How Can Lithium Affect Thyroid Function?

Posted on Wed, 3 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 2 Jun 2015 Answered on

Tue, 23 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : i was on lithium for 4 months when I was 19 years old, could this have caused hypothyroidism at the time, I am a male and I was never diagnosed with it?

Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, it could be due to Lithium.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir, Hi
Welcome to HCM.

I appreciate your concern for the safety of Lithium.

Used basically in the treatment/prevention of mania or manic depressive psychosis (Bipolar disorder), Lithium carbonate can inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormones thus causing hypothyroidism.

So, its use might have resulted in hypothyroidism.

Hope this answers your query.
Wishing you a very good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T