Why Hypothyroidism Supplements May Be a Waste of Money—and Risky
More people with hypothyroidism are turning to supplements after seeing online recommendations. These products promise relief from fatigue, hair loss, or weight issues—but experts warn they lack proof and may even pose risks. A specialist in nuclear medicine has now spoken out against the trend, calling many supplements a waste of money.
Dr. Gesche Wieser, a nuclear medicine expert, has advised patients to avoid unnecessary dietary supplements. She explains that fatigue and other symptoms in hypothyroidism often stem from different causes, such as vitamin deficiencies, hormonal shifts, or menopause. Even when thyroid hormone levels are stable, other factors could be at play.
Many patients now ask about conversion disorders, where the body struggles to turn T4 into the active T3 hormone. Wieser clarifies that such genetic conditions are extremely rare and poorly understood in clinical practice. Online discussions have fuelled concerns, but she stresses that most cases have other explanations.
Herbal remedies like milk thistle, often promoted for thyroid issues, show no benefit for genetically based conversion disorders. Wieser also highlights that psychosomatic symptoms—triggered by stress or major life events—can mimic thyroid-related discomfort. Instead of supplements, she recommends checking medication levels and investigating broader health factors.
The German Society of Nuclear Medicine supports Wieser’s stance: supplements offer no proven help for hypothyroidism. Patients experiencing persistent symptoms are urged to consult doctors rather than rely on untested products. Without proper evaluation, unnecessary spending on supplements may delay finding the real cause of their discomfort.
