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How PDE8B Variants Affect Thyroid Function and Women's Health

The thyroid gland helps regulate metabolism, heart function, mood, and reproductive health by producing hormones under control of thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH. The PDE8B gene influences signaling pathways that affect thyroid hormone activity. Certain variants in PDE8B, including the rs6885099 single nucleotide polymorphism, are linked to changes in TSH levels. Lower TSH may indicate that the thyroid is producing relatively higher amounts of thyroid hormone. For women this can influence menstrual cycles, fertility, bone health, and energy levels.

What this means for you

  • If your genetics are associated with lower TSH you may have a tendency toward higher circulating thyroid hormones. That can speed metabolism and change menstrual regularity or bone turnover over time.
  • If your genetics are associated with typical TSH your thyroid regulation is likely to be within the common range, but lifestyle and nutrient status still matter.
  • Genetics are one piece of the picture. Environment, diet, supplements, medications, and overall health all influence thyroid function.

Practical actions to support thyroid and hormone balance

  • Monitor thyroid function with a comprehensive panel when appropriate. Tests to consider include TSH, free T4, and free T3 rather than TSH alone.
  • Ensure adequate iodine intake through iodized salt or iodine rich foods when needed. Avoid excessive iodine unless recommended by your clinician.
  • Include dietary sources of selenium, such as Brazil nuts, seafood, and whole grains, to support conversion of thyroid hormones and antioxidant defense.
  • Support zinc and vitamin A status with a balanced diet that includes nuts, seeds, shellfish, liver in moderation, and colorful fruits and vegetables.
  • Maintain adequate vitamin D levels through safe sun exposure, diet, or supplementation as advised by your healthcare provider.
  • Moderate intake of raw soy and large amounts of cruciferous vegetables if you have low iodine intake, as these foods can affect thyroid hormone synthesis when eaten in very high amounts.
  • Prioritize consistent sleep, stress management, and regular physical activity to support hormone balance and metabolic health.
  • Minimize exposure to common endocrine disruptors such as certain plastics, bisphenols, and phthalates by using glass or stainless steel containers and limiting processed foods.

Genetic Interpretation for rs6885099 (PDE8B)

AA genotype — two effect alleles

You carry two copies of the A effect allele at rs6885099. This genotype is associated with decreased TSH concentrations. Lower TSH usually indicates reduced pituitary stimulation of the thyroid, which may reflect relatively higher thyroid hormone activity. Clinically this can show up as increased metabolism, changes in menstrual cycle regularity, difficulty conceiving for some women, and increased bone turnover over time.

Recommendations if you have the AA genotype:

  • Ask your healthcare provider about a full thyroid panel including TSH, free T4, free T3, and if appropriate thyroid antibody testing.
  • Ensure steady dietary iodine but avoid large fluctuations or very high supplemental doses unless instructed by your clinician.
  • Include selenium rich foods such as Brazil nuts (1 to 2 nuts per day provides adequate selenium for most people) and fatty fish to support hormone conversion and antioxidant protection.
  • Support zinc and vitamin A through shellfish, seeds, liver in moderation, and orange or dark green vegetables.
  • Check and maintain adequate vitamin D status. Low vitamin D can worsen some hormonal imbalances and immune effects.
  • Moderate raw soy and high intakes of cruciferous vegetables if you have marginal iodine intake. Cooking cruciferous vegetables reduces their goitrogenic potential.
  • Practice good sleep hygiene and stress reduction. Cortisol and sleep disruption affect thyroid regulation.
  • Work with your clinician on bone health monitoring, especially if there are other risk factors for reduced bone density.
AG genotype — one effect allele

You carry one copy of the A effect allele at rs6885099. This genotype is associated with a mild decrease in TSH compared to people without the A allele. That suggests a small tendency toward higher thyroid hormone activity. Effects are usually subtle and often influenced by other genetic and lifestyle factors.

Recommendations if you have the AG genotype:

  • Consider periodic comprehensive thyroid testing that includes TSH, free T4, and free T3 so changes are detected early.
  • Maintain balanced iodine intake through diet and iodized salt when appropriate. Avoid high dose iodine supplements unless recommended by a clinician.
  • Eat selenium rich foods like seafood and a small number of Brazil nuts several times per week to support healthy thyroid conversion.
  • Include zinc and vitamin A sources. A varied whole food diet typically provides adequate amounts for most people.
  • Support vitamin D sufficiency and follow a regular sleep schedule to stabilize hormone rhythms.
  • Limit exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and avoid large intakes of raw soy or raw cruciferous vegetables if your iodine intake is low.
GG genotype — zero effect alleles

You carry two copies of the G non effect allele at rs6885099. Your genotype is associated with typical TSH levels and standard thyroid-pituitary communication. While your PDE8B genotype does not suggest a predisposition to lower TSH, thyroid health still depends on nutrients, lifestyle, and other genetic or environmental factors.

Recommendations if you have the GG genotype:

  • Continue routine thyroid screening as recommended by your healthcare provider. Consider comprehensive testing when symptoms arise.
  • Maintain a balanced diet with sufficient iodine, selenium, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin D to support normal thyroid function.
  • Adopt consistent sleep, stress management, and regular exercise to promote hormonal balance.
  • Limit exposure to endocrine disruptors and keep soy and cruciferous vegetable intake reasonable, especially if you have other risk factors for thyroid dysfunction.

When to talk to your healthcare provider

  • If you experience persistent changes in weight, heart rate, energy, menstrual cycles, or fertility discuss testing and evaluation with your clinician.
  • If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or planning pregnancy, ensure thyroid function is evaluated because thyroid hormones play an important role in fetal development and fertility.
  • If you are considering iodine or other high dose supplements discuss them with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a history of autoimmune thyroid disease.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational and focuses on genetic predispositions only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about testing, diagnosis, or treatment based on genetic or laboratory results.