90: Too Much Iron Can Be Just as Dangerous as Too Little – The Hidden Condition Behind Fatigue, Heart Disease, and Thyroid Problems with Dr. Christy Sutton

What if one of the most overlooked causes of fatigue, joint pain, thyroid dysfunction, and even heart disease wasn't iron deficiency, but iron overload?In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson welcomes Christy Sutton, chiropractor, functional medicine clinician, educator, and author of The Iron Curse. Inspired by her husband's diagnosis with hereditary hemochromatosis, Dr. Sutton has dedicated her work to helping patients recognize and address iron overload before it leads to serious long-term health complications.Together, McCall and Dr. Sutton explore why hereditary hemochromatosis is far more common than many people realize, why millions of people may unknowingly carry high-risk genes, and how excess iron can silently damage the liver, heart, pancreas, brain, thyroid, and other organs. McCall also shares her own personal experience with iron overload, walking through her lab work live during the episode while Dr. Sutton explains what the results reveal and why early detection can make all the difference.Whether you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, elevated ferritin, thyroid issues, or have a family history of iron overload, this episode offers practical guidance on testing, treatment, and understanding one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in modern medicine. 🔑 Key Topics CoveredWhat hereditary hemochromatosis is and why it's commonly missedWhy iron overload can be just as dangerous as iron deficiencyThe three HFE gene variants associated with hereditary hemochromatosisWhy being told you're "just a carrier" may not tell the full storyHow excess iron creates oxidative stress throughout the bodyThe connection between iron overload and liver diseaseHow excess iron may contribute to cardiovascular disease and plaque formationIron overload and its relationship with thyroid dysfunctionWhy iron can accumulate in the brain, pancreas, pituitary gland, and jointsThe impact of iron overload on hormone production and fertilityWhy women often develop iron overload after menopause or uterine ablationMcCall's personal lab review and genetic resultsUnderstanding ferritin, transferrin saturation, and inflammatory markersWhy ferritin should always be interpreted alongside CRPThe role of therapeutic blood removal in treatmentBlood donation versus therapeutic phlebotomyDietary strategies to help manage iron overloadWhy vitamin C supplementation may increase iron absorptionFoods and beverages that influence iron absorptionSupplements that may support healthy iron regulationThe relationship between celiac disease genes and iron metabolismWhy family history plays an important role in early detection 🩸 Iron Overload Is More Common Than Most People ThinkWhen most people think about iron, they think about deficiency.But according to Dr. Sutton, hereditary hemochromatosis affects far more people than many realize, with a significant portion of the population carrying one or more HFE gene variants that can increase iron absorption.Because the body has very limited ways to eliminate excess iron, levels can gradually increase over decades, especially after menstruation ends or blood loss decreases. 🧬 Why Excess Iron Can Damage the Entire BodyIron is essential for life, but too much can become harmful.Dr. Sutton explains that excess iron contributes to oxidative stress, allowing iron to accumulate within tissues where it may damage organs over time.Areas commonly affected include:LiverHeartPancreasBrainThyroidPituitary glandJointsBecause this process develops slowly, many people don't recognize the problem until significant health issues appear. 👩 Why Women Often Don't Develop Symptoms Until MidlifePremenopausal women naturally lose iron through monthly menstrual cycles.As a result, many women remain protected from iron accumulation for years.However, after menopause, hysterectomy, uterine ablation, or other situations that reduce menstrual blood loss, iron levels may begin rising much more rapidly.McCall shares her own experience of seeing her iron markers increase after uterine ablation, creating an opportunity to discuss how these laboratory changes may appear before significant symptoms develop. 🩺 Looking Beyond a Single Lab ValueOne of the most educational moments of the episode comes when Dr. Sutton reviews McCall's laboratory results in real time.She explains why evaluating multiple markers together provides a more complete p