Hashimoto’s, Pregnancy & Iodine: Why You Should Pause the Supplements (For Now)

When you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you’re likely told that iodine is non-negotiable—and while that’s technically true for the general population, the story is a bit more complex if you’re one of the many women navigating Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Iodine is a critical nutrient for thyroid hormone production—and during pregnancy and lactation, your needs increase to around 150 mcg/day to support both you and your growing baby.

But if you have Hashimoto’s, your thyroid is already under immune attack. And unfortunately, excess iodine can aggravate thyroid antibodies, increasing inflammation and accelerating thyroid damage.

In other words? More is not better.

🧪 So Should You Avoid Iodine Altogether?

If you're in your third trimester or within the first 12 months postpartum, and you’ve been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, here’s what I recommend:

✅ Avoid iodine supplements altogether—unless a deficiency is confirmed via testing.
✅ Get iodine from whole foods only—think seaweed (in small amounts), seafood, eggs, and iodised salt in moderation.
✅ Test before you treat—always. If a deficiency is identified, the best approach is very low-dose iodine—e.g., 100 mcg every 2–3 days.

✅ Include selenium, rehmannia, black seed oil, hemidesmus, ubiquiniol, inositol, turmeric —. To reduce thyroid inflammation

Even small doses can be enough when paired with supportive nutrients like selenium, zinc, and inositol—all of which help reduce thyroid antibody activity and support thyroid function safely.

🤱 But I’m Pregnant or Breastfeeding—Don’t I Need Iodine?

Yes—you do! But your body still prefers steady, gentle nourishment over megadosing. This is where food-first strategies shine. For most women with Hashimoto’s, you can meet your needs by focusing on:

🥚 Organic eggs
🐟 Small amounts of seafood (like salmon or sardines)
🧂 Iodised salt (used sparingly)
🍲 Bone broth and whole food-based pregnancy powders like Foraged For You

🧠 The Bottom Line

If you have Hashimoto’s, your thyroid is already working overtime to keep up. Adding iodine supplements without testing may tip you into a flare or worsen your risk of postpartum thyroiditis—especially in that first 12 months after birth.

Instead, focus on gentle food-based iodine sources and test if you suspect a deficiency.

You’ve got enough on your plate—your thyroid support should feel nourishing, not stressful 💛

Much Love, 

Megan