Low Ferritin and Hypothyroid

Hello there,
if you have low Ferritin and hypothyroidism, should you still do the myriad of tests to determine what is causing the low Ferritin?  Or is it safe to assume that it is caused by absorption issues caused by a thyroid problem?

My worst feat is treating hypothyroidism (as I am now with Natural Dessicated Thyroid) when the real cause of the hypothyroidism is low iron itself, caused by something serious like Crohns disease, or Celiac disease, a parasite, etc.  But because I know many people with thyroid issues have low iron, maybe for us it is not necessary to check all of the *other* reasons you might have low iron?  (And just assume the iron issue is caused by the thyroid issue and not the other way around?)

Thoughts?

[Red_Star]

There are numerous reasons for iron deficiency as i've found online..some quite surprising such as excessive exercise (that is not my problem). LOL

In regards to hypothyroidism, when metabolism decreases the bone marrow had difficulty producing red blood cells which can lead to iron anaemia. Also, low metabolism lowers stomach acid which in turn leads to the malabsorption of nutrients including iron. If your ferritin levels do not improve then have a look into other possible causes.

*Iron deficiency can be the result of numerous causes which includes:

* Inadequate iron intake

* Rapid periods of growth

* Heavy menstruation

* Pregnancy

* Frequent or excessive blood donations

* Surgery or accidents

* Medications that cause bleeding such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs)

* Bleeding due to conditions such as ulcers, haemorrhoids, hiatal hernias, colon polyp, colon cancer

* Hypochloridia (low stomach acid), achlorhydria (no stomach acid)

* Bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, Celiac disease

* Inherited disorders such as thalassaemia, sickle cell disease

* Autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica

* Infections such as malaria, septicaemia, tuberculosis, osteomyelitis, intestinal infections (hookworm and other parasites), chronic/recurrent urinary tract infections

* Bone marrow conditions such as aplastic anemia (bone marrow failure), leukemia

* Hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism

* Uterine fibroids (growths in the uterus)

* Chronic conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS

* Kidney disease/failure (erythropoietin [EPO] stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells)

* Liver disorders such as hepatitis C

* Poisoning from lead, toxic chemicals, alcohol abuse

* Intestinal surgery such as gastric bypass

* Excessive exercise (iron is lost in sweat)

* Diets that do not include heme iron (the form of iron in red meat) which is absorbed more efficiently than non-heme iron found in plants and dietary supplements

* Low or deficient vitamin C, vitamin B12, folate or zinc (nutrients that facilitates sufficient non-heme iron absorption)

* Lack of intrinsic factor (a protein necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12)

* Consuming foods, substances or medications that interfere with the absorption of iron such as:

- taking antacids
- proton pump inhibitors  
- calcium supplements
- dairy products
- coffee
- tea
- chocolate
- eggs
- fiber

[Red_Star]

In regards to hypothyroidism, when metabolism decreases, the bone marrow has difficulty producing red blood cells which can lead to iron anaemia. I need an edit button. :)

[junk43yard]

I will see how things improve with my iron shot and daily proferrin tablets (3x per day) and if my iron doesn't rise enough look into a stool sample.  If that doesn't tell the story, then I will get a colonoscopy.

I am fairly certain my low iron is caused by my thyroid issue.