From the Guidelines
There is a potential association between hyperhidrosis and low ferritin levels, and addressing iron deficiency through supplementation may help alleviate sweating symptoms in some cases, as supported by the most recent evidence 1. When considering the relationship between hyperhidrosis and low ferritin levels, it's essential to understand that iron plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including the autonomic nervous system and thermoregulation. Iron deficiency, even without anemia, can have negative implications for overall health, including potentially exacerbating hyperhidrosis symptoms.
- Key points to consider:
- Iron deficiency is defined as low serum ferritin (<35 μg/L) with normal blood hemoglobin values 1.
- The normal range for ferritin levels is typically between 20-200 ng/mL for women and 30-300 ng/mL for men.
- Iron supplementation, such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, or ferrous fumarate, taken with vitamin C to enhance absorption, may help alleviate symptoms.
- Side effects of iron supplementation can include constipation, nausea, and darkened stools.
- It's crucial to have ferritin levels tested and discuss iron supplementation with a healthcare provider, especially if experiencing hyperhidrosis symptoms, as the connection between the two conditions is still being researched and understood. The most recent and highest quality study 1 provides guidance on iron deficiency and its implications, highlighting the importance of addressing low ferritin levels to potentially improve symptoms of hyperhidrosis.
- Important considerations:
- Iron deficiency can result from various factors, including inadequate dietary intake, menstruation, and gastrointestinal bleeding 1.
- Vitamin C can enhance iron absorption, while foods or fluids like tea and coffee may impair it 1.
- Determining the causal factors of iron deficiency is crucial for effective treatment, as it may involve a combination of dietary changes, supplementation, and addressing underlying conditions 1.
From the Research
Association between Hyperhidrosis and Low Ferritin (Iron) Levels
There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest an association between hyperhidrosis and low ferritin (iron) levels.
Iron Deficiency and Ferritin Levels
- Low ferritin levels are highly specific for iron deficiency 2
- A serum ferritin level ≤ 50 ng/mL is indicative of early iron deficiency 3
- The use of ferritin as a diagnostic test of iron deficiency and overload is a common clinical practice 4
- A low baseline transferrin saturation, but not serum ferritin level, appears to be a reliable indicator of the effect of intravenous iron to reduce major heart failure events 5
Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency
- The serum ferritin cut-off to define absolute iron deficiency is not well-established 3
- Thresholds proposed by authors of included studies ranged between 12 to 200 µg/L 4
- A fixed threshold of 30 μg/L has been used in some studies, with a pooled estimate for sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 98% 4