Embracing Natural Solutions for Subclinical Hypothyroidism: The Power of Selenium and Myoinositol

Your menstrual cycle has shortened or sometimes skips, your struggling to conceive, you are having energy crashes even though your diet is healthy, it takes you a week to recover from a late night, sometimes it feels like the cold penetrates your very bones and your skin has become dryer than usual. Sound familiar? Subclinical hypothyroidism can create disturbances in many areas of a women’s health. This condition, marked by elevated TSH levels, subclinical low T4 and normal to low T3, often goes unnoticed (1). Don’t despair, this condition is often transient and reversible in nature when caught early and the underlying causes are addressed. Recent studies offer promising natural interventions, specifically with selenium and myoinositol.

What is Subclinical Hypothyroidism?

Subclinical hypothyroidism is characterized by elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels while maintaining in range levels of thyroid hormones (free T4 and free T3)(1). However T4 will often be sub clinically low and T3 normal to low normal. Due to TSH routinely being measured without T4 and T3 these subtle changes in an individuals ‘normal’ levels can go unnoticed. This condition often presents with other hormonal imbalances such as low progesterone (2). The bottom line is that the thyroid gland is underperforming, your feeling the symptoms of this.

Who is at Risk?

The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism increases with age, particularly in women and the elderly (1). Other risk factors include a history of nutrition deficiencies, Endocrine Disrupting Chemical exposure (EDCs), poor diet, autoimmune thyroid disease, family history of thyroid disorders, and previous thyroid surgery or radiation therapy (1,3,4,5).

Symptoms

The range of symptoms are vast and vary in severity. Many individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism may experience fatigue, menstrual irregularities, PMDD, PMS, weight gain, problems conceiving, cold intolerance, sleep disturbances, dry skin and brittle hair and depression (6). Because these symptoms are nonspecific and can overlap with many other conditions, they often go unnoticed or are attributed to other causes.

The Importance of Selenium

Selenium, a vital micronutrient, plays a crucial role in thyroid hormone metabolism. It forms part of selenoproteins, essential for antioxidant defense and thyroid hormone synthesis. Ensuring adequate selenium levels helps reduce thyroid inflammation and improves the gland's function, supporting overall hormonal balance.

Myoinositol: A Natural Ally

Myoinositol, a naturally occurring sugar, influences several biological processes, including thyroid hormone synthesis. It enhances the sensitivity of thyroid cells to TSH, ensuring more efficient hormone production and regulation (7). This nutrient's role in improving thyroid function is increasingly recognized, especially in combination with selenium.

Synergistic Benefits

The combination of selenium and myoinositol offers a synergistic approach to managing subclinical hypothyroidism. Research has shown that this duo can significantly improve TSH levels and support thyroid health, potentially preventing the progression to overt hypothyroidism (7). In studies, patients supplementing with selenium and myoinositol experienced normalized TSH levels and reduced thyroid inflammation (7).
Practical Application
For those considering this natural approach, consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the appropriate dosage. Typical studies use 83 mcg of selenium and 600 mg of myoinositol daily, but individual needs may vary (7).

Is selenium and myo-inositol right for me?

Integrating selenium and myoinositol into your health regimen could offer a powerful, natural means to manage subclinical hypothyroidism. This combination supports thyroid health, balances TSH levels, and provides a preventive approach against further thyroid dysfunction. However subclinical hypothyroidism can have other underlying causes such as a iodine deficiency or an autoimmune condition. It is important to rule these out with a partitioner trained in interpretation thyroid tests and able to order other thyroid tests for you. If you suspect thyroid issues or have been diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism, exploring these natural supplements with your healthcare provider might be a beneficial step toward better thyroid health.

If you are after support please book a consultation or a functional test call.

References

1.Yoo, W. S., & Chung, H. K. (2021). Subclinical Hypothyroidism: Prevalence, Health Impact, and Treatment Landscape. Endocrinology and metabolism (Seoul, Korea), 36(3), 500–513. https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2021.1066.

2.Datta, M., Roy, P., Banerjee, J., & Bhattacharya, S. (1998). Thyroid hormone stimulates progesterone release from human luteal cells by generating a proteinaceous factor. The Journal of endocrinology, 158(3), 319–325. https://doi.org/10.1677/joe.0.1580319.

3. Pearce E. N. (2024). Endocrine Disruptors and Thyroid Health. Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, 30(2), 172–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eprac.2023.11.002

4. Duntas L. H. (2023). Nutrition and thyroid disease. Current opinion in endocrinology, diabetes, and obesity, 30(6), 324–329. https://doi.org/10.1097/MED.0000000000000831

5. Hess S. Y. (2010). The impact of common micronutrient deficiencies on iodine and thyroid metabolism: the evidence from human studies. Best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism, 24(1), 117–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beem.2009.08.012

6. Biondi, B., Cappola, A. R., & Cooper, D. S. (2019). Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Review. JAMA, 322(2), 153–160. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.9052.

7. Payer, J., Jackuliak, P., Kužma, M., Džupon, M., & Vaňuga, P. (2022). Supplementation with myo-inositol and Selenium improves the clinical conditions and biochemical features of women with or at risk for subclinical hypothyroidism. Frontiers in endocrinology, 13, 1067029. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.1067029.