If you also struggle with an overactive thyroid, you know how confusing and debilitating it can be to feel both extremely exhausted and restless at the same time. Aside from the multiple symptoms of Graves’ disease, many women like myself have also reported additional side effects caused by anti-thyroid medication. This has led more and more people to seek out hyperthyroid supplements to address nutritional deficiencies.
The problem is that most supplements out there are designed for the more common thyroid condition: hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid. After hours and hours of research, I’ve finally narrowed it down to 4 top supplements for an overactive thyroid:
#1 Thorawell Hyperveda
I was pleasantly surprised to discover this formula. It was made specifically for women with an overactive thyroid, but it seems to be a combination of ingredients that are good for, well, pretty much anyone. It doesn’t hurt that the founder herself is open about her struggles with Graves’ disease, so you know there’s actual care and thought put into it. Here are some highlights of why this hyperthyroid supplement remains at the number one spot:
The good stuff
- A proper dose of 200mcg of Selenium, which is the researched amount for supporting thyroid health and managing thyroid eye disease
- It combines magnesium, vitamin D3, and vitamin K2 all in one bottle… need we say more?
- Each ingredient has the science to back it up, and they’ve listed all the relevant medical research on their website here
- No added iodine, and it’s gluten-free
- No ashwagandha—an ingredient that’s currently popular in thyroid supplements, but can interact with anti-thyroid medication
- It has no strange fillers, unlike many bigger-brand supplements
The cons
- Only a 30-day money-back guarantee, a short amount of time compared to other supplement brands.
#2 Dr. Westin Childs Hyperthyroid Bundle
Dr. Westin Childs is primarily known for making thyroid hormone booster supplements, but I was happy to see a bundle designed specifically for those of us with an overactive thyroid. Although this bundle is at the upper end of prices, it’s worth considering if within your budget. Below are some reasons why this stood out to us:
The good stuff
- Dr. Childs has been in the space for 8+ years focusing solely on thyroid health
- Like Hyperveda, one of the products in the bundle has the wonderful combination of Vitamin D3 with K2—a must-have, especially since low Vitamin D3 levels are so common among women with hyperthyroidism.
- Also included in the bundle is Thyro Biotic, a supplement that aims to promote a balanced, healthy gut. We know how crucial gut health is, and how issues with the gut can impact thyroid function and vice versa
- They offer a 60-day money-back guarantee with each order, which is great considering the high investment
The cons
- Higher price point
- Taking multiple supplements daily can be harder to keep up with and stay consistent
#3 Pure Encapsulations Nutrient 950
While this isn’t technically a thyroid-specific formula, I think this is a pretty solid combination that checks a lot of boxes for basic health. If you do decide to go for this one though, be sure to choose the special formula made without copper, iron, & iodine.
The good stuff
- It covers the basics for thyroid and general health, including 200mcg of Selenium, Vitamin D3, K2, and Magnesium
- Pure Encapsulations is known for their clean formulas, free from unnecessary additives
- It’s both gluten and dairy-free
The cons
- With so many ingredients packed into one product, it can be difficult to pinpoint which specific ingredient or ingredients are the cause of any potential unwanted side effects
- It includes biotin, which may alter thyroid blood test results
#4 Paloma Daily Thyroid Care
While Paloma specializes in offering hypothyroid telecare, their daily thyroid support supplement made it to my top 4 for being one of the few formulas that don’t include iodine in its list of ingredients.
The good stuff
- Iodine-free and gluten-free
- A great blend of 9 essential vitamins and minerals
- They offer free shipping and returns
The cons
- The primary focus is to manage hypothyroid symptoms
- It contains L-tyrosine, which could potentially reduce TSH levels—a concern for those already dealing with an overactive thyroid. For this reason alone, this option doesn’t make it to my top 3.
Supplements to avoid if you have hyperthyroidism
There are a few ingredients you need to be wary of when deciding which supplement to include in your routine if you’re hyperthyroid or have an autoimmune condition, such as Graves’ disease:
Iodine
Iodine is probably one of the most common ingredients in thyroid support supplements, but it is an ingredient that people with hyperthyroidism need to avoid or limit their intake of. Iodine helps your thyroid gland make more hormones, which is the exact opposite of what we need since our thyroid is already ramped up. High iodine levels can also lead to goiter, which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland that may be visible in the neck.
Ashwagandha
We don’t have enough clear studies yet, but some evidence suggests that ashwagandha could potentially make hyperthyroidism worse by increasing the levels of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. While ashwagandha might be helpful for some people with low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism), I prefer to avoid it altogether just to stay on the safe side.
Biotin
Biotin, commonly found in hair supplements, can interfere with certain laboratory tests, including those measuring thyroid hormone levels such as TSH, T3, and T4. High levels of biotin in the blood can lead to falsely high or low results.
To be safe, it’s generally recommended to stop taking biotin at least 48 to 72 hours before getting your thyroid blood tests done. This time frame allows the biotin to clear from your system and reduces the likelihood of it interfering with the test results.
Final thoughts
I’m sure, like me, you’ll be happy to know there are some great supplement options for those of us with a thyroid that’s a little too eager to do its job.
Please remember, managing hyperthyroidism is not just about finding the one magical supplement—it’s about finding the right balance for your body. We’re all different, and what works for me might not be the perfect fit for you. However, I hope this list gives you some clarity in this overwhelming journey of trying to thrive with an overactive thyroid.
As always, make sure to consult with your physician or healthcare professional before starting any new vitamins or supplements. If you have any questions or want to share your experiences, I’d love to hear from you!
