Male Hyperthyroid, Hair Loss, Guggul, Carnitine

[e138]

Briefly, before my question, here's a background story. Male, 22, previously no known Thyroid disorder, but an ectomorph (very lanky, hard to put on weight, prominent Adam's apple), I've been taking Guggul / Guggulsterones (known to increase thyroid activity) for about 1 year and 7 months, from 12/2005 until 7/2007 for my acne. Around 5/2006, my hair started shedding off. Initially it was just in my scalp hair. It has progressed since to my eyebrows, my facial hair, body hair and everywhere. Now my scalp is almost 1/3 gone and if my hair gets blown in the wind you will see my bare scalp. :(

I tried having blood work for TSH and it came out 0.47 (normal range 0.5-5something?). I haven't tested my T3, T4, FT3, FT4 yet though.

I've been taking Acetyl-L-Carnitine for the past four months, along with copper, but nothing has changed yet. Hair is still shedding intensively :( but I am not taking any ATD, PTUs

My question is, HOW LONG until I can see some changes? How long after taking Anti-Thyroids until my hair stops from shedding? I have tachycardia (rapid heart beat), high blood pressure for a 22 y/o. checked my EKG, x-ray and cat-scan and turned out all other tests were normal.

Thanks very much.

[e138]

Hi there. Sorry it took a while for me to respond. My endo said I really am not hyperthyroid, and I agree. I am not even subclinically hyperthyroid.

My theory is that guggul caused hair loss because it is anti-angiogenic (google this verbatim: +{angiogenic | anti-angiogenic | angiogenesis} +guggul ), or that it inhibits formation of new blood vessel. It is anti-cancer via exactly that mechanism of action.

Being anti-angiogenic, it will affect hair growth, I guess I am one of the unlucky susceptible ones with bad genes. I also found out that it may inhibit DHT = which explains my body and facial hair loss since I am a guy.

The same is true for DHEA, and relora, both anti-angiogenic which have anecdotal reports of hair loss in iHerb reviews and online forums.

I still am profusely shedding, but I plan to apply grapeseed extract powder in a vehicle cream (via BeyondACentury) and maybe rogaine (minoxidil 5% or higher but I'm worried about the palpitation and BP side effects) on my face and legs.

Please keep me updated. I don't know other people who has had this experience but I wish I am right with my theory.

[HyperthyroidGuggle]

I am interested in what your doctors have told you after you had your test run.  I too have had an effect after taking guggul for a period of time - similar to yours.  Have been diagnosed as hyperthyroid.  Need to understand how that has related to your copper levels.  Understand taking alot of copper can be toxic.  What has your doctor told you?  Has your thyroid levels normalized?

[e138]

Thank you, rohit, for sharing your experience. Did you manage to grow your hair back once your thyroid levels have normalized? Thanks

[stella5349]

I am not familiar with the OTC anti thyroid supplements you are taking except for the Acetyl- L Carnitine. This is more of a cognitive support. It is basically6 a cell rejuvanationand will assit in converting fat cells into energy and enhance brain power.
When you get your insurance woes straightened out you need to have new blood work to see where you are at.  If the other choice you are making are iodine related that could be your issues.

A 0.47 ranges is within the values of normal thyroid function - but on the very low end. This may not be appropriate for you and may induce hyperthyroid symptoms which hair falling out is common. Your FREE  testing is what you need and TPO antibody test may be helpful too.

What kind of heridity of hair loss is in your family? The male hormones are different and follicular distruction is more common in men.

I believe you need to speak to your doctor about you supplement uses - and find out what your body is deficent in.

[rohit_786]

I am 36 years old male , since last 2 years dealing Hypothyroidism/hashi. I lost lot of my hairs from my head and that is one of autoimmune symptoms. Also test Thyroid Antibody TPO to confirm diagnoses.

[e138]

Thank you, I'm just waiting for my health insurance to be approved to have another battery of tests and blood work. I couldn't shoulder anymore the heaping pile of expenses.

I appreciate all you guys for reading this. Please keep the replies coming. Thanks!

[estrelinha]

It is urgent for you to test  free T4 and free T3, go to the doctor to evaluate your hiper situation, may be you need a beta-blocker to control your hart symtoms of being Hiper...

[e138]

May I just add quickly, How common is the situation that I'm having? Are there any male hyperthyroids / hyperthyroids that experience hair shedding in here? I am desperate to hear from you.

I also began taking Soy Isoflavones 2 days ago to reverse the hyperthyroid symptoms.

Here's a list of what I am currently, and will be taking:

GROUP A, for High Blood Pressure / Rapid Pulse:
Magnesium Oxide/Citrate/Aspartate
Potassium aspartate, citrate, alpha-ketoglutarate
Ubiquinol (bioavailable CoQ10)

GROUP B, ANTITHYROID
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Copper
Glucomannan
Genistein, Daidzein, Glycitein (Soy Isoflavones)

MISC
B12
D3
[Melatonin,Tryptophan, P-5-P] (sleep aids)