What is the Cause of Iodine Deficiency?

What Causes Iodine Deficiency?

Iodine deficiency can have various causes, just like most other symptoms. Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.

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Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms. In order to diagnose iodine deficiency, we could:

Research the topic
Find a doctor with the time
Use a diagnostic computer system.

The process is the same, whichever method is used.

Step 1: List all Possible Causes

We begin by identifying the disease conditions which have "iodine deficiency" as a symptom. For example, iodine need.

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

We then identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:

jaundiced skin

vegan diet

no iodine supplementation

low iodine consumption

cysts in breasts

... and so on

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of iodine deficiency.

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

If you indicate having had recent lab tests, The Analyst™ will ask further questions including this one:

Have you tried the Iodine Patch Test within the past 6 months? If so, how long did it take for the iodine patch to disappear after it was painted on your arm?

Possible responses:

→ Never tried it / over 6 months ago / don't know
→ Less than 4 hours
→ 4 to 8 hours
→ 9 to 12 hours
→ It lasts at least 12 hours (normal)

Based on your response to this question, which may indicate very fast iodine patch disappearance, fast iodine patch disappearance, marginal iodine patch disappearance or normal iodine patch disappearance, The Analyst™ will consider or rule out possibilities such as Iodine Requirement.

Concerned or curious about your health? Try The Analyst™