Bipolar disorder treatment: A cause of hypothyroidism?
I have bipolar disorder and have recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Are the two conditions related in some way?
- Ann / Arkansas
Mayo Clinic endocrinologist and men's health specialist Todd Nippoldt, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.
Answer
Bipolar disorder and hypothyroidism are not related. But lithium — a common bipolar disorder treatment — can interfere with production of thyroid hormone and lead to hypothyroidism in some people. If you are on long-term lithium therapy for bipolar disorder, your doctor will likely recommend periodic blood tests to evaluate your thyroid function.
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