Protecting Your Breast & Thyroid Health, One Drop At A Time

 Check our our new hormone balancing product in the Back To The Paddock range right here. 

Are you struggling with low energy?

Having cycle issues?

Got cold hands & feet?

Do you notice lumpy or painful breasts pre-period?

Experiencing puffiness or difficulty shifting weight?

Perhaps you’re trying for a baby, pregnant, breastfeeding or have little ones at your feet?

Or maybe you or a family member are exposed to chlorine regularly through pools, drinking or bathing?

Well, if you answered yes to any of these, you may be deficient in a mineral that is essential, particularly for woman, babies and children. When it becomes deficient in the body, through either inadequate intake or issues with absorption, this can lead to multiple symptoms and conditions.

Yes, it's Iodine. 

And guess what? Australia has an iodine problem, with women in their prime reproductive years are feeling it the most.

Iodine deficiency can trigger a cascade of symptoms—affecting far more than just your thyroid. Iodine is essential for every cell in the body, supporting not only thyroid function, but also hormone balance, breast health, brain function, and metabolic energy.

You may have heard me taking about ‘iodine painting’ before our girls jump in chlorinated pools, or if you’ve seen me as a Naturopath, iodine may have been part of your treatment plan. It is something I am hot on, due to it’s fundamental role for breast, brain, cycle and thyroid health.

With Australian soils notoriously low in iodine, it’s no surprise that so many people are seeing powerful benefits from smart, safe iodine supplementation.

What is Iodine?

Iodine isn’t just for your thyroid—it’s a powerhouse nutrient that fuels hormone balance, breast health, cognitive function, metabolism, and fetal development.

Despite its importance, iodine deficiency is becoming increasingly common due to deficienct soils, dietary changes, and exposure to environmental toxins that interfere with its absorption.

From supporting metabolism and energy production to ensuring a healthy pregnancy, iodine’s role in the body is far-reaching. Yet, many people are unknowingly deficient, which can lead to various signs of iodine deficiency in your body:

• Low Thyroid Hormone Levels of T4 & T3 (could be combined with a TSH reading of > 2)
• Low Basal Metabolic Rate
• Fluid retention
• Fibrocystic breasts. This is, benign condition where breast tissue becomes lumpy, tender, and sometimes painful—often fluctuating with the menstrual cycle. It's linked to hormonal imbalances, particularly excess estrogen, and may improve with optimising iodine levels.
• Increased risk for breast cancer
• Fatigue

Feeling tired, sluggish, or weak can be a telltale sign of low iodine levels. Since iodine is essential for producing thyroid hormones—and those hormones play a major role in how your body creates energy—a deficiency can leave you running on empty. Research shows that up to 80% of people with low thyroid function report persistent fatigue and muscle weakness. Without enough thyroid hormones, your body struggles to generate energy efficiently, which can seriously drain your stamina.¹⁴

• Goitre
• Growth Retardation
• Heart Disease
• Hypertrophy of the Thyroid
• Hypothyroidism: An increased risk for heart disease and stroke, weight gain, low moods, dry skin, muscle aches, fatigue, hair loss and cold hands and feet. 

Because iodine is essential for producing thyroid hormones, a deficiency can lead to a drop in these hormones—slowing down your metabolism in the process. When your metabolism slows, your body generates less heat, which can make you feel unusually cold. Thyroid hormones also help activate brown fat, a special type of fat that produces heat. So when iodine levels are low and thyroid hormone production dips, brown fat can’t function as efficiently—further reducing your body's ability to stay warm.

Thyroid hormones play a key role in supporting healthy hair follicle growth and regeneration. When these hormone levels drop—often due to iodine deficiency—hair follicles can become dormant, potentially leading to thinning or hair loss over time. In fact, studies suggest that around 30% of individuals with low thyroid hormone levels may experience some degree of hair loss. The good news is, restoring adequate iodine intake may help rebalance thyroid hormones and support healthier hair growth.

