do, or take supplements. Overall I am not too crazy for having to take supplements either.
COMMUNITY LEADER
What makes you think you're deficient in iodine? The most common sign of iodine deficiency is a goiter. Do you have symptoms of a thyroid disorder?
It's my understanding that a single urine iodine is not very useful. The best test is a "urine loading" iodine test, in which the person is given a large amount of iodine, then tested over a 24 hr period. You might want to research that. I believe this requires special lab procedures and I'm not sure all labs can do it.
You can also do your own iodine skin test, by placing a drop of iodine on your skin and watch how long it takes to disappear. If one deficient, the iodine will disappear in less than 24 hrs.
If testing iodine, one should also make sure selenium levels are adequate, since iodine and selenium work together.
It's my understanding that a single urine iodine is not very useful. The best test is a "urine loading" iodine test, in which the person is given a large amount of iodine, then tested over a 24 hr period. You might want to research that. I believe this requires special lab procedures and I'm not sure all labs can do it.
You can also do your own iodine skin test, by placing a drop of iodine on your skin and watch how long it takes to disappear. If one deficient, the iodine will disappear in less than 24 hrs.
If testing iodine, one should also make sure selenium levels are adequate, since iodine and selenium work together.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Forgot to mention that even plants have iodine if grown in the right soil. There are only a few places in which iodine is likely to be deficient.
As far as salt is concerned, if you eat any processed food, at all, most likely you're getting more than you think.
As far as salt is concerned, if you eat any processed food, at all, most likely you're getting more than you think.
Hi, I don't really eat processed food, I pretty much cook all my food.
Where I live has Iodine deficient soil.
The iodine loading test and Iodine skin test you've described seem to be recommended specifically by Dr. Brownstein and Dr. Abrahams which as far as I know are not really "mainstream" doctors. They have very different recommendations then most authorities. I am not saying they are wrong, but it does not seem these methods are accpepted by most of the scientific community.
Can you tell me where you've read/heard about these tests?
I would love to do them but I wonder if the results really are meaningful
Where I live has Iodine deficient soil.
The iodine loading test and Iodine skin test you've described seem to be recommended specifically by Dr. Brownstein and Dr. Abrahams which as far as I know are not really "mainstream" doctors. They have very different recommendations then most authorities. I am not saying they are wrong, but it does not seem these methods are accpepted by most of the scientific community.
Can you tell me where you've read/heard about these tests?
I would love to do them but I wonder if the results really are meaningful
COMMUNITY LEADER
Dr Brownstein is of the most respected thyroid doctors, because he goes beyond mainstream medicine and is willing to treat thyroid patients according to symptoms and actual thyroid hormone levels rather than simply accepting the TSH test, which is what mainstream medicine relies on. I have very little faith in many medical "authorities" and the scientific community, when it comes to thyroid conditions, because they leave too many people ill.
I'm not real familiar with all of the tests, I've just run across them during research on various things.
If you're looking to stay within mainstream medicine, then the test you got is probably the only one you'll get, unless you decide to do the skin test, which you can do yourself, but painting a 2"X2" patch of iodine on your arm and watching how long it takes to disappear. If deficient the iodine will disappear within 12-24 hrs; if not deficient, it will take much longer.
It's my understanding that there are very few labs that even do the iodine loading test. I haven't researched it fully because I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and iodine is contraindicated when one has an autoimmune thyroid disease.
As for your original question about the result of your test, being 0.00, I take that to mean you had no iodine in your urine at the time of the test. However, from the little I've read, the iodine should be excreted in the form of iodide in the urine. I'd suggest that you contact, either your doctor or the performing lab for an explanation of the results.
As I noted before, the first physical evidence of iodine deficiency is a goiter (swollen, inflamed thyroid), because the thyroid is the main user of iodine in the body. Do you have evidence (or symptoms) of a thyroid condition? If so, you should get tested for thyroid antibodies before you take iodine supplements, which can actually make it worse.
I'm not real familiar with all of the tests, I've just run across them during research on various things.
If you're looking to stay within mainstream medicine, then the test you got is probably the only one you'll get, unless you decide to do the skin test, which you can do yourself, but painting a 2"X2" patch of iodine on your arm and watching how long it takes to disappear. If deficient the iodine will disappear within 12-24 hrs; if not deficient, it will take much longer.
It's my understanding that there are very few labs that even do the iodine loading test. I haven't researched it fully because I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and iodine is contraindicated when one has an autoimmune thyroid disease.
