Hypothyroidism and Hereditary Haemochromatosis (HH) - appropriate ferritin levels

[Sleepymoley]

I have recently discovered that there is a link between thyroxine effectiveness and ferritin levels. However since I have both hypothyroidism and Hereditary Haemochromatosis (iron overload syndrome) I'm not sure what 'acceptable' levels of ferritin should be in order to metabolise the levothyroxine. I've been told by my Haematologist that I need to keep my ferritin below 50ng/mL to manage the HH, but am worried that this may adversely affect my hypothyroid symptoms and could explain the constant tiredness I feel. Any advice gratefully received.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

It's always said on here that Ferritin needs to be 70 for thyroid hormone to work, our own or replacement hormone.

This article is interesting

drhedberg.com/the-ferritin-...

And says if you scroll down

"What is a healthy ferritin level?

Standard lab ranges are pretty broad currently set at 15-150 ng/ml for adult women and 30-400 ng/ml for adult men. I prefer a ferritin of about 50-150 for optimal health. Some women need to have a ferritin at 80 or above just to start seeing hair regrowth and to really feel better. Thyroid function may not be optimal until ferritin levels reach 90. It’s amazing how symptoms can set in when the ferritin drops below 50....... "

[Hidden]

Yes you do need enough ferritin to utlise thyroid hormones. Your blood results would help us reply as well as current symptoms. I presume you are not feeling that your body is benefiting asmuch as you might like from the hormones you are taking. There are a multitude of reasons why this might be, ferritin being just one of them.

[Sleepymoley in reply to Hidden]

I don't have any current results (last ones were from September) as I'm due to have another set of tests next month. However September tests were: T4 17.9 pmol/L, TSH 0.11 miu/L and ferritin 28 ng/mL - this last one made my consultant very happy! I have noticed that I'm feeling tired a lot recently and many of the thyroid symptoms (such as dry skin and brittle nails) are back. Trying to work out if it's to do with the thyroid or iron levels. I had my levothyroxine reduced to 125 last year after my HH was stabilised and it seemed to work well for a while. Just need to know which questions to ask when I next see the consultant I guess.

[Hidden in reply to Sleepymoley]

Your levels of thyroid hormone look ok as far as I can remmber without the ranges. Did your doctor take your B12, vitamin D and folate as well as all essential for utilisation of thyroid hormones. It does look like you could do with some more iron to support thyroid.

Maybe ask your consultant for a safe higher level of iron. You might also do well to havea good endo on your case. I can think of one but not sure where you are in the country. .You can get an email list of helpful endos from thyroiduk website and I will PM you name of one that has a good understanding of these kind of issues. Unfortunatley the reputation of endos with thier patients is not great and poor understanding and treatment not uncommon.

[Sleepymoley]

Surprisingly my B12 and vit D etc are all OK. Having my vit d checked again as my GP didn't believe it! Bearing in mind my aversion to daylight it's probably sensible, but my diet is good. Not sure about foliate, but having a full blood panel done soon, so will check then. Thanks for the advice though