• High Cholesterol
• Oestrogen Dominance
• Oestrogen Induced Dysplasia
• Infertility
• Insulin Resistance
• Low IQ
• Poor Motor Coordination
• Ovarian Cysts
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• Pituitary Tumours
• Syndrome X
• Weight gain
• Birth Defects
• Cognitive Deficits

Iodine requirements go up during pregnancy, with bouts of diarrhoea, excessive carbohydrate intake, excessive weight gain, goitre and increased goitrogenic food intake.

Goitrogenic foods compete with iodine uptake in your body. When levels of iodine are inadequate, T4 and T3 thyroid hormone production is compromised and hypothyroidism can develop. Goitrogenic foods include phytoestrogens found in soy, millet, uncooked cruciferous vegetables (bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens and watercress), uncooked yucca (cassava), turnip and sweet potato. Soy additionally interferes with the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, required for the production of thyroid hormones.

Understanding how to maintain sufficient iodine levels, while also minimising exposure to iodine-blocking substances, is key to maintaining optimal well-being for all ages.

How Does Iodine Support Your Thyroid?

Iodine is a critical trace mineral that plays an essential role in hormone health, particularly in supporting thyroid function. 

The thyroid gland relies on iodine to produce key hormones in the follicles of your thyroid, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism, energy production, and overall hormonal balance.

T4 contains 4 molecules of the mineral iodine and T3 contains 3 iodine molecules, therefore without adequate iodine levels in your body, the health of your thyroid and production of thyroid hormones, will suffer.

This can lead to issues such as hypothyroidism (under active thyroid function) and contributing to sluggish metabolism, more sensitive to cold, fatigue, dry skin, low moods and further hormonal imbalances such as oestrogen dominance and/or low progesterone.

Iodine and Hormone Health

For women, maintaining sufficient iodine levels is particularly important for reproductive and hormonal health.¹ Iodine is necessary for proper ovarian function, menstrual cycle regulation, and fertility.²

Low iodine levels have been linked to an increased risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), fibrocystic breast disease,¹² and menstrual irregularities.

Dr Jennifer Lacovelli from Tree Of Life Medical explains...

"Iodine plays an important role in the health of women’s breast tissue. Iodine has been shown to exert a powerful antioxidant effect equivalent to vitamin C. Iodine-deficient breast tissue exhibits chemical markers of elevated lipid peroxidation, one of the earliest factors in cancer development. Iodine-deficient breast tissue also shows alterations in DNA and increases in estrogen receptor proteins."¹³

Iodine is also essential for maintaining balanced oestrogen levels. It helps to modulate oestrogen metabolism, reducing the risk of oestrogen dominance, a condition associated with symptoms such as weight gain, mood swings, painful and heavy periods and fibroids.

Iodine in Pregnancy and Foetal Development

During pregnancy, iodine requirements increase significantly. Up to 50% of pregnant or breastfeeding women in Australia are iodine deficient, increasing their risk of developing thyroid issues.​³  Sufficient iodine intake is also crucial for foetal brain development, preventing cognitive impairment and neurological issues in newborns.

Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can lead to cretinism, a severe form of intellectual disability, as well as an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and developmental delays.^5,6

For the first half of the pregnancy, baby uses Mum’s thyroid hormones (which require adequate iodine for healthy thyroid hormone production). They will then draw upon Mums iodine levels to make their own thyroid hormones for the remainder of the pregnancy.

Breastfeeding women are also at risk. A 2019 review published in The Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that many pregnant and lactating women in Australia remain at least mildly iodine deficient.⁴

Having sufficient levels prior to conceiving and throughout pregnancy is hugely important for avoiding deficiency in Mum and supporting baby’s thyroid and brain health.  

Causes of Iodine Deficiency

Despite its importance, iodine deficiency is widespread due to various environmental and dietary factors.

