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Suggest Treatment For Palpitations, Nausea And Sleep Issues
Question: Hi there,
I am a 31 year old female dx with thyroid disorder - hyperthyroid treated with radiation 4 years ago. I am no hypothyroid and thyroid levels have been balanced for the last year.
I recently had some blood work done to look at some of my hormones as I was having some sleep issues, stomach pain/nausea and heart palp - which I thought could be related to my thyroid as sometimes I get heart palps since my thyroid diagnoses. My doctor requested a bunch of tests and one was ferritin. MY FSH LSH and thyroid levels were all within range, however, my ferritin seemed very high, especially for me who has had low iron previously but never high. My levels were 571 ug/L. The test was taken first thing in the morning before I ate. I have not been taking any supplements. I should also note that when I had the blood test I was menstruating.
My question is - Should I be concerned? And what could be causing my ferritin to be high? I am not obese - I am 5'4 and weigh 112lbs. I do not drink often - last drink I had was 3 weeks ago and it was one glass of wine. Should I go to see my doctor about this when he returns from his vacation or should I see his on call? What other steps do I need to take to figure out what is causing this? Thank you!
I am a 31 year old female dx with thyroid disorder - hyperthyroid treated with radiation 4 years ago. I am no hypothyroid and thyroid levels have been balanced for the last year.
I recently had some blood work done to look at some of my hormones as I was having some sleep issues, stomach pain/nausea and heart palp - which I thought could be related to my thyroid as sometimes I get heart palps since my thyroid diagnoses. My doctor requested a bunch of tests and one was ferritin. MY FSH LSH and thyroid levels were all within range, however, my ferritin seemed very high, especially for me who has had low iron previously but never high. My levels were 571 ug/L. The test was taken first thing in the morning before I ate. I have not been taking any supplements. I should also note that when I had the blood test I was menstruating.
My question is - Should I be concerned? And what could be causing my ferritin to be high? I am not obese - I am 5'4 and weigh 112lbs. I do not drink often - last drink I had was 3 weeks ago and it was one glass of wine. Should I go to see my doctor about this when he returns from his vacation or should I see his on call? What other steps do I need to take to figure out what is causing this? Thank you!
Brief Answer:
Ferritin
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome symptoms.
I have noted your ferritin levels. The reasons for this can be recent infection or liver problems. Iron overload is unlikely but further tests will be necessary to be sure.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
Iron studies
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day Correct diagnosis and treatment requires the opportunity to examine the patient so you must see a physician in-person soon
Ferritin
Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your bothersome symptoms.
I have noted your ferritin levels. The reasons for this can be recent infection or liver problems. Iron overload is unlikely but further tests will be necessary to be sure.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your last 3 months' glucose average). Also known by other names such as GlycoHemoglobin or Glycated Hemoglobin or A1c
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
Iron studies
25 hydroxy Vitamin D levels (ideal range 40 to 60 ng/ml = 100 to 150 nmol/liter)
None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day Correct diagnosis and treatment requires the opportunity to examine the patient so you must see a physician in-person soon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your response.
Do you feel it is urgent for me to see my doctor, or dealing with these issues in your practice do you think this is a common thing to come across? If it were due to an infection, I would most likely know about the infection, correct?
Lastly, could high ferritin levels be causing me to feel nauseous and have stomach pains at times? Or would this be unrelated?
Thank you.
Do you feel it is urgent for me to see my doctor, or dealing with these issues in your practice do you think this is a common thing to come across? If it were due to an infection, I would most likely know about the infection, correct?
Lastly, could high ferritin levels be causing me to feel nauseous and have stomach pains at times? Or would this be unrelated?
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Although your levels are not alarmingly high, it is advisable to call the doctor's office. His or her nurse or in-call will review your full record and get back to you as to whether or not this is something you need to get checked out for promptly.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Although your levels are not alarmingly high, it is advisable to call the doctor's office. His or her nurse or in-call will review your full record and get back to you as to whether or not this is something you need to get checked out for promptly.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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