thyroid and potassium

[genelady]

In January blood work showed TSH of 6.76 (ref 0.27 - 4.2) and potassium of 5.6 (ref 3.0 - 5.1). My levothyroxine dose has been increased to deal with the thyroid. Do you know of any link between hypothyroid and increased potassium level? Or could you suggest any other tests that I should have done at blood test next week?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

unlikely directly related in this situation.  If potassium still high -- and you are not on any blood pressure meds -- consider check of adrenal glands (acth stim test) as occassionally patients with hypothyroidism have adrenal insufficiency (addison's) which can cause a high potassium.

[stevo20]

Well, Aldosterone is a hormone produced and secreted by the adrenal glands that signals the kidneys to excrete less sodium and more potassium. So if you havent had your tests yet, you might want to have your Aldosterone level checked.

But generally speaking, if your Aldosterone level is high, then you would probably be experiencing some other symptoms.

I dont really know of  a correlation per se, except that the pituitary gland is responsible for TSH levels as well as partly reponsible for controlling the Aldosterone levels. The remainder of the control for Aldosterone levels comes from the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

[stevo20]

RE: My last post

EDIT: Should have said "LOW aldosterone levels would probably exhibit other symptoms"