• Goitrogenic food intake- as previously stated.
• Insufficient Soil Levels –Iodine-deficient soils are both a natural and manmade issue. In many areas (like Australia), soils were already low in iodine. Modern farming practices have depleted iodine levels in soil, leading to lower concentrations in food sources. Many regions have iodine-deficient soil, making it harder to obtain sufficient amounts from diet alone.⁸
• Exposure to Halogens (Chlorine, Fluoride, Bromine) – Certain chemicals and toxins can compete with iodine absorption, further exacerbating deficiency. These include:

• Chlorine (found in tap water, swimming pools, and household cleaning products)
• Fluoride (added to drinking water, toothpaste, and some medications)
• Bromine (used in baked goods, soft drinks, pesticides, fireworks and flame retardants in furniture and clothing)

These halogens compete with iodine at the receptor level, blocking its uptake by the thyroid and other iodine-dependent tissues. This interference can lead to thyroid dysfunction, sluggish metabolism, and overall hormonal imbalances.^9,10 

Mercury also has an adverse effect on the thyroid gland, as it binds to iodine. Think amalgum fillings, excessive large fish intake and history of mercury containing vaccinations. 

Maintaining Healthy Iodine Levels

To ensure sufficient iodine intake, it’s important to include iodine-rich foods in your diet regularly, such as:

• Seaweed (kelp, nori, dulse, wakame)
• Wild-caught fish and seafood
• Dairy products (if tolerated and from organic / grass fed sources)
• Eggs
• Seaweed salt

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of iodine varies by age and life stage:⁵

• Adults: 150 mcg per day
• Pregnant women: 220 mcg per day
• Breastfeeding women: 290 mcg per day

However, individuals with hyperthyroidism, thyroid antibodies or taking thyroid medication should consult a healthcare professional before supplementing with iodine, as excessive intake can exacerbate or contribute to thyroid issues.

Avoiding Overdose

Overdosing oral iodine through supplementation can occur easily if not guided by a professional, leading to symptoms of:

• Gut irritation
•  Angioedema: swelling in deeper layers of the skin or tissues, often resembling hives, and can affect areas like the face, lips, tongue, or throat, potentially causing breathing difficulties.
•  Hyper-sensitivity
•  Serum sickness

More chronic long-term overdose can lead to:

• Acne form skin lesions
• Brassy taste in mouth
• Burning sensation of mouth & throat
• Decreased thyroid activity
• Diarrhoea
• Gastric irritation
• Goitre
• Graves disease
• Head cold symptoms
• Hyperthyroidism
• Increased salivation
• Increased sympathetic activity (fight or flight)

So while having adequate levels is important, you also want to avoid overdosing.

Topical Iodine for Safer and More Effective Absorption

For those wanting to meet daily iodine requirements but also avoid the danger of overdosing through oral supplementation, a topical application of iodine can be a safer option. Applying iodine to the skin allows for gradual absorption without overwhelming the thyroid.

Your body literally absorbs what it needs- if you place one drop on your inner wrist and rub into around a 50c piece size, you can watch and learn.

A loose guide for iodine sufficiency can also be used for topical iodine painting. The yellow / brown colour should remain on your skin for at least 1 hour – if it disappears within this time, you should continue this practise daily until it’s visible up to 5 hours later. This is a once again loose indication of iodine sufficiency, as some factors like evaporation can impact this.

When your iodine is at sufficient levels in the body, there will be healthy stores in the thyroid and breast, promoting healthy thyroid function and protecting your breast health.  

This iodine painting method can also be used to mitigate the impacts chlorine, fluoride and /or bromine-heavy environments, have on your iodine status, as they will compete with iodine uptake. Examples include:

• Bathing, showering in chlorinated tap water
• Swimming in chlorinated pools
• Also drinking water containing chlorine &/or fluoride
• Exposure to fireworks (a source of the halogen bromine)

A simple way to support iodine levels in these cases, is to apply a small patch of iodine solution to the inner wrist, 1 hour before and straight after exposure to the environmental exposure. This can help mitigate the displacement of iodine by chlorine and support optimal thyroid, breast, cycle and brain function.

Additionally, for women experiencing fibrocystic breasts, iodine can be applied directly to the affected area. Using a topical iodine solution, gently rub a small amount onto the skin over the breast tissue daily. This practice can help reduce cystic formations, alleviate tenderness, and support overall breast health.¹¹ Applying iodine in the evening topically on the breasts, may allow for a more effective absorption overnight.

