hair loss and hypothyroidism

[Deaver]

I take Levoxyl 50mcg twice a day.  I understand this is T4.  I am experiencing hair loss and thinning.  Could T4/T3 help me?  Is Levoxyl the same as Synthroid?  Is there really anything that can help hair to grow back?  I am an 80 year old woman,  in excellent health aside from the loss of T4.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

At age 80, we must be careful to not overstimulate the heart with T3 containing meds.  IF you try it (after discussion w/ your doctor) would try 1/2 of a 5mcg tab once a day.  But in many cases it does not help the hair -- although have seen some improvement in a few patients.  Also take a multivitamin and ask the pharmacist if any of your other meds may cause hair thinning.

[GravesLady]

It is not necessary to take Synthroid (T4) twice a day, for it last in the system for 6 to 7 days.  It is not like Armour or Cytomel (T3) lasting only 4 hours in the system.

Yes, Synthroid is the same as Levoxyl as being a brand thyroid medication.  However, Levoxyl has less inactive ingredients than Synthroid, with less chance for adverse reactions.  Active ingredients are the same.  The active ingredient T4, is not known to cause adverse issues, however, the inactive ingredients in all the thyroid medications
(including Armour and Cytomel), are the actual culprits.

Armour is not a 100% natural. Nor a 100% cure-all for all our symptoms.  Armour has inactive ingredients as well and more than Levoxyl (having only 3), so a person can still have adverse reactions just like the other thyroid medications.  Active ingredients is pig but could be sheep or beef. In the beginning days they use to throw everything/ left over animal parts in with it too.

Other health situations can cause hair loss including hormonal changes, adrenals, age, genetics, stress,  poor diet and nutritional deficiencies, a variety of medications, surgery, infections and many medical conditions, and there are at least 30 diseases causing hair loss or thinning. So, before assuming it's your thyroid have your hair loss evaluated by a dermatologist or hair loss expert to rule out any other causes. However, make sure your thyroid is not being under treated  or change thyroid drug brands. It just might be the thyroid condition itself which just needs time to heal.  Hair and nails are the last to heal and take the longest to heal than all the thyroid symptoms, so patience might be the only medicine.
If you thyroid level is at optimal, then work with a dermatologist on drug treatments.  Consult with a doctor to see if you have any nutritional deficiencies that can be correct with supplements.  Prescription drugs (as well as birth control pills) can cause temporary hair shedding in a small percentage of people.
Thinning hair might be due to deficient in iron and the amino acid lysine.  Lysine helps transport iron, which is the most important element in the body and essential for many metabolic processes.   Good luck and fast healing.

GL,
Thyroid patient

[Rchely]

Are you sure that you only need T4, because since I am taking Armour which is a natural T4/T3 I feel better my hair still falling but not as much as before when I was on Levoxyl.
Ask your doctor if Armour is a good option for you?
I am 39 but I only had like 10 months on treatment, but my mom and my two sisters also take thyroid medication for some years now. I am the first one to try Armour they have been with cyntroid and levoxyl. I think I am feeling a little better now.

[Deaver]

Thank you so much  for our thoughtful letter.  I made a mistake:  I do not take Levoxyl 2x daily - only  in the morning  an hour before I eat.

I will follow up on your suggestions.

Deaver