Iodine Deficiency and Ovarian Cysts: Is There a Connection?

Ovarian cyst development has been linked to iodine deficiency, which impacts thyroid function, hormonal balance, and normal follicle development. 

Learn why iodine deficiency can increase the risk of ovarian cysts and discover how to promote hormonal balance and support menstrual health naturally. 

What are ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are a common female reproductive issue characterized by one or more fluid-filled sacs that develop on or within the ovaries. 

These cysts can affect both ovaries or just one, and vary in size, ranging from very small sacs to larger growths that can cause discomfort and complications. 

In many cases, ovarian cysts are noncancerous and develop as part of the normal menstrual cycle, often resolving on their own within one or two cycles.

However, some cysts may contain follicular fluid or endometrial tissue, and can contribute to reduced fertility or cause referred pain, most commonly affecting the sacroiliac joint located in the lower back.

According to research published in StatPearls, ovarian cysts are relatively common, affecting around 20 percent of all women at one point in their lifetime.

Ovarian cysts that develop in women of reproductive age are generally benign and often go undetected. However, larger cysts can cause pelvic pain and menstrual irregularities, as well as cyst rupture and associated blood loss. 

In contrast, cyst development in menopausal women has been linked with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Therefore, new or persistent cysts in this age group are typically closely monitored by healthcare providers. 

Watch the video below to discover ovarian cyst causes and learn how to manage them naturally. 

Common causes of ovarian cysts

Ovarian function and follicle development are tightly controlled by the thyroid gland, and imbalanced thyroid hormones can dysregulate ovulation and follicle growth, increasing the risk of cyst formation.

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can interfere with the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is essential for normal follicle growth and ovulation. When FSH signaling is disrupted, follicles may fail to release an egg, leading to the formation of follicular cysts.

In addition, ovarian tissue is highly sensitive to estrogen signalling, and elevated levels of this sex hormone, commonly referred to as estrogen dominance, can stimulate excessive tissue growth, increasing the risk of cyst development.

Common underlying causes of estrogen dominance include:

• Excessive body weight
• Poor metabolic health 
• High-carb diets
• Regular alcohol intake
• Gut microbiome imbalances 

Furthermore, evidence published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology indicates that dietary patterns may be associated with ovarian cyst risk, suggesting that nutrient availability may also be involved.

The role of iodine in ovarian cysts

Iodine is an essential nutrient, which means that the body cannot synthesize it and must be obtained through the diet.

This trace mineral plays a vital role in supporting various aspects of female health, and iodine deficiency is directly linked to an increased risk of ovarian cysts. 

The ovaries store more iodine than any other tissue except the thyroid gland, indicating the importance of iodine for both thyroid health and ovarian function. 

When iodine intake is inadequate, thyroid hormone production may become impaired. This disruption can alter FSH signaling, potentially contributing to abnormal follicle development and cyst growth.

Research published in Human Reproduction suggests that iodine also plays a direct role in ovarian tissue maintenance and follicle regulation, two critical factors in minimizing the risk of ovarian cysts.  

Beyond its well-established role in thyroid health, iodine supports estrogen balance by helping regulate estrogen metabolism, utilization, and detoxification. 

These processes are essential for preventing estrogen dominance, a hormonal imbalance that has been associated with the development of ovarian cysts, highlighting the importance of maintaining optimal iodine levels. 

Signs of iodine deficiency

Because iodine plays a vital role in maintaining healthy thyroid function and supporting hormonal balance, deficiency can lead to a wide range of health issues and endocrine disruptions.  

Common signs and symptoms of iodine deficiency include:

• Hypothyroidism 
• Brain fog
• Poor exercise performance 
• Unexplained weight gain 
• Reproductive issues
• Hair loss
• Skin problems 
• Mood changes

In cases of severe iodine deficiency, thyroid enlargement, also known as goiter, may develop in addition to more significant symptoms of hormonal imbalances, such as substantial weight gain, depression, slowed heart rate, and impaired cognitive function.

Causes of iodine deficiency 

Inadequate iodine status is becoming increasingly more common, and research published in Nutrients estimates that almost 40 percent of U.S. adults are at risk of deficiency. 

One major factor is soil depletion caused by industrial agricultural farming practices that strip the soil of essential minerals, including iodine. Soil depletion reduces the nutrient content of crops and can increase the risk of iodine deficiency, despite consuming a seemingly nutritious diet.  

While iodine is found in abundance in seawater, Western dietary patterns often lack sufficient intake of sea vegetables and other seafood, which limits dietary iodine availability and contributes to widespread deficiency.

