From the Research
Hyperthyroidism does not directly cause increased iron levels, but it can affect iron metabolism in complex ways, potentially leading to iron deficiency or altered laboratory values due to inflammation. According to the most recent study 1, Graves' hyperthyroidism interferes with iron metabolism and elevates ferritin, although the precise mechanisms remain unclear. The study found that median ferritin levels were significantly lower and transferrin significantly higher at euthyroidism than at the diagnosis of Graves' hyperthyroidism.
Key Points to Consider
- Hyperthyroidism can lead to iron deficiency due to increased oxygen demand and cell turnover, which may deplete iron stores 2.
- Hyperthyroidism can sometimes mask iron deficiency symptoms, as both conditions can present with similar features like fatigue, though through different mechanisms 3.
- In some cases, hyperthyroidism may cause reactive changes in laboratory values, including altered ferritin levels, which might temporarily appear elevated due to inflammation rather than true iron excess 1.
- Ferritin acts as an acute phase reactant that increases during inflammatory states, which can occur in autoimmune thyroid conditions like Graves' disease 1.
Recommendations
- If you have hyperthyroidism and abnormal iron studies, it's essential to treat the underlying thyroid condition first with medications like methimazole or propylthiouracil, then reassess iron parameters after thyroid function normalizes to get an accurate picture of your true iron status 4.
- Treatment choices for hyperthyroidism should be individualized and patient-centered, taking into account the underlying diagnosis, presence of contraindications, severity of hyperthyroidism, and patient preference 2.