Addressing Iron Deficiency May Improve Thyroid Function
In this study done in Pakistan, it was shown that women with goiter (thyroid enlargement) were more likely to have iron deficiency. They conclude: "It was observed that iron deficiency is prevalent in GFPs (goitrous female patients), so the need of iron supplementation will be required to improve the efficacy of thyroid metabolism in goitrous women." This conclusion is a bit of a stretch, but supports the need to check iron levels in CFS/FMS and hypothyroidism and to address with iron when low.
Be sure not to take the iron supplements within 6 hours of the thyroid hormone or it can block absorption of the thyroid.
References
"Evaluation of Iron in Serum and Urine and their Relation with Thyroid Function in Female Goitrous Patients," Kandhro GA, Kazi TG, et al, Biol Trace Elem Res, 2008 June 21; [Epub ahead of print].
Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. is one of the world's leading integrative medical authorities on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. He is the lead author of eight research studies on their effective treatments, and has published numerous health & wellness books, including the bestseller on fibromyalgia From Fatigued to Fantastic! and The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution. His newest book (June 10, 2024) is You Can Heal From Long COVID. Dr. Teitelbaum is one of the most frequently quoted fibromyalgia experts in the world and appears often as a guest on news and talk shows nationwide including Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, Oprah & Friends, CNN, and Fox News Health.