Enter Back To the Paddock Product #3!!!

Iodine painting is something we’ve been doing as a family for years. As iodine is getting more difficult to source for this purpose, I have chased down a supplier so I don't run out, but more importantly, so you can gain the same benefits.

Introducing you to the third product in the Back To The Paddock range, topical iodine!

A simple but effective way to topically check in on your iodine levels, either give yourself a regular maintenance dose of iodine, or use as a support when exposed to environmental toxins such as bromine, chlorine and fluoride.

You can also take this iodine orally (if preferred), if you strictly follow these guidelines (adults only):

• Add 1 drop to 50ml water.
• Take 1 tsp of this water & Iodine solution, for a maintenance dose of 150mcg iodine 2-3 times per week. 

Are you ready to support your body with adaquete iodine? 

You can check it out and pick up some for yourself across at backtothepaddock.au and take advantage of our introductory code HELLOIODINE for a special community price.  

Here's Some Questions You Might Have On Your Mind...

1. Is adding a drop to your skin, the same as consuming a drop orally?

The topical iodine is ~1500mcg iodine per drop. Therefore it is not recommended to consume orally as this is an extremely high dose.

If you do prefer oral consumption, you could instead strictly follow these instructions:

Topical Application

When you apply iodine to the skin, it absorbs transdermally into the bloodstream.

The skin acts as a selective barrier, only absorbing as much iodine as the body needs at that time. The rest typically evaporates off the skin as elemental iodine (I₂), which is volatile.

Oral Supplementation

Ingesting iodine (drops, capsules, tablets) delivers a specific, fixed dose that the body has to process—regardless of current iodine stores.

Once ingested, it's absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and processed by the liver and kidneys, and any excess has to be excreted through urine or stool.

Safety in Avoiding Overdose

Topical Iodine

The self-regulating nature of transdermal absorption makes it much harder to overdose. If your iodine receptors are saturated, less iodine is absorbed through the skin.

Any remaining iodine typically evaporates, so you don’t absorb more than necessary.

This is particularly beneficial for sensitive individuals, like those with thyroid antibodies or early Hashimoto's, who need gentle, controlled iodine replenishment.

Oral Iodine

There's a higher risk of over-supplementation because the dose is fully absorbed via digestion, whether the body needs it or not.

This can potentially overwhelm the thyroid and trigger issues, especially in people with autoimmune thyroid conditions or hyperthyroidism.

High doses can also lead to iodine-induced hyperthyroidism or worsening of thyroid autoimmunity if not monitored properly.

Topical Use in Specific Situations

Topical iodine is especially helpful during:

• Chlorine exposure (e.g., swimming, bathing in chlorinated water) because chlorine competes with iodine at receptor sites.
• Drinking fluoridated water.
• Exposure to fireworks (bromine)
• Supporting breast health (e.g., fibrocystic breasts), as iodine is directly absorbed by breast tissue when applied to the skin.
• Applying to areas like the inner wrist, breast tissue, or thyroid area provides localized support without burdening the digestive system.

2. What If I have Hyperthyroidism, Graves Disease &/or Thyroid Antibodies?

For those with specific overactive or autoimmune thyroid conditions, working with a healthcare provider to assess iodine needs is essential.

If you are taking thyroid medications, you will also need to check with your health care professional before using iodine. 

3. Tell Me More About Bromine & How This Impacts Iodine Levels In The Body?

Bromine is a halogen, like iodine, and unfortunately, it competes for the same receptor sites in the body—especially in the thyroid and hormone-sensitive tissues. Top sources of Bromine exposure include:

Fire Retardants (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers - PBDEs)

Found in:

• Mattresses, carpets, upholstery
• Electronics (TVs, laptops, phones)
• Car interiors and baby products
• PBDEs are endocrine disruptors and can off-gas over time.

Brominated Flour (Potassium Bromate)

• Used in some commercial breads and baked goods to improve dough elasticity.

• Banned in many countries (like the EU), but still legal in the U.S. and some parts of the world.

• Classified as a possible human carcinogen.

