Are Selenium Supplements An Effective Medication For Hyperthyroidism?

Posted on Mon, 20 Feb 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 Answered on

Sat, 8 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been hearing that selenium is a good place to start for hyperthyroidism. Is this true?

My testing showed the Free T4 to be 1.47ng/dl and the TSH was 0.09 (IU)ml

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is not an alternative for you;

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking!
Unfortunately i do not see it an alternative for you.
There are two causes of hyperthyroidism;
--Nodular toxic goiter
- Autoimmune Graves disease
The second one is common in young ages and there are studies that confirm the efficiency of Selenium in lowering the antibodies causing it.
Anyway, even in these cases it helps to prevent further increase in antibodies. It does not treat hypothyroidism.
I think you have toxic nodular goiter, so selenium does not help at all.
Hope the information will help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana