Hair loss

[Loupy]

I lost my hair in patches in Sept 06, it resulted in me having to wear a wig. I was diagnosed with underactive thyroid and low ferratin levels so was put on 25 then 50 levothyroxine, but have no other thyroid symptoms.  My hair grew back thicker than ever and everything was fine.  Then in April 2007 I went on the cambridge diet and all of my hair broke off about 8th inch from the roots, all over.  I was devastated again, i had by blood retested and my doctor put me up to 75 then 100 dose.  That was in November 07 some of my hair has grown a little but now I have patches where there is no hair and i'm at my wits end not knowing why, ive even lost some of my eyelashes and the hair on my arms, although I never was very hairy.  Im worried in case it is now alopecia and all the patches will join together and I will have no hair.  Im back to wearing my wig and its getting me down, Does anyone have any advice or do you think it could now be the levothyroxine ?


This discussion is related to Levothyroxine and Hair Loss.

[ChitChatNine]

I do not have an answer but want to WELCOME you to his fabulous board .. others will most likely post with some answers/ideas for you!

Cheryl

[kitty9309]

I also had Alopecia Areata. My hair grew back and I have never had bald spots again.

However, before being diagnosed hypo (finally) last year, I had a lot of hair falling out all over. Also low ferritin (9 and 14).

Since starting Synthroid and iron, hair is gowing in all over. Even the hair stylist mentioned it!

The endo told me both are Autoimmune diseases and can be related.

Have you seen a dermatologist about the hair loss? They typically like to see the ferritin above 50, if not 70!!

I feel for you, truely! I was in high school when I was balding. It is so tough.

[Loupy]

Thank you for your response.  My ferratin level was the first thing I though but this time it was normal.  I am due to go to docs shortly and will ask to be referred to a dermatologist, see what they say.  What is Synthroid please ?

[kitty9309]

Synthroid is one of the brand names for levothyroxine.
If possible, you should really be taking a brand name. Generics can vary in strength by as much as 25%.
I also just saw a post on another thyroid board where someone is on a generic and is loosing a lot of hair. The other members of the board were recommending a brand name- usually Synthroid or Levoxyl. Levoxyl is cheaper than Synthroid, but Synthroid also offers a coupon on their website.

Do you know what level your ferritin is? It really should be at least 50.

Good luck with the dermatologist.

[Loupy]

Just checked my Levothyroxine tablets it just has Alpharma on the box, not sure if thats a brand name or not  but thats what it says.  Ive just checked my recent blood tests and apparently my thyroid is back to normal and my Ferritin  level is 54.  When I had the problem first time my ferriin level was 30 and then I got it up to 80 but now its 54 that seems a bit low, any suggestions apart from the multivitamin with iron that I am already taking I could do to raise this.

Do you think I should ask to go on a named brand even though my thyroid level is normal (whatever normal is).

My own doc is away for a while but when she is back if there is no improvement I will ask to see a dermatologist.

Kitty I appreciate all your help, it is much appreciated.

Tks

Lou

[kitty9309]

Lou,
You are welcome. The Alpharma is the generic manufacturer. As long as you always get the same generic, it is ok. But the pharmacy will often get in different manufacturers from time to time. All generics are not the same. I would personally ask for brand name.
Please get a copy of your results for yourself to see if the TSH is low enough. It doesn't do a lot of good to just bring it down to under a 5. It needs to be around a 1.

I take an iron supplement recommended by a friend called Ferrochel. It is bis-glycinate chelate of iron and is much better for absorption and gentle on the stomach. I take mine at bedtime and never have cramps or other GI problems.

[Loupy]

I am gonna raise all this with my doc when I see her.  Will also get some Ferrochel to get my Ferratin level up, cos i'm certain thats not helping.  I've also just started to try acupuncture, desperate to try anything that will help.

Wot I find so strange with regard to my Thyroid is that I have no other symptoms at all apart from hair loss.

I think my result was 4. something, do you recon thats still too high i'm not very good with all this.