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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Ferritin research and 3yo's low-normal thyroid
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.
Ferritin research and 3yo's low-normal thyroid
by UpThatHill, Feb 19, 2006 12:00AM
I am not anemic, but my ferritin level was 21 (normal ref. range 10-154). I was very sick after I began thyroid therapy, until I started taking iron, now I feel much better thanks to you! In a November 2005 post called "Can't bring up my FT3 levels", you said there were a few studies that found ferritin levels above 70 were optimal for thyroid patients.
1) Can you please share the names of these studies and where I might find them? Are there different optimal ranges for children?
I am hypothyroid w/o hashi's antibodies or scan damage. My 3 yo daughter is small and hasn't grown in 15 months, is constipated, very dark-hair low on her forehead and all over her back, extended stomach, high cholesterol (despite chol-conscious diet) and labial adhesions. Her labs are
Total cholesterol 217
TSH 2.249 (ref .46-8.1)
FT4 1.02 (ref 1.02-1.72)
FT3 3.1 (ref 3-6)
Ferritin 17 (ref 10-291)
TIBC 354 (ref 250-450)
UIBC 274 (ref 150-375)
Iron, Serum 80 (ref 11-130)
Iron Saturation 23 (ref 15-55)
Her ped. endo. is not concerned with her thyroid or iron attributing to lack of growth.
2)What do you think? I disagree with the lack of concern over her low-normal thyroid results, especially with familial link to hypoT and her symptoms. Endo is now testing prolactin, IGF1 and IGFBP3. Am I over concerned about her thyroid?
3) What about ferritin/iron? Is ferritin low? She takes a vitamin with 15 mg of iron per day ... is that enough? Could low ferritin be the culprit?
Thank you for your reply.
Beck in N.C.
1) Can you please share the names of these studies and where I might find them? Are there different optimal ranges for children?
I am hypothyroid w/o hashi's antibodies or scan damage. My 3 yo daughter is small and hasn't grown in 15 months, is constipated, very dark-hair low on her forehead and all over her back, extended stomach, high cholesterol (despite chol-conscious diet) and labial adhesions. Her labs are
Total cholesterol 217
TSH 2.249 (ref .46-8.1)
FT4 1.02 (ref 1.02-1.72)
FT3 3.1 (ref 3-6)
Ferritin 17 (ref 10-291)
TIBC 354 (ref 250-450)
UIBC 274 (ref 150-375)
Iron, Serum 80 (ref 11-130)
Iron Saturation 23 (ref 15-55)
Her ped. endo. is not concerned with her thyroid or iron attributing to lack of growth.
2)What do you think? I disagree with the lack of concern over her low-normal thyroid results, especially with familial link to hypoT and her symptoms. Endo is now testing prolactin, IGF1 and IGFBP3. Am I over concerned about her thyroid?
3) What about ferritin/iron? Is ferritin low? She takes a vitamin with 15 mg of iron per day ... is that enough? Could low ferritin be the culprit?
Thank you for your reply.
Beck in N.C.
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Feb 19, 2006 12:00AM
, Feb 19, 2006 12:00AM
Low ferritin is unlikely to be the culprit -- I am not a pediatrician and cannot speak towards your daughter's case specifically, however the thyroid does not look to be abnormal.
Ferritin>70 is more an opinion of some -- don't have the references but try a google search particulary relating to hair loss and ferritin.
I apologize for not being more specific about your daughter, but I do not see patients her age....
Ferritin>70 is more an opinion of some -- don't have the references but try a google search particulary relating to hair loss and ferritin.
I apologize for not being more specific about your daughter, but I do not see patients her age....
Member Comments (2)
by UpThatHill, Feb 19, 2006 12:00AM
To: Dr Mark
Thanks for your input. I have another question for you: After taking your advice and googling hair loss and ferritin I read a lot about anemia specifically causing hair loss. Can anemia cause the thyroid to swell and cause hypothyroid symptoms? I am a runner and have not been fully evaluated for anemia, other than a CBC and ferritin. I was DXed hypoT last year b/c I had massive hair loss, swolen thyroid, and galactorrhea. I don't have hashi's antibodies, and no scan damage: Could runner's anemia have caused all my hypoT problems? I just cannot get over how much better I felt after I started iron. If so, once I get my ferritin replenished, is it possible that I won't need thyroid meds anymore? I am on 45 mg Armour thyroid.