In addition, exposure to chlorine and fluoride in drinking water, and bromine, a common food additive, can interfere with iodine absorption and utilization, further increasing the risk of deficiency.

Certain medications, digestive disorders, and increased physiological demands, such as during pregnancy and lactation, can also deplete the body’s iodine stores.

The best food sources of iodine

“Sea kelp and seaweed are among the most concentrated sources of dietary iodine, as these sea vegetables absorb iodine directly from seawater,” says Dr. Berg. “This also explains why seafood, including oysters, clams, fish, scallops, crab, and lobster, are significant iodine sources.”

Because iodine is added to cow feed and used in dairy processing, regularly consuming milk, yogurt, and cheese, especially cheddar and cottage cheese, can further support a balanced iodine status. 

Iodine can also be found in iodized salt. However, these salt varieties are often heavily processed, treated with chemicals to remove impurities, and may be contaminated with microplastics. This makes table salt an unsuitable source of iodine compared to whole food sources. 

While consuming iodine-rich whole foods is essential for maintaining healthy levels, individuals with hyperthyroidism should consult a healthcare provider, as excessive iodine intake may exacerbate overactive thyroid function.

Healthy lifestyle tips for managing ovarian cysts 

Managing ovarian cysts typically involves supporting thyroid health, promoting hormonal balance, and enhancing metabolic and liver functions, all of which help reduce cyst formation and support overall reproductive wellness.

Here are three lifestyle tips for addressing ovarian cysts. 

1. Promote optimal thyroid health

Because balanced thyroid hormone levels are critical for maintaining optimal ovarian functions, supporting the thyroid gland can help manage and even prevent ovarian cysts.

In addition to iodine, selenium is another vital nutrient for hormonal balance as it facilitates the conversion of thyroid hormones into their active form. 

Regularly consuming Brazil nuts is an excellent strategy to promote selenium stores. One Brazil nut can provide nearly 100 percent of the daily recommended selenium intake for most adults. 

Other ways to support healthy thyroid functions include avoiding processed foods, alcohol, excessive amounts of caffeinated beverages, grains, and gluten-containing foods.  

2. Follow Healthy Keto®

Evidence published in Obesity Medicine highlights that diets high in ultra-processed foods are a driver of hormonal imbalances and contribute to female reproductive issues. 

The authors also discuss how dietary approaches, such as the ketogenic diet, offer a suitable alternative by restricting carbohydrates and added sugars, both of which are linked to poor metabolic health and associated hormonal imbalances. 

This makes a nutrient-focused ketogenic diet, such as Healthy Keto®, an ideal choice for those seeking to support hormonal balance and reduce metabolic stress that may contribute to ovarian cyst formation.

Healthy Keto not only limits carbs and avoids processed foods but also prioritizes nourishing fats, high-quality protein, and organic vegetables, thereby supporting nutrient stores and overall health. 

3. Support liver function 

The liver plays a crucial, yet often overlooked, role in female reproductive health. 

Estrogen metabolism and elimination are largely regulated by liver cells, and poor liver function can contribute to hormonal issues such as estrogen dominance and associated health issues. 

Maintaining a healthy liver depends on following a nutrient-rich diet, limiting refined carbohydrates and sugars, as well as avoiding alcohol and processed foods.

Following a low-carb diet, especially when combined with intermittent fasting, is an excellent strategy for supporting optimal liver function. 

Limiting carbohydrates lowers insulin levels, which helps decrease liver fat accumulation and promotes the use of stored fat for energy. 

Intermittent fasting further supports liver health by providing regular periods of metabolic rest, allowing the liver to carry out detoxification processes more efficiently. This includes the breakdown and clearance of excess estrogen, which is important for managing ovarian cysts.

When to talk to your doctor

It’s crucial to seek medical care if you experience menstrual irregularities, unexplained pain in the lower abdomen or back, unusual vaginal bleeding, or sudden changes in weight, as these may indicate ovarian cysts or other reproductive health issues that require evaluation.

It’s also recommended to consult a healthcare provider if you are worried about your iodine status or show signs of poor thyroid function, such as fatigue, cold intolerance, unexplained weight changes, hair thinning, or mood disturbances.

A doctor can assess your overall health status, run appropriate tests to check thyroid function and hormone levels, and provide guidance on appropriate treatment options to help manage ovarian cysts and support hormonal balance.

FAQ

Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560541/ 
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301211503001155 
3. https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/36/2/265/6025913 
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9459956/ 
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2451847623000192