Thyroid hair loss

[anitag]

I am taking Levothroxin 50 mcg. My doctors says my blood work is now perfect. I have never had any signs of hypothyroid, only thru my blood tests. I have a sister who has hypothyroid. Now that I have been on the medication for two months, I am experiencing hypothyroid systems like hair loss, tiredness, etc. The hair loss is becoming quite a problem. All this started about a month after taking the medication. I questioned my doctor and he said he could refer me to a dermatologist. Am I being over medicated? Could this cause the problem? Thanks.

[carly96]

I was going to post but my story sounds just like yours.
I went to Dr. because I was tired and constipated. My Mom was diagnosed with Hashimoto's 2 years ago- so I told my doc I should probably be tested. Turns out- I have it too. My levels were not that high (9 something) where my Mom's was 40. They started me out on 88 mcg of Levoxyl and my mom started out on 25 mcg. After 6 weeks my levels are in the normal range- but I am now experiencing the symptoms of hypothyroidism- and I was not having that before the meds.
Hair loss is the worst one. I have always had long, fine curly hair and now it is thinning horribly. I can see my scalp and with every sweep of my brush more hair falls out.
I called the doc and she said it is my body's reaction to the hypothyroidism but I simply do  not get that as I was not having those symptoms before.  I have had my dose lowered and get tested again in 5 weeks. I think I am headed to a specialist.

[DarlaLOU]

Please be sure to post and let us know what the derm dr says.... I have read/heard tons of stuff and basically the best suggestion I've had is to use Pantene Pro V strengthening and thickening and for me so far it has helped build a little volume.

[barleypop]

Forgot to mention:
Starting/stopping/switching birth control pills  can cause hair loss as well.  (I sure didn't know that when I starting taking bc pills 6 years ago!!) That is what I attributed my hair loss to until I had my TSH and T4 tests.

[barleypop]

You sound like me.  I was diagnosed about a week and half ago.  My only symptom so far is hair loss, lots and lots!!  I just started on 100 mcg of Levothroxin and I am hoping that my hair loss will stop soon.  I have been reading alot about hair loss and I think the actual loss of the hair occurs a few (2-4) months after the problem (sickness, stress, etc.).  Maybe before you were put on the meds your follicles went into the resting phase which I think is about three months because you thyroid was slowing down and now you are seeing the results of that.  But I have also been reading that some of the thyroid meds can cause hair loss which is making me more upset.  Who knows??  I sure don't!!  

My hair just gets thinner and thinner and I even had to move my part to try and hide my scalp.  I am headed to the dermatologist on Monday to see if she can help me.  Maybe I will learn something new!!
You are not alone!!  

[GravesLady]

As long as your levels are within Labs range, your are not "over medicated".  
You are probably having delayed symptoms. I takes time to heal depending how long you were hypo and how sever.  Hair will come back eventually.  However, due to other health conditions that has hair loss as one of their symptoms, you might take up your doctors suggestion about seeing a dermatologist. The dermatologist might have suggestrion on how to deal with thyroid hair loss, such as type of shampoos and conditioners, etc.

Good Luck!