As for your original question about the result of your test, being 0.00, I take that to mean you had no iodine in your urine at the time of the test. However, from the little I've read, the iodine should be excreted in the form of iodide in the urine. I'd suggest that you contact, either your doctor or the performing lab for an explanation of the results.
As I noted before, the first physical evidence of iodine deficiency is a goiter (swollen, inflamed thyroid), because the thyroid is the main user of iodine in the body. Do you have evidence (or symptoms) of a thyroid condition? If so, you should get tested for thyroid antibodies before you take iodine supplements, which can actually make it worse.
Hi, thank you very much for your answers so far!
I am not currently diagnosed with Hashimoto's, though I am at risk, both my father and sister have it, and my TSH is a bit high, but my antobodies have been measured and ar at a normal range, just at the middle of the reference range.
(18 IU/ml Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies, reference range is 0-35).
Right now I am uder "medical supervision" for hypothyoridism, I have what they would call "subclinical hypothyroidism" due to my TSH being above reference range.
About Iodine being bad for Hashimoto's, there does not seem to be a consensus on this, and I am pretty sure Dr. Brownstein, does recommend taking Iodine for Hashimoto's patients. I like this article:
http://perfecthealthdiet.com/2011/05/iodine-and-hashimotos-thyroiditis-part-i/
I haven't gone through all references, but it claims Dr. Brownstein and Dr. Abrahams have seen success ith Iodine supplementation with Hashimoto's patients.
The article talks about simultanious Selenium supplementation during Iodine supplementation being helpful.
Some of the article's author's conclusions:
1. Selenium deficiency causes an intolerance of high iodine.
2. Iodine intake via seaweed is accompanied by thyrotoxic metals and halides.
3. Sudden increases in iodine can induce a reactive hypothyroidism.
He says all three of these negatives can be avoided by supplementing selenium along with iodine, using potassium iodide rather than seaweed as the source of iodine, and increasing iodine intake gradually
I am not currently diagnosed with Hashimoto's, though I am at risk, both my father and sister have it, and my TSH is a bit high, but my antobodies have been measured and ar at a normal range, just at the middle of the reference range.
(18 IU/ml Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies, reference range is 0-35).
Right now I am uder "medical supervision" for hypothyoridism, I have what they would call "subclinical hypothyroidism" due to my TSH being above reference range.
About Iodine being bad for Hashimoto's, there does not seem to be a consensus on this, and I am pretty sure Dr. Brownstein, does recommend taking Iodine for Hashimoto's patients. I like this article:
http://perfecthealthdiet.com/2011/05/iodine-and-hashimotos-thyroiditis-part-i/
I haven't gone through all references, but it claims Dr. Brownstein and Dr. Abrahams have seen success ith Iodine supplementation with Hashimoto's patients.
The article talks about simultanious Selenium supplementation during Iodine supplementation being helpful.
Some of the article's author's conclusions:
1. Selenium deficiency causes an intolerance of high iodine.
2. Iodine intake via seaweed is accompanied by thyrotoxic metals and halides.
3. Sudden increases in iodine can induce a reactive hypothyroidism.
He says all three of these negatives can be avoided by supplementing selenium along with iodine, using potassium iodide rather than seaweed as the source of iodine, and increasing iodine intake gradually
COMMUNITY LEADER
There are actually 2 thyroid antibody tests that can diagnose Hashimoto's, and it appears that you were only tested for one of them, TPOab. The other is Thryoglobulin Antibodies (TGab). Some of us are positive for one or the other, some are positive for both, so you have to have both tests, or misdiagnosis is quite possible/likely.
You're absolutely correct that there has not been a consensus regarding the use of iodine with Hashimoto's and we've had some members who have used it successfully. The one thing I'd say about using iodine is that you should never use it without your doctor's blessing/guidance. Not everyone can take it successfully.
While selenium is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, it's mostly been shown to be particularly helpful, with the conversion of Free T4 to the active hormone, Free T3.
One must also be careful with the use of potassium iodide, since too high potassium levels can cause as many problems as too little iodine.
The thing is - once the thyroid has been damaged and has started producing less hormones, it's highly unlikely that any amount of iodine and/or selenium is going to make it start producing again. Healthy tissue that's been damaged can not regenerate.
TSH is a pituitary hormone that's a screening tool, at best and should not be used to monitor, diagnose or treat a thyroid issue. If you aren't getting Free T3 and Free T4 tests every time you have a TSH test, you're not being tested adequately.
