Aa
Severe itching/hair loss--Dr. says it's not hyperthyroidism
Hello, hoping I can get the doctor's expert advise and possibly hear from any members who share my medical dilemma.
I initially went to see an endocrinologist for my severe hair loss, severe itching on my scalp and all over my body. I was also experiencing rapid heart rate. I was losing extra weight, but this didn't bother me at all.
My endocrinologist diagnosed me with Graves Disease and Hyperthyroidism. He gave me medication to regulate my hyperthyroid and rapid heart rate. Daily, I take Methimazole (10mg) and Atenolol (25 mg)---There is still no relief for the severe itching and hair loss.
My dilemma is the severe itching and severe hair loss? Is this connected to my hyperthyroid? How do I talk to my doctor about these symptoms? Will the itching go away? Will I stop losing my hair?
Thanks for all the previous posts on hyperthyroidism. They have helped me formulate my questions.
I initially went to see an endocrinologist for my severe hair loss, severe itching on my scalp and all over my body. I was also experiencing rapid heart rate. I was losing extra weight, but this didn't bother me at all.
My endocrinologist diagnosed me with Graves Disease and Hyperthyroidism. He gave me medication to regulate my hyperthyroid and rapid heart rate. Daily, I take Methimazole (10mg) and Atenolol (25 mg)---There is still no relief for the severe itching and hair loss.
My dilemma is the severe itching and severe hair loss? Is this connected to my hyperthyroid? How do I talk to my doctor about these symptoms? Will the itching go away? Will I stop losing my hair?
Thanks for all the previous posts on hyperthyroidism. They have helped me formulate my questions.
I have exactly the same. I'm hyper, have been started on just 2.5mg carbamazole. My scalp is unbearably itchy and my hair is coming out in handfuls. My Endo says itching is not due to thyroid...but what else could it be. I saw dermatologist who said my scalp is fine, no dermatological issues. I'm so scared I'm going to end up bald!
What were your last labs?
You should have labs every 4 weeks whist on ATDS as it is so easy to become Hypo if the dose is too high.
Also the itching is a 'hyper' thing in my case.
That is one of the side effects I get when I know I am hyper from the meds and I miss a day taking Thyroxin and it alleviates the itching as the levels 'even out;.
As I said...you are on a very low dose of antithyroid meds (ATDS) for someone with Graves Disease.
I would be getting your labs checked again as the dose may not be enough but dont increase without the Docs authority.
Also spread the dosage out over 3 times a day...morning, noon & night as the thyroid releases the most hormone between 3-4am and that is why many hyper people wake up during the night with the hot sweats.
Let us know how you go.
You should have labs every 4 weeks whist on ATDS as it is so easy to become Hypo if the dose is too high.
Also the itching is a 'hyper' thing in my case.
That is one of the side effects I get when I know I am hyper from the meds and I miss a day taking Thyroxin and it alleviates the itching as the levels 'even out;.
As I said...you are on a very low dose of antithyroid meds (ATDS) for someone with Graves Disease.
I would be getting your labs checked again as the dose may not be enough but dont increase without the Docs authority.
Also spread the dosage out over 3 times a day...morning, noon & night as the thyroid releases the most hormone between 3-4am and that is why many hyper people wake up during the night with the hot sweats.
Let us know how you go.
Wow, this is great insight. Sorry for taking so long to check this. I will definitely take a look at the website to find a good Endo and ask about my current dosage of meds.
I'm not sure of my levels at the moment but I can get back to you on that. My doctor did mention that if the treatment didn't work then I might have to remove my thyroid. He also insisted that the itching has nothing to do with my thyroid and recommended I see an alergist. The itching is out of control. Should I request a higher dosage of meds? I'll do anything at this point.
Thank You!
I'm not sure of my levels at the moment but I can get back to you on that. My doctor did mention that if the treatment didn't work then I might have to remove my thyroid. He also insisted that the itching has nothing to do with my thyroid and recommended I see an alergist. The itching is out of control. Should I request a higher dosage of meds? I'll do anything at this point.
Thank You!
What were your levels?
10mg of MMI (methimazole) is not a very large dose.
That dose is basically a 'maintenance' dose.
Most are started on 30-40mg daily taken in 2-3 doses a day.
I was started on 30mg and took it 3 times a day as this stops the fast heartrate and you dont get 'hyper spikes' when the morning dose has worn off.
Also with Graves Disease, you have that for life so most Doctors will start you off on an antithyroid medication and restest you in 3-4 weeks to see how you are reacting to the dosage of the meds.
Dont stop the beta blocker (athenol) as Graves and Hyperthyroidism can cause fibrillation (thyroid storm) which is not very pleasant and can be dangerous.
As for the itching...this is basically a sign that your Graves antibodies are causing a reaction.
I would be asking your Doc what his line of treatment is and how long he intends to keep you on a low dose of antithyroid meds.
Graves Disease and Hyperthyroidism is so much harder to treat than Hypothyroidism.
Due to not being able to control mine, I had RAI and then thyroidectomy done last year (2008).
I havent looked back since.
10mg of MMI (methimazole) is not a very large dose.
That dose is basically a 'maintenance' dose.
Most are started on 30-40mg daily taken in 2-3 doses a day.
I was started on 30mg and took it 3 times a day as this stops the fast heartrate and you dont get 'hyper spikes' when the morning dose has worn off.
Also with Graves Disease, you have that for life so most Doctors will start you off on an antithyroid medication and restest you in 3-4 weeks to see how you are reacting to the dosage of the meds.
Dont stop the beta blocker (athenol) as Graves and Hyperthyroidism can cause fibrillation (thyroid storm) which is not very pleasant and can be dangerous.
As for the itching...this is basically a sign that your Graves antibodies are causing a reaction.
I would be asking your Doc what his line of treatment is and how long he intends to keep you on a low dose of antithyroid meds.
Graves Disease and Hyperthyroidism is so much harder to treat than Hypothyroidism.
Due to not being able to control mine, I had RAI and then thyroidectomy done last year (2008).
I havent looked back since.
What does the endo plan on doing about your Graves? Medicating you forever? Surgery?
Whenever my levels swing to hyper mode, I get awful rashes on my scalp and hair loss. Your endo should know that these symptoms are related to the thyroid.
If you think your doctor is ignoring your symptoms, then find a doc who treats thyroid. Many endos specialize in diabetes, and we thyroid patients are the endocrine ugly step-children.
Below is a website where patients recommend thyroid docs. My endo treats 75 percent thyroid. Question the doctor's staff. They can tell you how many thyroid patients the doctor treats.
http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/
:) Tamra
Whenever my levels swing to hyper mode, I get awful rashes on my scalp and hair loss. Your endo should know that these symptoms are related to the thyroid.
If you think your doctor is ignoring your symptoms, then find a doc who treats thyroid. Many endos specialize in diabetes, and we thyroid patients are the endocrine ugly step-children.
Below is a website where patients recommend thyroid docs. My endo treats 75 percent thyroid. Question the doctor's staff. They can tell you how many thyroid patients the doctor treats.
http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/
:) Tamra
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
