295. Ferritin and Hypothyroidism: What You Don't Know

We need to dive into the relationship between ferritin and Hashimoto's/hypothyroidism because it just doesn't get enough love and attention and we tend to overlook its importance even in terms of looking at symptoms. Did you know that low ferritin levels actually mimic the same symptoms that are experienced with low thyroid function? And it's really eye opening when you start going down the list of symptoms. Within the studies I researched for this episode, I uncovered symptoms that I had no idea were tied to low ferritin and low iron levels. So let me shed some light on it. So weakness, fatigue, we kind of know these are associated with low ferritin levels. What I didn't know is that weight gain is actually tied too low ferritin levels. So are brittle nails, headaches and restless leg. Also short term memory and brain fog that we associate with thyroid...dizziness, pounding in the ears, cold hands and feet again associated with hypothyroidism can be low ferritin as well. Sure, you can have two compounding issues. Many, many, hypothyroid patients have low ferritin levels and we have to address both but some of you might not have a thyroid problem whatsoever, and you're still dealing with these symptoms and it all comes down to low ferritin. So we can really see that low ferritin and hypothyroidism can big time overlap. Also what is optimal for ferritin levels? After researching this topic, I have changed my thoughts on where "optimal" should land for women with hypothyroidism!! Shop ALL of Dr.