How I’m Using Light to Support My Thyroid Naturally
After having my second baby, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid.
I remember feeling exhausted, inflamed, anxious, emotional, and disconnected from my body. At the time, I was told that developing thyroid issues after pregnancy was “common” because of the massive hormonal shifts that happen postpartum.
But here’s the thing I kept thinking:
Just because something is common does not mean it’s normal.
That moment sent me deep into researching hormones, circadian rhythm, inflammation, mitochondria, and the role LIGHT plays in the body.
And what I found completely changed the way I view healing.
Why Light Matters More Than Most People Realize
Your body is designed to respond to light.
Light influences:
- Circadian rhythm
- Hormone production
- Sleep quality
- Cortisol levels
- Mitochondrial energy (ATP)
- Inflammation
- Cellular repair
Your thyroid is deeply connected to all of these systems.
Modern life has dramatically changed our light environment:
- Less sunlight
- More indoor living
- Artificial blue light late at night
- Less natural circadian signaling
And many researchers now believe this disruption impacts hormone balance, immune health, and inflammation.
What Is Photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation (PBM), also called red light therapy or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), uses specific wavelengths of red and near infrared light to support cellular function.
Research suggests these wavelengths may help:
- Support mitochondrial energy production (ATP)
- Reduce oxidative stress
- Improve circulation
- Support tissue repair
- Reduce inflammation
The mechanism is believed to involve stimulation of cytochrome c oxidase inside the mitochondria — essentially helping cells produce energy more efficiently.
What Studies Show About Red Light Therapy and Hashimoto’s
Several clinical studies on photobiomodulation and Hashimoto Thyroiditis have shown promising results.
Researchers observed:
- Reduction in TSH levels
- Improvements in T3 and T4 hormone balance
- Reduction in thyroid antibodies (anti-TPO and anti-TG)
- Improved thyroid vascularization
- Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress
One long-term study on autoimmune thyroiditis found that some patients were able to reduce or discontinue thyroid medication after consistent low-level laser therapy use.
Another study found improvements in fatigue, sleep quality, and overall well-being in patients with Hashimoto’s who used photobiomodulation therapy.
Now, this does NOT mean red light therapy is a guaranteed cure for thyroid disease.
But the research is incredibly exciting because it suggests light may help support the environment the thyroid needs to function better.
How I’m Personally Using Light to Support My Thyroid
1. Morning Sunlight Every Day
One of the most important things I do is get sunlight into my eyes early in the morning.
Morning sunlight helps:
- Anchor circadian rhythm
- Support cortisol balance
- Improve sleep quality
- Signal hormone timing to the body
I try to:
- Go outside within 30–60 minutes of waking
- Avoid sunglasses during early morning light
- Walk outside
- Open windows
- Spend time grounding in nature
This simple habit has been one of the most regulating things for my nervous system and hormones.
2. Red Light Therapy Consistently
I use red light therapy regularly to support:
- Cellular repair
- Energy production
- Inflammation support
- Recovery
- Skin health
- Thyroid support
The thyroid sits close to the surface of the neck, which makes it an interesting area for photobiomodulation research.
My General Routine
This is not medical advice, just the type of routine I personally use consistently.
Beginner Routine
- 10 minutes
- 3–5x per week
- Red or near infrared light
- Light positioned on or a few inches away from the skin
More Consistent Healing Routine
- 15–20 minutes daily
- Focus on the neck/thyroid area plus full body support
- Consistency over intensity
Many thyroid-related studies used protocols around:
- 2 sessions per week
- For 3–5 weeks initially
- Followed by ongoing maintenance use
3. Supporting My Circadian Rhythm at Night
Healing hormones is not just about what you do during the day.
It’s also about darkness at night.
I try to:
- Dim lights after sunset
- Reduce blue light exposure
- Avoid scrolling late at night
- Use calming red light in the evening
- Prioritize sleep
Your thyroid depends heavily on proper nervous system and circadian signaling.
Healing Takes Time
One of the hardest parts of healing is learning patience.
Most of the studies on photobiomodulation and thyroid function showed improvements after:
- Several weeks
- Several months
- Or consistent use over time
Healing usually isn’t instant.
It’s small consistent choices that slowly create change.
My Biggest Takeaway
I no longer view healing as “fighting” my body.
I see it as supporting the body with the things it was designed to receive:
- Light
- Sleep
- Nourishment
- Minerals
- Nervous system regulation
- Sunlight
- Movement
- Rest
The body is constantly trying to heal when we create the right environment.
And while light therapy is not magic, the science around photobiomodulation and thyroid health is incredibly hopeful.
If you’ve been struggling with fatigue, thyroid issues, inflammation, or feeling disconnected from your body postpartum, I hope this encourages you to start learning about the power of light.
XO
Shell