Anaemia and hypothyroidism

[KnitSock]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism around 10-12 months ago. Most of the time I am ok, and technically my TSH levels etc are now under control. However I keep ending up very anaemic, especially after periods, and it completely knocks it out of me.

Does anyone have any tips on how to manage it? It's knocked me for six. I am a keen runner and at the moment just as I get back into running after 3-4 weeks I end up anaemic again and have to stop for a week or so to then be able to start, and have to make up for lost ground.

I am finding it all so frustrating. I remember all the things I used to be able to do, and just can't. I'm only 26.

[maggiesloper]

Ask your doctor for an iron infusion. That will increase your levels and should see you right for about 2 years

[HLAB35]

Firstly get a full iron panel done (not just ferritin) and b12 and folate. What are your levels? If you have anaemia, then I think you could benefit from iron injections or an infusion, but to make sure that it'll work without bad side effects there are things they need to check first (iron is a tricky one) and your liver health is part of that too.

Secondly, if you are supplementing (I am assuming you must) ask Seaside Susie for advice on dosing (type of supplement and quantity) as there may be room for improvement here.

Thirdly, make sure you take vitamin c with iron, also cut completely down on all the things that can bind with it and stop it being absorbed especially at the times you supplement. So, tea, coffee, dairy, raw onions (due to quercetin) and anything containing calcium, even some supplements can block iron absorption. If you have heme iron (from animal sources) e.g. liver it's more bio-available than the iron in tablets (due to it already being in a form that our bodies don't need to convert).

Also, if your periods are very heavy your t3 may be very low giving you low stomach acid and poor iron absorption AND heavy periods. So, a full thyroid panel is in order... especially as heavy periods are a symptom of under-treated hypothyroidism. Endometriosis could be something your GP needs to consider.

Finally, and this is something that I didn't realise until more recently, it is important to have good levels of other minerals, vitamin a (liver is a good source) and some b vitamins to assist iron absorption. An electrolyte mix such as Dr Myhill's mineral mix or her sunshine salt could help you get your electrolytes in balance (look at her sales website) especially as you are a runner. These both contain vitamin d and b12 , so you can reduce the amount you supplement these if you were to opt for these mixes.

drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Anaemia...

[MaisieGray]

Some other general issues with iron - are you aware that athletes especially runners, are at risk of greater iron loss and/or deficiency through sweating? Runners, in particular, regularly lose iron through their feet due to a phenomenon known as foot strike hemolysis. There is also a phenomenon known as exercise-induced anaemia. It may be, that rather than the iron deficiency impeding your running, it is the running that is causing, or at least, exacerbating an existing iron problem where there are also other factors at play. Iron deficiency is common in athletes involved in endurance sports eg in female marathon runners, the prevalence is as high as 28% compared to 11% in the general female population. Around 10–15% of athletes with iron deficiency have a mild form of anaemia. Particularly if other contributory factors are involved eg dietary restrictions and menstrual bleeding as you mention, anaemia can be more severe.

(Sweating can also result in other nutrient and mineral losses as well btw eg calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, and zinc levels should also be checked.)

Some other factors that can impact on iron: vitamin C increases iron absorption; in general, cooking increases the amount of available non-haem iron in vegetables eg the body absorbs six per cent of the iron from raw broccoli, compared to 30 per cent from cooked broccoli; soy proteins can reduce absorption from plant sources, tannins from tea, coffee and wine reduce iron absorption by binding to the iron and carrying it out of the body; phytates and fibres in wholegrains can reduce the absorption of iron and other minerals; vitamin A helps to release stored iron, so not enough vitamin A in the diet could lead to iron deficiency.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Frequently vitamin deficiency is due to hypothyroidism not being fully corrected

Heavy periods are classic sign of being hypothyroid

How much Levothyroxine are you taking

Do you have recent TSH, FT4 and FT3 results and ranges you can add

Do you have Hashimotos? Diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies

Essential to test vitamin D too

[Hidden]

can you post your blood results it may be that you are inadequately treated and that you periods will improve with better hormone replacement. If your doctor is dosing you according to TSH and not to alieviate symptoms and return you to full health then he or she is not doing a very good job but unfortunately this is very common.

[Marguerite9]

I was very anaemic and also allergic to any iron supplements, so I did it by eating the right foods plus taking Spatone which is an iron apple drink which you can buy from Holland and Barrett. It did the trick. I am not anaemic now.

[KnitSock]

Thanks for all your replies. I've had a horrible weak, but am feeling better today and yesterday. Had more blood tests today to do a full blood count, ferritin and thyroid function tests. The earliest follow up GP appointment I could book however is 21st February...Doesn't the NHS make you swear.

I am also concerned about heart health, as my heart rate has been variable this week, from slow, to quite quick with any level of physical activity, and varying spells of light headedness. It's just so difficult to pull all the symptoms apart and work out what is cause and effect.

I just want to be well, and am so frustrated and have found myself in tears this week. I wish there was a cure, but know there never will be.