Soft Drinks (Brominated Vegetable Oil - BVO)

• Used to stabilise citrus-flavoured sodas (e.g., Mountain Dew & some sports drinks).

• Can accumulate in fat tissue and the brain.

• Has been linked to neurological symptoms and hormone disruption.

Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs

• Bromine is sometimes used as an alternative to chlorine as a sanitiser.

• Exposure can occur through skin absorption and inhalation of vapours.

Pharmaceuticals

• Some medications contain bromine derivatives, such as:

  • Certain sedatives

  • Inhalers

  • Pain medications

Pesticides and Fumigants

• Methyl bromide, once widely used as a fumigant for crops and soil.

• Though largely phased out in many countries, it can still linger in certain agricultural areas or older produce residues.

Dyes and Flame Colours:

• Fireworks, especially those with purple or certain red hues, often contain bromine-based compounds. Inhalation of the smoke can introduce bromine particles and other halogen compounds into the body.

Bromine competes with iodine in the thyroid and breast tissue, potentially leading to:

• Iodine deficiency

• Thyroid dysfunction (e.g., hypothyroidism, goiter)

• Hormonal imbalances

• Increased risk of fibrocystic breast changes

How to Reduce Bromine Load

• Use HEPA filters and non-toxic home furnishings when possible.

• Choose organic, bromine-free flours and avoid mass-produced baked goods.

• Ditch sodas with BVO and check labels on citrus-flavored drinks.

• Use chlorine filters for baths/showers if bromine is used in your water supply.

• Prioritize iodine-rich foods or topical iodine to displace bromine from receptors.

4. Why The Different Forms?

In our Back To The Paddock Topical Iodine, is a combination of ammonium iodide and elemental iodine. This is an advantage as they serve different functions in the body and is therefore an advantage to include both when looking at using iodine orally or topically for your health. 

Iodine (I₂):

• Free iodine (I2) is more lipid-soluble and can penetrate the skin and enter tissues more effectively. It prefers fatty tissues like the breasts, ovaries, prostate, and skin and is key for maintaining healthy oestrogen metabolism, breast tissue, and skin integrity

Iodide:

• Iodide ions can also be absorbed through the skin but are less efficient at penetrating deeply, like elemental iodine. However, iodide absorbed through the skin can enter the bloodstream and potentially contribute to systemic iodine levels.

• Here it is actively taken up by the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones (T3, T4).

• Crucial for regulating metabolism, mood, temperature, and energy production

When both are present, you nourish both iodine-dependent tissues like the breasts as well as the thyroid gland—resulting in a more complete iodine replenishment.

Enhanced Absorption and Tissue Saturation

• Topical iodine solutions with both elemental (molecular) iodine and ammonium iodide allow for gradual absorption through the skin.

• The body selectively absorbs the form it needs with iodide being pulled into the thyroid & molecular iodine diffuses into fat-rich tissues like the breasts and ovaries.

This prevents overloading a single pathway and reduces the risk of side effects, especially for those who are sensitive or iodine-deficient.

Mimics Nature’s Design

In seaweed and natural sources, iodine is present in multiple forms, not just one. The body evolved to use a combination of iodide and elemental iodine, which is why comprehensive supplementation often yields better outcomes than isolated iodide alone.

Topical Use Bypasses Digestion and Is Self-Regulating

When applied to the skin, absorption is gentler and more selective—you absorb what’s needed, and the rest evaporates. This is particularly important for people with gut issues (who may not absorb oral iodine well). Those with autoimmune thyroid conditions, where careful dosing is important.

Bonus: Protective Mechanism Against Halogens

Both iodine and iodide help displace halogens like fluoride, bromine, and chlorine, which compete at iodine receptor sites. Together, they offer a more robust defence against these thyroid- and hormone-disrupting toxins—especially helpful when exposed to chlorinated water or flame retardants.

Both Forms Work Best

Topical iodine solutions that combine iodine and ammonium iodide deliver dual-action support—targeting both the thyroid and iodine-loving tissues like the breasts and ovaries. This approach mimics natural sources, supports total body iodine saturation, and offers a safer, self-regulating alternative to high-dose oral supplementation.

