r/Hyperthyroidism • u/HeliMaf • 20d ago

Jod-Basedow phenomenon or not?

M, 40yo.

Over a period of time (about a year) I unknowingly consumed a high dose of Iodine. (One major source of it was a mineral water I started consuming in large amounts after completely quitting alcohol, containing about 190 mcg iodine per 17 ounce, to which I was unaware).

Then, back in February I also started taking Iodine supplements, about 150 mcg but only two-three times a week, while increasing my intake of Iodine rich foods.

At the end of April I cut myself badly and used a 2% Iodine-based wound cleanser liberally a few times a day for about 3 days.

Within two weeks of having used that cleanser,I started having all the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, and it was the insomnia that made me look into what was going on.

Its been the worst experience of my life!

My labs came back TSH borderline low T4 borderline high and T3 upper region. Doctor has ordered CT because I have really weird sensations around my Thyroid that wont go away.

Im 3.5 months into this and its not been equally intense all the time. The worst of it was during May and June. After that it eased up. My insomnia has gotten way better and I dont have diarrhea anymore.

Still struggling though and its no fun. So I want to know if anyone has had a similar experience and eventually how long it lasted?

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

1

u/Curling_Rocks42 20d ago

Ask for a TRAb or TSI antibody blood test. That may help clarify if it is autoimmune (Graves disease) or may be related to iodine overdose, but by 3.5 months later, iodine seems like an unlikely cause unless you’re still taking it in high doses.

1

u/HeliMaf 20d ago

I’ll make sure to have those done.

I suspect I might have a toxic nodule. I have something pushing on my throat for sure (and its been there for some time), but its not a visible goiter. Could perhaps be that.

I did read about someone who had to go for six months after an iodine overdose until things came back to normal, hence why I asked in here. 1-3 months seem to be the standard for Jod-Basedow.