I wanted to share something that helped me when I had Graves’ thyroid eye disease because I don’t hear it discussed nearly as much as medication.
I got diagnosed with Graves Disease in 2011 and TED shortly thereafter. I wanted to share something that helped me when I had Graves’ thyroid eye disease because I don’t hear it discussed nearly as much as medication.
When my eyes started changing, my doctor had me take 200 micrograms (mcg) of selenium per day for about four to six months. My eyes eventually retracted back toward normal, and I personally had a very good outcome. Zero recurrence.
Years later, I learned that my doctor wasn’t just recommending some random supplement. Selenium has actually been studied in people with mild, active thyroid eye disease, and clinical guidelines recognize it as an option for certain patients.
That does NOT mean selenium will treat every case of TED or that anyone should substitute it for medication their doctor recommends. Moderate or severe TED can require steroids, biologic medications, surgery, or other treatment. Selenium can also be harmful if you take too much.
But if you have early or mild thyroid eye disease, it may be worth asking your endocrinologist or ophthalmologist if selenium is appropriate for your type and severity TED.
Also, the dose is in micrograms, not milligrams. I took 200 mcg/day.
I’m sharing this because I was surprised to learn how many people with TED have never even been told that selenium is an evidence-based option for some cases. My experience obviously isn’t proof that it will work for someone else, but it may be a conversation worth having with your doctor.