5. What Age Is Safe?

• Adults and teens (generally 12+):
  Topical iodine is usually well-tolerated and safe when used appropriately—especially for hormone balance, thyroid support, or detox support.

• Children under 12:
  Topical iodine can be used cautiously, but only under the guidance of a healthcare provider, especially if:

  • There’s a family history or signs of thyroid imbalance

  • The child has been exposed to halogens (fluoride, chlorine, bromine)

  • They have diagnosed iodine deficiency or live in an iodine-depleted region

When to Avoid or Use with Caution

• Infants and toddlers (<3 years):
  Iodine can affect developing thyroid function more dramatically in very young children. Avoid topical iodine unless prescribed by a pediatric practitioner.

• People with active hyperthyroidism or thyroid antibodies (e.g., Hashimoto’s) or on thyroid medications:
  Iodine (even topically) can trigger flares if not carefully monitored. If used, topical application is safer and should be monitored with regular thyroid bloods. 

Supporting Your Thyroid, Brain & Breast Health, One Drop At A Time

Iodine is a vital nutrient that supports hormone balance, thyroid function, breast and brain health, pregnancy, and more. Unfortunately, environmental toxins and soil depletion have made iodine deficiency more common.

By being mindful of dietary intake, minimising exposure to competing halogens like chlorine, fluoride and bromine and considering topical iodine application, you and your family can support your iodine levels and maintain optimal health.

Head to Backtothepaddock.au or click the link in podcast to pick up some today with intro code HELLOIODINE

 1) Zimmermann, M. B., & Boelaert, K. (2015). "Iodine deficiency and thyroid disorders." The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 3(4), 286-295.

2) Leung, A. M., Pearce, E. N., & Braverman, L. E. (2011). "Iodine content of food groups." Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 96(4), 1284-1291.

3)Gisselle Gallego, Stephen Goodall and Creswell J Eastman Med J Aust 2010; 192 (8): 461-463. || doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2010.tb03586.x Published online: 19 April 2010

4) Hurley S, Eastman CJ, Gallego G. The impact of mandatory iodine fortification and supplementation on pregnant and lactating women in Australia. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2019;28(1):15-22. doi: 10.6133/apjcn.201903_28(1).0003. PMID: 30896409.  

5) World Health Organization (WHO). "Assessment of iodine deficiency disorders and monitoring their elimination." (2007).

6) Bath, S. C., Steer, C. D., Golding, J., Emmett, P., & Rayman, M. P. (2013). "Effect of inadequate iodine status in UK pregnant women on cognitive outcomes in their children: results from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)." The Lancet, 382(9889), 331-337.

7) Delange, F. (2001). "Iodine deficiency as a cause of brain damage." Postgraduate Medical Journal, 77(906), 217-220.

8) Zimmermann, M. B. (2009). "Iodine deficiency." Endocrine Reviews, 30(4), 376-408.

9) Abraham, G. E. (2004). "The Safe and Effective Implementation of Orthoiodosupplementation in Medical Practice." The Original Internist, 11(2), 17-36.

10) Boas, M., Feldt-Rasmussen, U., & Main, K. M. (2012). "Thyroid effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals." Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 355(2), 240-248.

11) Ghent, W. R., Eskin, B. A., Low, D. A., & Hill, L. D. (1993). "Iodine replacement in fibrocystic disease of the breast." Canadian Journal of Surgery, 36(5), 453–460.

12) Rappaport J. Changes in Dietary Iodine Explains Increasing Incidence of Breast Cancer with Distant Involvement in Young Women. J Cancer. 2017 Jan 13;8(2):174-177. doi: 10.7150/jca.17835. PMID: 28243321; PMCID: PMC5327366.

13) https://www.treeoflifemedical.net/blog-posts/iodine-deficiency-on-the-rise?

 14) Hatch-McChesney A, Lieberman HR. Iodine and Iodine Deficiency: A Comprehensive Review of a Re-Emerging Issue. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 24;14(17):3474. doi: 10.3390/nu14173474. PMID: 36079737; PMCID: PMC9459956.