How does Lithium affect hormones?

Lithium is an essential medication for Bipolar Disorder. However, it concentrates in the thyroid and parathyroid glands.

Thyroid Effects:

Lithium acts like a block, stopping the thyroid from releasing hormone. This causes Goiter (enlarged thyroid) and Hypothyroidism in up to 50% of long-term users.

Treatment: You do NOT need to stop Lithium. You simply take Levothyroxine to fix the levels.

Parathyroid Effects:

Lithium makes the parathyroid glands less sensitive to calcium, leading to Hyperparathyroidism (High Calcium).

Treatment: If calcium gets dangerously high, surgery or switching medications (if safe for mental health) may be discussed.