Can Red Light Therapy Help Your Thyroid? Here’s What the Research Says.

I’ve seen a lot of questions lately about using red light therapy (RLT) to improve thyroid function, especially in Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism. Since I was already planning a blog post on it, I did a deep dive into the research. Spoiler: it’s not as clear-cut as social media makes it seem.

Studies on RLT and the Thyroid

Some early studies using clinical-grade devices using Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), a form of photobiomodulation at a similar in wavelength to red light therapy but with greater intensity and tissue penetration, showed real promise. These are the kind of devices used in hospitals or research settings. In people with Hashimoto’s, these more powerful lasers were associated with:

↣ Reduced thyroid antibodies

↣ Improved hormone output

↣ Lower medication needs

That’s encouraging… if you have access to one of those devices and a doctor monitoring your labs (and thyroid ultrasound...more on that later).

But most of us are using consumer-level devices.

Like red light masks, panels, or handheld wands. That’s where the story changes.

A 2022 randomized, placebo-controlled study tested a cosmetic-grade LED device (the kind commonly sold online) in women with hypothyroidism. The outcome showed no significant changes in thyroid labs after consistent use. Whomp, whomp

These devices likely don’t penetrate deeply enough to reach the thyroid, which is encased in layers of skin, subcutaneous fat, anterior neck muscles, and a dense fascial capsule that surrounds the gland itself. So even if red light has theoretical benefits, most home-use tools probably won’t directly affect thyroid output.

One cautionary study

A 2016 rat model found that LLLT increased the proliferation of anaplastic thyroid cancer cells. This doesn’t mean red light causes cancer, but if someone had an undiagnosed malignant nodule and used a powerful device, there could be a risk of accelerating its growth. And again, this was a much more powerful form of photobiomodulation than the home panels and masks we have access to, but it still seemed worth mentioning.

Indirect benefits

Red light therapy can support things like mitochondrial health, inflammation, and tissue repair. And because thyroid health is influenced by both inflammation and energy production, it's not out of realm of possibility that RLT might support thyroid function indirectly over time. But that’s playing the long game, and not a substitute for targeted root-cause work if your thyroid is still struggling.

TL;DR

Use RLT for skin, energy, mood, or inflammation, because the science is solid there. But don’t expect your at-home panel or Hannibal Lecter mask to reverse Hashimoto’s or fix your TSH.

So, maybe RLT isn't the miracle cure we hoped it could be. But there are ways to support our thyroid and get rid of the stubborn symptoms!

Grab my free Thyroid Lab Guide to learn which tests actually matter (beyond TSH), how to read them, and optimal ranges.

If you're still struggling with energy crashes or fatigue, check out the Energy Drains & Solutions Guide. It walks you through common hidden causes and how to start shifting things with simple, effective changes.

Looking for the full Hashimoto's solution manual? Back to Balance is my root-cause-based, self-paced program for women with Hashimoto’s or stubborn thyroid symptoms. It includes everything I wish I’d known earlier, delving into gut health, inflammation, blood sugar, stress physiology, detox and more, plus functional lab testing options if you want to go even deeper. It will give you the power of knowledge and the ability to recognize your unique underlying causes and the exact steps to take to start feeling better!

Disclaimer: I do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing I share is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. I may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician’s care. It is my role to partner with you to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and any changes should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician.