My One-Year N=1 Experiment (Against Conventional Medical Advice)
The Thyroid Nodules That Were Found Completely By Accident
I never suspected I had a thyroid issue.
But last summer, when I did my annual CT scan to monitor for cancer recurrence, my doctor identified a mass that appeared to be a thyroid nodule.
I underwent a follow-up thyroid ultrasound (the gold standard for thyroid imaging). Turns out I had two nodules. And due to their size, this was immediately followed by a biopsy of each one.
The result: Bethesda Category III (aka, indeterminate.)
In my experience, a biopsy always came back with definitive answers. But I now know that thyroid cancer isn’t like kidney cancer with a clear border of abnormal cells adjacent to normal cells.
My biopsy landed in the gray area between clearly benign and clearly malignant, so molecular testing was performed. Thankfully, the results were negative.
Annual follow-up scans were the only treatment plan, with the understanding that if either nodule grew so large it affected my ability to swallow, I would require surgery in the future regardless of whether they were malignant.
As much as it felt like I dodged a bullet, it left me filled with questions and uncertainty. Why did I have nodules? Why does half of the population grow nodules as they age?
Waiting for the nodules to turn into cancer or require surgery didn’t make sense to me as a treatment plan. I decided to launch myself fully into research mode.
Researching Iodine Supplementation
Long before I was ever concerned about my thyroid health, I was vaguely aware of our need for iodine. I basically assumed I got enough from seafood and salt and didn’t worry about it.
But my research led me to Dr. David Brownstein’s book, Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It.
Dr. Brownstein has spent years researching iodine deficiency. He argues that iodine deficiency is endemic and a major contributing factor in many illnesses. He makes the case that iodine is essential to the entire body, not just the thyroid.
I also listened to physicians such as Dr. Ken Berry discuss iodine, nutrition, and the importance of questioning whether standard of care always reflects the complete picture.
My Nephrologist Advised Against Taking Iodine
My major concern: I only have one kidney.
After my kidney cancer surgery, I began seeing a nephrologist regularly to monitor my kidney function.
At the beginning of my research, at a regular follow-up visit shortly after the thyroid findings, I asked my nephrologist about iodine supplementation. He told me iodine could hinder my kidney function and strongly advised against taking it. The discussion ended there.
I understood the concern. And I respected the advice. In fairness, excess iodine is processed through the kidneys.
And yet, I also knew that every annual CT scan with iodinated contrast delivered roughly 30 grams of iodine, or about 200,000 times the adult recommended dietary allowance of 150 mcg. That made me question why a few milligrams of supplemental iodine generated so much concern when far larger iodine exposures are routinely used in my medical imaging.
I continued researching and made the decision to supplement with iodine anyway. After comparing several forms of iodine, I chose Lugol's because it contains both elemental iodine and potassium iodide, the form discussed extensively in the literature I had been reading.
In the same way that I believe conventional nutrition advice failed me before and after kidney cancer, I wondered whether the conversation around iodine might also be missing part of the picture.
I chose not to also ask my endocrinologist about iodine because I already knew what he would say. Instead, I asked if I had hot or cold nodules. My research indicated that the only potentially adverse reaction to iodine supplementation is in patients with hot nodules.
Mine were cold. Game on.
I started very cautiously, with one drop of Lugol’s 2% iodine, which is, depending upon the size of the drop, 2.5mg of iodine. Over several months, I gradually increased my dose. Nearly one year later, I’m putting 7 drops in my morning coffee. I typically take it with a Brazil nut and SALTT Minerals for selenium.
How Did My One-Year Thyroid Follow-Up Appointment Go?
The moment of truth arrived at my one-year thyroid ultrasound. Each nodule was measured and compared to the prior year’s measurements.
I was truly expecting a decrease in the size of the nodules. But if I was wrong, and they had grown, I was going to move on to Plan B.
So what happened?
Both nodules decreased in size. And I don’t mean a decrease that could be attributed to a measuring inconsistency. The larger nodule shrank half a centimeter. The smaller one shrank nearly a shocking centimeter and a half!
| Nodule | Initial Measurements | Current Measurements | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nodule 1 | 2.8 × 1.2 × 1.3 cm | 2.73 × 1.15 × 0.74 cm | Slightly smaller overall, with a significant decrease in depth. |
| Nodule 2 | 2.3 × 1.0 × 1.2 cm | 0.83 × 0.54 × 0.69 cm | Marked reduction in all dimensions. |
Seeing the numbers side by side was one of the most encouraging moments of my entire cancer recovery.
Even more interesting, their appearance had changed. Last year, they had concerning characteristics. This year, my doctor said they both appeared to be fluid-filled cysts.
My thyroid blood work remained normal throughout this process.
What Happened to My Hair?
The thyroid results were not the only improvement. For years, my hair had slowly been thinning. It bothered me but I didn’t know what to do about it.
A couple of months after starting iodine, I noticed my hair getting frizzy. Maybe 6 months in, hair was constantly sticking up and out of my carefully pulled back top-knot by days’ end, making me rather disheveled. It wasn't until a couple of months ago that I realized what I was seeing: new hair growth all over my scalp. By this time, I had a full 4 inches of regrowth all over. There is enough new growth to create a thin layer of bangs.
How is My Kidney Function Now?
This is the result I was most nervous about. My nephrologist had concerns that iodine could negatively affect my remaining kidney. I vehemently disagreed.
Post-surgery, but prior to beginning iodine supplementation, my eGFR was 81. After losing a kidney, I was told the remaining kidney would gradually compensate. The human body is amazing.
But how would a year of iodine supplementation affect it?
At my nephrology follow-up last week, my kidney function had improved again. My eGFR is now 90, aka, normal kidney function.
My kidney doctor told me my kidney function is higher than his, and he only recommends annual monitoring from now on. It was amazing news.
Where Am I Today?
I can't prove that iodine caused my thyroid nodules to shrink. And I'm not suggesting that everyone with thyroid nodules should do what I did. It's simply the story of what happened when I researched my options, weighed the potential risks and benefits, and made an informed decision that felt right for me. An N=1 experiment.
And one year later:
Both nodules are significantly smaller.
Their appearance on ultrasound is now much less concerning.
My hair is thicker.
My kidney function has improved into the normal range.
Would I make the same decision again?
Absolutely.
Cancer changed me. It taught me that my health is ultimately my responsibility. It taught me to ask questions, read the research, and become an active participant in my own care instead of a passive observer. Whether this chapter ultimately turns out to be about iodine or simply about the importance of curiosity, I'll continue approaching every diagnosis the same way: learn everything I can, collaborate with my doctors, and never stop asking whether there's a better path forward.
Disclaimer: I am not a physician or medical professional, and this is not medical advice. This is my personal experience, the research I did, and the decision I made for myself. I am sharing my story because I believe patients should be encouraged to ask questions, learn about their health, and have thoughtful conversations with their healthcare providers.