If your TSH is above reference range, most likely, your Free T3 and Free T4 are low, even if in the reference ranges. Most of us find that in order to feel well, we have to keep FT4 about mid range and FT3 in the upper half to upper third of its range.
If you have results for Free T3 and Free T4, you can post them for us to review. Additionally, would you mind telling us exactly what your TSH level is? Is the lab using the "new" (10 yrs old) lab range of 0.3-3.0? AACE recommended over 10 yrs ago to change the range for TSH to 0.3-3.0, but labs (therefore, doctors) have slow (to put it mildly) to respond.
You're absolutely correct that there has not been a consensus regarding the use of iodine with Hashimoto's and we've had some members who have used it successfully. The one thing I'd say about using iodine is that you should never use it without your doctor's blessing/guidance. Not everyone can take it successfully.
While selenium is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, it's mostly been shown to be particularly helpful, with the conversion of Free T4 to the active hormone, Free T3.
One must also be careful with the use of potassium iodide, since too high potassium levels can cause as many problems as too little iodine.
The thing is - once the thyroid has been damaged and has started producing less hormones, it's highly unlikely that any amount of iodine and/or selenium is going to make it start producing again. Healthy tissue that's been damaged can not regenerate.
TSH is a pituitary hormone that's a screening tool, at best and should not be used to monitor, diagnose or treat a thyroid issue. If you aren't getting Free T3 and Free T4 tests every time you have a TSH test, you're not being tested adequately.
If your TSH is above reference range, most likely, your Free T3 and Free T4 are low, even if in the reference ranges. Most of us find that in order to feel well, we have to keep FT4 about mid range and FT3 in the upper half to upper third of its range.
If you have results for Free T3 and Free T4, you can post them for us to review. Additionally, would you mind telling us exactly what your TSH level is? Is the lab using the "new" (10 yrs old) lab range of 0.3-3.0? AACE recommended over 10 yrs ago to change the range for TSH to 0.3-3.0, but labs (therefore, doctors) have slow (to put it mildly) to respond.
Yes, the lab seems to use the old reference range.
Here are my measurements. (The reference ranges set by the lab are in parentheses):
FT4: 15.6 pmol/l (10.3 - 19.7)
FT3: 4.69 pmol/L (3.5 - 6.5)
TSH: 4.86 mlu/l (0.5 - 4.8)
I did not know that you need two different antibody tests, strange that neither my doctor or endocrinologist mentioned it. Unfortunately they seem a bit "cheap" on prescribing tests. I guess I'll need to ask the doctor and hope he'll be willing to refer me to it.
Here are my measurements. (The reference ranges set by the lab are in parentheses):
FT4: 15.6 pmol/l (10.3 - 19.7)
FT3: 4.69 pmol/L (3.5 - 6.5)
TSH: 4.86 mlu/l (0.5 - 4.8)
I did not know that you need two different antibody tests, strange that neither my doctor or endocrinologist mentioned it. Unfortunately they seem a bit "cheap" on prescribing tests. I guess I'll need to ask the doctor and hope he'll be willing to refer me to it.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Many doctors will test only TPOab and if that's negative will declare that your don't have Hashimoto's; that's often why people end up not getting a proper diagnosis: because the doctor didn't run all the tests.
Rule of thumb, for those on thyroid replacement, is that FT4 be at/near the mid range point; your FT4 is at 56%, which is totally adequate. Rule of thumb is for FT3 to in the upper half to upper third of its range; yours is at 39%. FT3 should be higher in its range than FT4 in its, so your numbers are upside down.
Because TSH can vary so much over the course of a day and is affected by many variables, I don't place a lot of importance on it, unless it's extremely high/low. That said, if your lab were using the new range, your TSH would be further out of range than it is.
Do you have symptoms of under active thyroid?
Rule of thumb, for those on thyroid replacement, is that FT4 be at/near the mid range point; your FT4 is at 56%, which is totally adequate. Rule of thumb is for FT3 to in the upper half to upper third of its range; yours is at 39%. FT3 should be higher in its range than FT4 in its, so your numbers are upside down.
Because TSH can vary so much over the course of a day and is affected by many variables, I don't place a lot of importance on it, unless it's extremely high/low. That said, if your lab were using the new range, your TSH would be further out of range than it is.
Do you have symptoms of under active thyroid?
I don't think I really have symptoms.
Fatigue is the only thing I think i may have of the list of symptoms. It is really hard to say whether I am currently more fatigued then I was several months ago. So I would say if I am the difference is not big.
