Laser therapy for autoimmune thyroiditis has limited, mixed clinical evidence
A review described changes in thyroid markers and medication requirements, while a sham-controlled trial improved quality of life without short-term endocrine changes.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Studies of photobiomodulation, also called low-level laser therapy, reported improvements in some thyroid measures and lower levothyroxine requirements. However, a sham-controlled trial reported better quality of life and oxidative stress markers without short-term endocrine changes. This mixed evidence does not yet establish a reliable added benefit for people with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.
This abstract-based summary is limited by few human studies, varied laser protocols, and frequent use of selenium or vitamin D alongside treatment. Those differences make the contribution of laser therapy alone difficult to judge.
What the review examined
The authors gathered human clinical studies of laser therapy for chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis. They summarized results in words because study designs and treatment protocols differed too much for a uniform synthesis.
Different outcomes tell different stories
Antibody levels, thyroid hormone tests, ultrasound findings, and quality of life capture different aspects of the condition. Changes in some measures should not be treated as proof that the underlying autoimmune process was reversed.
The original publication
Photobiomodulation Therapy in Chronic Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Systematic Review of Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Applications.
Berisha-Muharremi V, Humolli A
Int J Mol Sci · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41977196
- Record checked
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