alopecia and thyroid

[hairhelp]

Hi, I am a 38 yr old female. In july I was diagnosed with a hypothyroid my tsh was 29.55, they put me on 25mcg of synthroid, 2 weeks later I developed a large bald spot on the top pf my head. I went to the the dermotologist who treated it with injections and topical steroids & went to an endo who insisted the alopecia could not be  from my thyroid or the synthroid. The alopecia started getting better. In August I became pregnant with my second  child and the alopecia got worse, 2 more spots and the spots seem to be spreading. My thyroid got better but my tsh is still at 5.0 and I am on 125mcg of synthroid, although I am waiting for my latest blood test. My questions are, could the alopecia be worse because I am pregnant? And should I find a new endo because everytime I check on the net it seems people say alopecia is linked to thyroid. Please help me, I am 6 months pregnant with a 2 year old, hormonal & going bald, & trying not to be depressed about it. Thanks!  

[kitty9309]

Hi- Hair loss can occur due to a change in metabolic status such as thyroid disease and pregnancy.
I had Alopecia Areata in high school and 3-4 bald spots. It all grew back with a year. It is also an autoimmune disease and is a risk factor for autoimmine thyroid disease. Of course, back then, I was diagnosed with "stress" and sent on my way!

It will probably get better as TSH comes down and after baby is born. I remember losing hair after chilbirth.

And stress can make it worse. Easier said than done to tell you not to worry, though.

[Hapyduck]

I'm a hairdresser and also am suffering from hair loss (not alopecia).

The injections are really great for getting your hair to come back after an episode. Also, have you tried Nioxin or Rogain? They are both great treatments for loosing your hair no matter how you loosing it and will help it come in faster. When you shampoo your hair (even with regular shapoo) make sure you massage your scalp well, this increases the blood flow around the area and will promote hair growth.

B vitamins also help stop thining, you can use any of the B's. Soon after you start taking them you should notice less hair falling out and soon will see fine "fur like" hair which will soon turn into your normal hair. (It also makes your nails grow fast)  

Hope this helps!
Good luck!

[frustrated1966]

I am hypothyroid (not on any type of medication) also and besides weight gain one of my MAJOR symptoms was my hair falling out.   Before I was diagnosed I would have handsful of hair each day after I washed my hair.  I was very, very upset.   My hair still falls out, though not as much as before.  My thyroid issue is still not regulated.  My endo does tell me that hair loss is a majore part of hypothyroid.  

Good luck.

[ifupleze]

Hair loss is one of the main complaints of hypothyroidism.  Some have it worse than others.  When your TSH gets leveled, which might be some time, it will probably get a lot better.  Because you are pregnant, your hormones are over the place, anyway, and this might be contributing to the hair loss.  Try not to worry.  It will make it worse.  I would guess that after you have the baby and get your TSH leveled, it will get better.  I am no doctor and this is just my opinion.  There are others that might have a better idea what to do.  Keep checking your post.  Good luck.