Do you have any interpretation of what it means that "my numbers are upside down"? is this good/bad? is this caused by something specifc?
Thank you a lot for all your answers, I feel you r helping
Fatigue is the only thing I think i may have of the list of symptoms. It is really hard to say whether I am currently more fatigued then I was several months ago. So I would say if I am the difference is not big.
Do you have any interpretation of what it means that "my numbers are upside down"? is this good/bad? is this caused by something specifc?
Thank you a lot for all your answers, I feel you r helping
Do you have any interpretation of what it means that "my numbers are upside down"? is this good/bad? is this caused by something specifc?
COMMUNITY LEADER
Sorry I didn't respond to your previous post; guess I missed it.
As I noted in my previous post, FT3 should be higher in its range, than FT4 in its... Your results are opposite, with FT4 higher in the range than FT3 in its. That's what I meant by your number being upside down.
If you were on a thyroid medication, we'd probably conclude that you aren't converting FT4 to FT3 adequately. People not on replacement hormones, may not need levels as high; however, your elevated TSH and lower level of FT3 indicates that your thyroid is starting to fail.
Has your doctor mentioned starting you on a replacement hormone?
As I noted in my previous post, FT3 should be higher in its range, than FT4 in its... Your results are opposite, with FT4 higher in the range than FT3 in its. That's what I meant by your number being upside down.
If you were on a thyroid medication, we'd probably conclude that you aren't converting FT4 to FT3 adequately. People not on replacement hormones, may not need levels as high; however, your elevated TSH and lower level of FT3 indicates that your thyroid is starting to fail.
Has your doctor mentioned starting you on a replacement hormone?
No, the last time I went to the doctor he said that there is no need for treatment for now, but that I should check my levels periodically.
The doctors I saw did not know much about Iodine and did not seem to think it is the reason, but I haven't seen a doctor since this Iodine urine test I took.
I never took any Thyroid medication and really don't want to get to the stage where I need to.
Right now I think my courses of action are:
1. See a doctor again about the Iodine test results and see what he thinks
2. Try to take small doses of Iodine + Selenium and see how I feel, I know it may exacerbate Hashimoto's but if I never try I'll never know, if I start feeling worse then I'll stop.
My feeling is that most doctors don't know much about Iodine, this has been impresion so far, and they will only treat anything once my thyroid fails and T4/T3 levels go too low.
Do you think that's a wise decision?
The doctors I saw did not know much about Iodine and did not seem to think it is the reason, but I haven't seen a doctor since this Iodine urine test I took.
I never took any Thyroid medication and really don't want to get to the stage where I need to.
Right now I think my courses of action are:
1. See a doctor again about the Iodine test results and see what he thinks
2. Try to take small doses of Iodine + Selenium and see how I feel, I know it may exacerbate Hashimoto's but if I never try I'll never know, if I start feeling worse then I'll stop.
My feeling is that most doctors don't know much about Iodine, this has been impresion so far, and they will only treat anything once my thyroid fails and T4/T3 levels go too low.
Do you think that's a wise decision?
COMMUNITY LEADER
I never recommend self medication, especially, with something like iodine.
Consulting with a doctor about the iodine test would be a good idea, but better yet, would be to find a doctor who will start you on thyroid medication to alleviate your symptoms. I've never understood tossing back a handful of supplements every day, yet being reluctant to take a single thyroid replacement pill.
Consulting with a doctor about the iodine test would be a good idea, but better yet, would be to find a doctor who will start you on thyroid medication to alleviate your symptoms. I've never understood tossing back a handful of supplements every day, yet being reluctant to take a single thyroid replacement pill.
I have been to a doctor and he has not recommended I take a thyroid replacement pill at this stage.
Would you really call this self-medication?
The fact is that salt is iodized in many countries, so I would just as well get iodine if I consume salt. But I just don't want to increase my salt intake.
I also don't eat fish. I simply do not consume anything with substantial amounts of iodine which the average person probably would.
Would you really call this self-medication?
The fact is that salt is iodized in many countries, so I would just as well get iodine if I consume salt. But I just don't want to increase my salt intake.
I also don't eat fish. I simply do not consume anything with substantial amounts of iodine which the average person probably would.
COMMUNITY LEADER
While most of us don't do it, all the time, it's recommended that you consult a physician, every time you add a new supplement. Some supplements can be toxic if too much is taken; others can have adverse side effects or cause reactions with other meds, etc. It's a matter of opinion whether or not adding iodine would constitute self-medication; in my opinion, it would be, since it's contra indicated with Hashimoto's. Whether I would, necessarily, let that keep me from trying it if I thought it might help, is another matter.
