Anemia and Hypothyroidism

Anemia, specifically iron-deficiency anemia, is associated with hypothyroidism. There are speculations as to the common-denominator in both conditions. For example, some references indicate that it is a matter of copper-deficiency while other references indicate that hypothyroidism results in a reduced uptake of iron due to a decrease in the amount of hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach. Regardless of the common-denominator, if you have symptoms that include fatigue, irritability and depression, and a feeling of always being cold, then you may want to ask your doctor to test both your thyroid and your iron status. Note that at thorough thyroid work-up involves more than TSH and an anemia work-up involves more than serum-iron levels and a CBC.