Cytomel and Hair Loss/Breakage

[jolicat32]

Did you experience Hair Loss or Breakage when adding Cytomel T3 to Synthroid T4?

[Barb135]

Too many doctors insist that patients don't need FT3 and FT4, however, we find that TSH does not correlate with symptoms at all, nor does it reflect what the thyroid is actually doing. My TSH routinely runs at < 0.01, but my FT 3 and FT4 levels are good, most of the time, but when they aren't good, they usually run more to the low side, causing me to feel hypo.  

Yes, I do strongly recommend that you get your Free T3 and Free T4 levels tested; that will tell you which direction you need to go, since your symptoms indicate hypo.

[Danniabg]

Thank you Barb.
I had a partial thyroidectomy when a nodule was found, and then more were found when on the op table, so they removed 2/3rds of the thyroid.
That was July this year. My 1st checkup in Sept showed my TSH to be 6.17 (0.27-5.0) but there was no Free T3& T4 done, and she says I don't need them, but I am going to get my own done in my December check up.
Any the symptoms I have of hypo, I have had before the op (apart from dry skin and brittle nails), but my TSH levels were fine before it, and they tested TPO and Anti tg before which were ok too.
Thanks for your help.
Nikki

[Barb135]

There are many things that can cause hair loss; however, hair loss associated with being hypo, normally stops and hair usually grows back, once thyroid levels are where they need to be.  

Thyroid related hair loss is not a side effect of the medication; it's a symptom of being hypo.  Some people do, however, report that once they begin taking medication, symptoms worsen for a while, as the body adjusts to having hormones its been doing without.  

If you've had the hair loss for the past 5 years and weren't hypo during that time, your hair loss may well be due to something else.

If you could post your current thyroid test results, along with reference ranges, which vary lab to lab, members could help assess your situation and give ideas on the adequacy of your treatment.

[Danniabg]

I have had 'seasonal' (every summer) hair loss for the past 5 years, but only been hypo since late Sept this year but it is getting worse. I'm on 50mgs of Euthyrox each day, does the hair loss improve over time or is this also a side effect of the meds?
Thanks
Nikki

[Barb135]

Hair loss/breakage is a symptom of being hypothyroid.  It's not the cytomel or synthroid that causes the symptom, it's the fact that thyroid hormone levels are not where they need to be, and you  are still experiencing hypo symptoms.

Many people find when adding/increasing a medication, symptoms get worse for a period of time, while the body adjusts to having hormones it's not used to having.

If you would post your  most recent thyroid test results, which should, at the very least, include TSH, Free T3 and Free T4, but also maybe antibody tests, members would be able to help assess your situation and comment more fully.  

When posting lab results, please be sure to post the reference ranges listed on your lab report, since these ranges vary from lab to lab and must come from your own report.