Did you talk to this last doctor about the iodine test? If so, what was his reaction?
For other health reasons, I have to limit my salt intake, therefore, I get very little iodine, as well. I do have Hashimoto's and I take thyroid hormone replacements.
I know you don't want to take thyroid medication, but when the thyroid stops producing enough hormones, there's really no other other choice. At some point, you will have to, and it's usually better to get started on a small dose before symptoms become uncontrollable. I'd keep trying different doctors.
Your last blood work was done over a month ago; might no hurt to repeat it and see what your levels are now. When the thyroid is failing, labs can change quickly.
Did you talk to this last doctor about the iodine test? If so, what was his reaction?
For other health reasons, I have to limit my salt intake, therefore, I get very little iodine, as well. I do have Hashimoto's and I take thyroid hormone replacements.
I know you don't want to take thyroid medication, but when the thyroid stops producing enough hormones, there's really no other other choice. At some point, you will have to, and it's usually better to get started on a small dose before symptoms become uncontrollable. I'd keep trying different doctors.
Your last blood work was done over a month ago; might no hurt to repeat it and see what your levels are now. When the thyroid is failing, labs can change quickly.
Brazil nuts are supposedly a good source of selenium. I eat one per day.
Please note I know first--hand that one needs to be careful with iodine intake. My system was flooded with iodine by a naturopathic doctor in 2012 and it worsened my hypothyroidism. Needless to say I stopped the medication and didn't go back to the ND.
Please note I know first--hand that one needs to be careful with iodine intake. My system was flooded with iodine by a naturopathic doctor in 2012 and it worsened my hypothyroidism. Needless to say I stopped the medication and didn't go back to the ND.
Okay, thank you for the comments guys. I didn't talk to a doctor about the urine test yet. I guess that's my next step.
It is probably also important to add that I hav enot been diagnosed with Hashimoto's. I do have a family history of Hashimoto's. But the latest ultrasound test did not cause my doctor to believe I have Hashimoto's
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hashimoto's is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the developed world, so we often tend to think that's what you have unless proved otherwise. The next step is to get your antibody levels tested, as I mentioned early on in this thread. Your thyroid might not have been swollen/inflamed at the time of your ultrasound, which would cause your doctor to think you don't have Hashimoto's.
The tests you need are Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab). You need them both, because some of us have one or the other, some have both. Elevated levels of either are the basis for a diagnosis of Hashimoto's.
The tests you need are Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab). You need them both, because some of us have one or the other, some have both. Elevated levels of either are the basis for a diagnosis of Hashimoto's.
Dear All,
Please help with the interpretation for the results below:
FT4: 15.34 pmol/l (12.0 - 22.0pmol/L)
FT3: 4.86 pmol/L (3.1 - 6.8pmol/L)
TSH: 1.61 mlu/l (0.27 - 4.2)
Thanks
Everlyn
Please help with the interpretation for the results below:
FT4: 15.34 pmol/l (12.0 - 22.0pmol/L)
FT3: 4.86 pmol/L (3.1 - 6.8pmol/L)
TSH: 1.61 mlu/l (0.27 - 4.2)
Thanks
Everlyn
COMMUNITY LEADER
Your levels are all within the reference ranges and would not, normally, indicate a thyroid condition. Under some circumstances, however, your FT4 and FT3 levels could be considered somewhat low in their ranges.
Do you have symptoms of a thyroid condition? Are you currently taking a thyroid replacement medication? If so, which one, at what dosage and for how long have you been on it?
Do you have symptoms of a thyroid condition? Are you currently taking a thyroid replacement medication? If so, which one, at what dosage and for how long have you been on it?
I have neglected the issue unfortunately and got another blood test several days ago.
Now my TSH is much higher (14.36 mlu/l)
And my T4 much lower (9.4 pmol/l)
TPO antibodies are 13.7 IU/ml
I still have a desire to try to treat this naturally. I don't know if it's Hasimoto's or not. I have a meeting with an endocrinologist tomorrow. This time I'll ask about the urine test and whether I could try Iodine supplementation.
Now my TSH is much higher (14.36 mlu/l)
And my T4 much lower (9.4 pmol/l)
TPO antibodies are 13.7 IU/ml
I still have a desire to try to treat this naturally. I don't know if it's Hasimoto's or not. I have a meeting with an endocrinologist tomorrow. This time I'll ask about the urine test and whether I could try Iodine supplementation.
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