Hair Loss

[linriv7]

Hi, I was just recently put on synthroid because my hyperthyroid reversed into now being hypothyroid.  Ever since I've been taking this medicine (for 2 months) my hair has been falling out in big handfuls when I wash it.  Also, during the day it tends to just fall out. I am only 21 years old and I'm scared that I am going to be bald eventully.  I just spoke with my doctor and he says that he wont be able to know the problem until he sees me again but from what I told him he thinks that I am taking too much synthroid or too little, but what he doesnt seem to undertsand is that my hair has been falling out ever since Ive been on this mediciation so i do not think it's the amounts.  I need another opinion on this matter. Is this supposed to happen?  Am I goning to go bald?  What can I do to prevent this?  Also, I am not seeing a good doctor at the moment so can anyone suggest a good doctor in new york city that I can see?  thank you so much.

[Docsgold]

If you read the package insert you will see that this may happen when you start the medication, but should stop when you get adjusted to the meds.  Good luck.  Have your levels checked to be sure you are getting the correct dosage.

[kmc35]

Hi,
I've been on Synthroid for about two years, with my doctor constantly upping the dose to bring me in the "high normal" range. Just over three months ago, I notices a complete bald patch on the right side of my head. My doctor said it is alopecia caused by the same auto-immune disorder that causes the hypothyroid. I now have another patch forming and am freaking out! My sister-in-law said that her mom, who is also hypothyroid, had the same thing happen and her doctor switched her meds and they grew back. She is going to find out what med she switched from and to and I will let you know when I know. If your hair continues to fall out, see a dermatologist and they can give you injections designed to stop the hair loss and creams to apply at night. From what I understand, this is common in thyroid disorders and often times, the haif grows back. I know it's a lot easier said than done, but try to relax. I haven't had a good night's sleep since this happened to me.

[linriv7]

Hi, and thanx for your commments.  Yes, i just went today to get a blood test done and my doc says he'll let me know by tomorrow how my levels are.  He'll know from there if he should up the dosage or lower it.  Yeah, I am very worried and scared.  I haven't noticed any bald spots yet!  I just bought this shampoo yesterday, it's called garlic shampoo and lastnight when I used it hardly no hair fell out, so I'm definitely going to keep using that shampoo.  Anything, will help me at this point!  :0) Also, I just started taking this medication about a month ago so it also could be me adjusting to it.  Hopefully things will correct and if not, I will pay a visit to a dermatologist.  Thanx again,  I appreciate the comments.

[layla]

My hair continued to fall out for about 4 or 5 months after starting the thyroid meds then got back to normal.

[davidn]

I have stayed on a low dose, lower then my doctors wanted me to, because I get palpitations. Could this affect hair loss?

[layla]

I have done the same thing lowering my dose form 100 to 50. I am not sure about this but I have noticed some hair loss form looking in the sink. It's more than usual but nothing that is a problem. LL

[linriv7]

Well, before I was on a daily dose of 50 micrograms, but now I take 25 one day and 50 the other day.  I alternate between the two.  I have to wait a few weeks to see how this works.

[davidn]

I did that with my synthroid once when I had my dose changed from .150 mg to .125 mg and had almost my whole bottle left as far as my hiar loss I don't know but I did feel better whne I alternated every other day like that.

[linriv7]

I want to dye my hair tomorrow, do you think this will affect my hair loss situation or would it be okay if I do this?

[davidn]

Penn & Tellers show Bull **** next week has set there program up around the hair loss subject I'm going to watch it just to find out what is Bull **** and what is an actual help.

[layla]

I dye my hair and did not experience any additional problems.

[linriv7]

Really.....grrreeeeaaattttt. I was scared to dye it and my family keeps telling me not to because they don't want my hair to keep falling out but if you say it didnt affect you then I should be okay.  Thanx a lot.