Can wrong dosage of levothyroxine cause iron deficiency anaemia ? I have had an endoscopy and gastroscopy with normal results but am anaemic

[Chrissiep]

Ferritin levels very low,but don't appear to be bleeding . I am 69 years old and suffer from fibromyalgia.

[helvella Administrator]

Insufficient thyroid hormone can result in low stomach acidity. This can reduce ability to absorb iron and, in time, iron deficiency anaemia. So the answer is, yes!

Others will pile in, but it is often suggested that any iron supplements you take are accompanied by vitamin C (ascorbic acid) which will help with absorption.

Iron from sources such as liver are generally better absorbed, less likely to cause problems, and more effective than iron sulphate and the other "mineral" iron supplements.

So far as I can see, there will be a sort of vicious circle. Low thyroid, less iron absorbed, hence less effective use of thyroid hormone, and so on...

Rod

[Chrissiep in reply to helvella]

Thank you so much for this information. Very helpful.

[Hidden]

When u are hypo u lose the ability to absorb iron.

[Chrissiep in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply. Very interesting.

[Chrissiep]

Many thanks. I don't know anything about NDT. Is it available on the NHS ? My GP is adamant that I am having adequate levothyroxine, because my blood tests are within normal range, but I feel differently.

[Marz]

Also low VitD has been implicated in Low Iron - as mentioned in an article on vitamindcouncil.org

[Chrissiep in reply to Marz]

Thank you. Will do more research.

[Marz in reply to Chrissiep]

Am also wondering what your FT3 result was when tested. LOW T3 can often be associated with Fibro. With T3 being an ACTIVE hormone and needed in trillion of cells in the body - then it needs to be towards the top of the range for there to be enough to go around It may help others to help you if you posted your last results with ranges. Also the results of the Iron Folate Ferritin B12 VitD - The Famous Five

[Chrissiep in reply to Marz]

Thank you Marz. I only have my ferritin level, which is 7. I must see my GP again and ask for my latest readings.

[Marz in reply to Chrissiep]

Need the Ferritin range as well as result. Hope you can soon obtain your results from the Doc....