The missing piece in endometriosis.
Nearly 70% of women in the UK and US are iodine deficient. Women with endometriosis have up to 5-fold higher iodine transporters - their bodies are desperately trying to absorb more of this crucial nutrient.
Multiple pathways to healing.
A groundbreaking Korean study analyzing over 1.7 million women found that endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, and thyroid problems often occur together - all linked by iodine deficiency.
Natural Aromatase Inhibitor
Iodine blocks the enzyme that converts other hormones into estrogen, addressing the estrogen dominance driving endometriosis.
Estrogen Metabolism Shift
Shifts estrogen away from "strong" forms (estradiol, estrone) toward the protective "weak" form (estriol).
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties address the chronic inflammation characterizing endometriosis.
Fibrous Tissue Dissolution
Research shows elemental iodine can actually dissolve fibrous tissue - profound implications for breaking down endometrial implants and scar tissue.
Imaging reveals the deficiency.
Accuracy in distinguishing endo tissue
Pregnancy rate increase with Lipiodol
Key finding: Studies using advanced imaging found lower iodine levels in endometrial implants compared to normal tissue with 98.8% accuracy. This suggests endometriosis might actually be, at least in part, an iodine deficiency disease.
Real women, real results.
Pain Reduction
One patient saw endometriosis pain drop from an unbearable 10 out of 10 to a manageable 3 out of 10 within six months. Some have canceled planned surgeries.
Initial Detox Symptoms
Most experience vivid dreams and insomnia for 2-3 weeks as iodine displaces bromine from tissues. This passes as the body clears stored toxins.
Typical Improvements
Reduced pelvic pain, lighter and less painful periods, decreased pain during intercourse, better overall energy. Most notice initial changes within 2-4 weeks, significant reduction by 3-6 months.
Common pattern: Symptoms return when supplementation stops but resolve again when restarted, confirming iodine's role in improvement.
Practical guidance for iodine supplementation.
Weeks 1-2: Companion Nutrients
200μg selenium, 400mg magnesium, 1000mg vitamin C. These protect the thyroid and optimize iodine utilization.
Week 3: Begin Iodine
Start with 3mg iodine daily. Lugol's solution containing both elemental iodine and potassium iodide is most commonly used.
Weeks 4-8: Gradual Increase
Increase by 6mg weekly up to 25-50mg daily therapeutic dose.
Month 4+: Maintenance
Reduce to 10mg daily maintenance. Continue companion nutrients.
Safety Considerations
Test thyroid antibodies first - those with autoimmune thyroid conditions need to limit intake to 300μg daily. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should work closely with a healthcare provider.
A missing piece of the puzzle.
Addressing iodine deficiency may help correct one of the underlying factors allowing endometriosis to develop. Women in iodine-sufficient populations like Japan have much lower rates of endometriosis. While more research is needed, the combination of scientific evidence, clinical experience, and patient stories offers genuine hope.
Iodine for Beginners
The essential guide to iodine—why we're deficient, how to supplement safely, and the thyroid connection.