Lithium pill bottle with a subtle thyroid gland, symbolizing the balance between mental and physical health.

Lithium and Your Thyroid: What You Need to Know About Bipolar Treatment

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exploring the Link Between Lithium Therapy, Thyroid Function, and Mental Wellness in Bipolar Disorder."

Bipolar affective disorder (BPAD), characterized by significant mood swings, affects millions worldwide. Effective management often involves long-term treatment with mood stabilizers, and lithium has long been a cornerstone of such therapy. While lithium can be incredibly effective, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects, particularly those related to thyroid function.

The thyroid gland, responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, can be sensitive to lithium's effects. This connection is particularly important for women, who are already at a higher risk for thyroid issues. Understanding the interplay between lithium, thyroid function, and bipolar disorder is key to optimizing treatment and minimizing potential complications.

This article will explore the findings of a hospital-based prospective study that investigated the correlation between serum lithium levels and thyroid function tests in individuals with bipolar disorder. We'll break down the key insights and offer guidance on how to navigate this aspect of your treatment plan, ensuring you stay informed and proactive in managing your health.

Decoding the Lithium-Thyroid Connection: Key Findings

Lithium pill bottle with a subtle thyroid gland, symbolizing the balance between mental and physical health.

A study conducted at Father Muller Medical College evaluated 150 patients with BPAD undergoing lithium treatment for at least six months. The research aimed to identify correlations between lithium levels in the blood and thyroid function abnormalities. Serum lithium levels were measured using ion-selective electrode method, while thyroid function tests (TFT) were performed using electrochemiluminescence. The data was then analyzed using Karl Pearson Correlation Coefficient to determine any significant relationships.

The study revealed a negative correlation between lithium levels and thyroid function, with a significant p-value of less than 0.002. This indicates that as lithium levels increased, thyroid function tended to decrease, and vice versa. The study also highlighted the distribution of thyroid abnormalities within the group:

Hyperthyroidism (low TSH): 4% of patients (3 males, 3 females) had TSH levels below 0.27 mEq/l, with an average lithium level of 1.35 mEq/l.
Hypothyroidism (high TSH): 6% of patients (5 males, 4 females) had TSH levels above 4.2 mEq/l, with an average lithium level of 0.44 mEq/l.
Normal Thyroid Function: The majority (90%) of patients had normal thyroid function, with an average lithium level of 0.66 mEq/l.

These findings underscore the delicate balance required in lithium therapy. Because lithium has a narrow therapeutic window, regular monitoring is essential. The study also confirmed that women are more susceptible to thyroid function abnormalities when taking lithium.

Practical Steps: Monitoring and Maintaining Thyroid Health During Lithium Therapy

If you're taking lithium for bipolar disorder, here's how to stay proactive about your thyroid health:Regular Monitoring: Work closely with your doctor to schedule regular thyroid function tests. These tests will help detect any changes early on. Dosage Adjustment: Be open with your doctor about any symptoms you're experiencing. They may need to adjust your lithium dosage to minimize thyroid impact. Lifestyle Considerations: Support your overall health with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques. These habits can positively influence both your mental and physical well-being. Open Communication: Maintain an open dialogue with your healthcare team. Share any concerns or changes in your health promptly. By taking these steps, you can manage your bipolar disorder effectively while protecting your thyroid health and overall quality of life.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4172/2167-0501.1000176, Alternate LINK

Title: Correlation Of Serum Lithium Levels And Thyroid Function Tests In Subjects Of Bipolar Affective Disorder Ã¢ÂÂ A Hospital Based Prospective Study

Journal: Biochemistry & Pharmacology: Open Access

Publisher: OMICS Publishing Group

Authors: Manjuprasad Ms Shreya H

Published: 2015-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

How does lithium, a common treatment for bipolar disorder, affect the thyroid?

Lithium, a mood stabilizer used in treating bipolar affective disorder, can impact the thyroid gland's function. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate metabolism, and lithium can interfere with this process, potentially leading to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or, less commonly, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Regular monitoring of thyroid function is essential for individuals on lithium therapy to detect and manage any abnormalities early on.

What did the Father Muller Medical College study reveal about the relationship between lithium levels and thyroid function?

The Father Muller Medical College study revealed a negative correlation between serum lithium levels and thyroid function. This means that as lithium levels in the blood increased, thyroid function tended to decrease, and vice versa. Specifically, the study found that individuals with hyperthyroidism (low TSH) had higher average lithium levels (1.35 mEq/l), while those with hypothyroidism (high TSH) had lower average lithium levels (0.44 mEq/l). This highlights the importance of carefully monitoring lithium dosage and thyroid function tests to maintain a balance.

In the study, what was the role of the Karl Pearson Correlation Coefficient and the significance of the p-value?

The Karl Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used to determine the statistical relationship between lithium levels and thyroid function. A significant p-value of less than 0.002 indicated a statistically significant negative correlation. While this correlation suggests a link between lithium levels and thyroid function, it's important to remember that correlation does not equal causation. Other factors can influence thyroid function, and further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which lithium affects the thyroid.

What steps should be taken if thyroid abnormalities are detected while on lithium treatment?

If thyroid abnormalities are detected while on lithium therapy, your doctor may adjust your lithium dosage to minimize the impact on your thyroid. Additionally, treatment for the thyroid condition itself may be necessary. For hypothyroidism, this typically involves thyroid hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine. Regular monitoring of both lithium levels and thyroid function is crucial to ensure optimal management of both bipolar disorder and thyroid health. Lifestyle adjustments that support both mental and physical wellness such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, can also play a supportive role.

Why are women more susceptible to thyroid issues when taking lithium for bipolar disorder?

Women are generally at a higher risk for thyroid issues than men. The Father Muller Medical College study confirmed that women are more susceptible to thyroid function abnormalities when taking lithium. The exact reasons for this increased susceptibility aren't fully understood, but hormonal factors and autoimmune thyroid diseases, which are more common in women, may play a role. Women on lithium therapy should be particularly vigilant about regular thyroid function monitoring and reporting any symptoms of thyroid dysfunction to their healthcare provider.