the thyroid-iron connection
Finding the Missing Piece
Hypothyroidism and iron deficiency are two common health challenges, especially for women. If you've ever felt like your health puzzle is missing a piece, you may be in the right place. This blog is all about making sense of the intricate relationship between these two common conditions.
Shared Symptoms
Both hypothyroidism and iron deficiency share some similar symptoms including fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, sensitivity to the cold, reduced peripheral circulation, brain fog, heavy or irregular periods, and muscle weakness. These symptoms are like a secret code, and guess what? They're not exclusive to just one condition. It's like having two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together, and they often show up together, making everything more challenging.
Hypothyroidism's Sneaky Influence on Iron Levels
Alright, let's talk about how hypothyroidism affects our iron levels. Deep inside your body, there are Iron Regulating Proteins (IRPs) and an Iron Responsive Element (IRE) working together to maintain iron homeostasis.
In hypothyroidism, T3 levels drop, causing a ripple effect. It's like the conductor losing their baton. The IRPs get confused and slow down the production of ferritin, which stores iron in your liver. So, people with hypothyroidism will often have lower ferritin levels. Also, your body's ability to absorb iron also gets hampered because hypothyroidism has been found to reduce hydrochloric acid production – the stuff you need to break down and absorb iron.
But wait, there's more! Thyroid hormones are like superheroes for making red blood cells. When you're low on T4 and T3 (the thyroid hormones), your body makes fewer red blood cells, which can lead to anaemia, cue, iron deficiency anaemia.
How Iron Deficiency Plays Tricks on Your Thyroid
Now, let's switch gears and talk about how iron deficiency can mess with your thyroid. Your thyroid has this cool enzyme called thyroid peroxidase (TPO), which helps make thyroid hormones. Picture TPO as a chef in a kitchen, and iron as one of the essential ingredients. When you're low on iron, the chef can't cook up enough hormones, and that's no good.
Iron deficiency also seems to reduce the conversion of T4 (a thyroid hormone) into T3 – the active, energy-boosting thyroid hormone. Think of T3 as the gas that makes your engine run smoothly. With less T3, your engine sputters.
Moreover, iron deficiency can make T3 less effective because it can't bind properly to its receptors. It's like trying to use a key that's bent out of shape to open a lock. It might sort of work, but not as well as it should.
All-in-All
The connection between hypothyroidism and iron deficiency is like a beautifully tangled web of our body's functions. This intricate relationship underscores the importance of tackling both conditions together. If you're on a mission to reclaim your well-being, remember this: a holistic approach is the way to go. Teaming up with a skilled naturopath can uncover the hidden complexities and guide you toward a path of balance, vitality, and a renewed sense of health.
If you are struggling with iron deficiency or hypothyroidism and would like help with improving your health, feel free to book in an initial session with me here.
References
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