Hair Loss on head and body - Help!

[Sandpuff]

In January I noticed hair loss on my head.  Now it's not only noticeable to me but others can see it, and I just noticed a few days ago that I've lost hair on my arms and legs, too.  It seems my hair is growing slower.  I have fine hair to begin with and didn't have much to spare on my head.  I don't mind the loss of it on my arms and legs because I had plenty there!  

Any ideas on what causes hair loss all over your body?   I started Ritalin in January for fatigue, is it the culprit?  I've looked online and can find nothing about it causing hair loss on your body, it just says in rare instances scalp hair loss.  And I'm taking a small amount of it.  It has helped me so much with fatigue I was able to get a job, so I don't really want to go off of it, but if it's the cause I sure don't want to be bald, either.  

I've had blood tests recently and thyroid was normal and blood counts, they are still waiting on an ANA but I had one of those several months ago that was normal so it's probably fine, too.  

I don't know what else to do.  I've tried different shampoos and stuff, but why am I losing hair on my arms and legs, too?  The only medicine I'm on is Ritalin right now.  Had some stress last fall so I initially thought that could be the cause but the hair loss keeps getting worse.  Does anyone have any suggestions?

[jensequitur]

They've done the T3 and T4 levels test too, right?  

[Sandpuff]

They checked my thyroid twice in the last few months.  I have a nodule on it so they keep on eye on it I guess, but blood tests are normal.  I've never had my estrogen checked so maybe that's something to look into, thanks.

[twopack]

Any chance you are low on estrogen?

[jensequitur]

Hey, chica, go get your thyroid levels checked.  I've heard of hair loss associated with hypothyroid, as well as slowed hair and nail growth.  Hypothyroidism can also cause fatigue.

[Sandpuff]

Thanks, I don't have ms although they've been testing me for it (or to rule other stuff out) lately because I lost some vision in one eye.  I don't have much stress or anxiety at the moment in my life, but when I have to go through medical testing it does cause me to be anxious so maybe that's causing it.  And the Ritalin caused me to feel anxiety at times at first, so maybe it's indirectly causing it.  From what I know about ms I don't think that could be a cause, but I posted my question here because of the knowledge of this community.    

[Adnvwsti]

Hi, Sandpuff!  Have you been dx'd with MS?  I've not heard of this symptom being associated with MS, but that doesn't mean someone more knowledgeable than me won't have heard of it.  You sound as though you're very stressed and have a high anxiety level, and of course, those issues can cause hair loss.  Also, various medications can cause it.  After several heart events years ago, my cholesterol medication dosage was raised so high that I began to lose hair and I have always had a thick, healthy head of hair, so it was a little disconcerting when I saw how much of it was falling out.  However, once my body got accustomed to the cholesterol meds, the hair loss issues pretty much resolved themselves.  I don't have as much as I once did, but I still have plenty:)  I'd look to your anxiety level and your medications first to see if you can track down the culprit for your hair loss, and I hope all turns out as my own issues did by resolving themselves.  Be sure to get plenty of rest and don't exclude ALL fat from your diet.  A good diet is as important to healthy hair as it is to a healthy heart and other organs.  Keep us posted on what is happening with you and I'll be wishing you the best.  jo