Dry & brittle hair

[EspritLibre]

Hi. I have a question?  Has everyone's hair grown back beautifully?  I still am having issues with that.  It's getting better, but still "broken off & flyaway" -which, again, I always had extremeley beautiful wavy but not frizzy hair (not trying in any way to be conceited - honest - we all have at least one thing that stands out in a good way on us, & mine was my "Leo-the lion mane").  Now it just has lost the body, is very dry & the top above the bangs (fringe as our lovely friends in England call it) has broken off & in 6 mos has not grown.  I've had trims/cuts you name it and they never cut that part & it's still short.

Anybody else have the hair issues???

Thanks!!  I love this post & the great people on here!!

[dhill42598]

Try using a co-wadh instead of shampoo and conditioner. It's not perfect, but lots better!!

[gimel]

Please post your test results and ranges shown on the lab report.  Also have you been tested for ferritin (iron)?

[mmmshells]

have you found any relief? I have been on levothyroxine for years now. I used to have long, beautiful, thick hair that is now so thin and breaking like crazy. My doctor just did a recent test that showed my levels were a bit high so I am re-adjusting my meds. I am so stressed out about the hair loss. I have been using pure Argan oil as I have read rave reviews. It seems to help some, but my hair is still breaking like mad...so depressing :( I also use Biotin and evening primrose....but nothing will stop the breakage

[gimel]

If you will tell us your thyroid related test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report we would be glad to assess the adequacy of your testing and treatment.  Also please tell us about any symptoms you have.

[Miekmusic]

Thank you! I feel in the middle of a total breakdown!! I cant look at myself in the mirror!!

[Miekmusic]

I have exactly the same problem!! My hair was my crowning glory!!! Now it is brittle and short on the top and so coarse... I cry every time I dry my hair.I am on thyroid medication, but nothing helps. Please help! My email is ***@****

[gimel]

We are very familiar with several possible causes for hair problems.  If you will please post your thyroid related test results and their reference ranges shown on the alb report, members will be glad to assess the adequacy of your testing and treatment.  Also, if tested for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin, please post those, and ranges, as well.

[sueslookin]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism last year.  The dry, brittle hair issue continues.  I've tried expensive and inexpensive moisturizing shampoos and conditioners.  Honestly, I've had the best results (although still not great) with Pantene's moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.  

I had short hair for years and once between cuttings when my hair was a little longer, I noticed that the dry look and brittleness were much more controllable.  This meant I had to let my bangs grow out (which I've had for about 30 years).  I now have a bob and while my hair doesn't look as healthy as it used to, it's at least presentable, which I will have to settle for.  Good luck to everyone and let me know any suggestions you might have.

[dgmootry]

hey , how do you use the evening prime rose, put it in your hair, drink it? interested, thanks debbie

[dgmootry]

I use a tbl spoon of Apple cider vinegar in a 32oz jar of water and I pour it over my hair after my last rinse.  kind a rub lightly into the scalp and then blot dry, it helps with the itchy scalp, (unless you have scratched your scalp, then it will sting, don't do it then) it really makes your hair shine, plus helps get rid of sludge from all the stuff we put on our hair. As for the wig, I've always read that wearing a wig tends to smother your scalp and cause more hair loss. My hair has always been kind of thin, after taking RAI it seemed to get even thinner, but it seems to be getting better since I've been on Armour, I changed from Levoxyl and feel so much better, Good luck everyone, it seems like its luck that gets us well, since the doctors don't really have any answeres to alot of our questions, I asked my doctor if other people were having problems like I was, and she said I don't think so, so glad I found all of you and this sight, I knew it wasn't in my head, cause I know my body, and I know when something is not right, glad to know there are others feeling as I do. Thanks guys gals, debbie

[bunnybaby169]

http://www.womenshairlossproject.com/hair-loss/thyroid-hair-loss-success-story/



please read this. I've been struggling with hypothyroidism and it won't matter how high you're t3 or t4 dosages are, if you're body can't convert them you will still experience the hair problems and such. Nothing will improve. this is not the only article i have read that from. I am going to try this!

[bunnybaby169]

:)

[Jaimeann]

I have recently been put on synthroid for hypothyroid. The brittleness and breakage is unbelievable as I am a hairdresser and completely devasted about the breakage and changes that have occured. I only use professional products and have access to try different things. A reconstructor shamp and cond such as biolage for damaged hair helps.Letting all cond sit on hair will help.Use a spray oil called Biosilk works wonders in getting tangles out and keeping hair from knotting daily. Another heavier oil such as morocan leave in oil helps too. Not washing everyday helps and flat ironing to keep it smooth longer helps with detangles. Hope this can help anyone as I will try the other things such as evening primrose oil already taken all the basic vits. Keep praying.

[janicehw]

I have the exact same problem. I have Hashimotos, Synthroid for 1 year (100 mcg). I use Kerastase shampoo and treatment (green bottle) but the problem is internal, not external. I went to my doctor today to ask her to put me on T3 supplement because I heard it helps counteract the hairloss and weight gain. But what works for one person may not work for another. Also omega 3-6-9 vitamins and Evening Primrose Oil. All I know is I can't lose anymore hair :( Good luck

[foosi]

levothyroxin or synthroid is the cause of the brittle dry lifeless hair. I went on T4 in December and my hair went dry,brittle and started falling out. I stooped the meds 3 months later.I have done alot of research on T4 and it is a major cause of hair falling out its due to taking to much to fast apparently you should start low then titrate up so your body gets use to it.
carla

[Ladyscorpioct]

I have graves disease and have been dealing with it now going on 3 years I have had eye sewn shut,surgery to straightened the eyes,bony decompression surgery,and just last week surgery to remove fat tissue above eyes.I also have itchy scalp and my hair looks like someone took scissors to it and cut it even in some places in the back the front bang area breaking also.My hair broke off like this 3 years ago and I thought I had cancer but was told I had graves disease.I don't know which is worse the hair breakage and loss or the itching scalp.I pray we all will get better I don't have the bulging eyes anymore(Yippee) my doc said worse case he had ever seen...LET'S HANG IN THERE...and if I find anything to help with our hair issues will be glad to post it.

[mzch3rry]

I have had my thyroid out for almost 3 years now, and have been on levothyroxine since it was removed.  My hair thinned in the beginning however since I have been taking vitamin D and multi vitamin daily I have had my hair regain its previous thickness.  I do still have slight problems with dryness, I use biolage shampoo and conditioner and it helps some, still not as good as it was before, however much better than with any other shampoo and conditioner I have used since my thyroid was removed.

[katbg]

I have bought every hair product known to Mankind!!!! I am obsessed with trying to make my hair look and feel like it did before being diagnosed with Graves Disease and treated with  RDI and taking Levothyroxin for years. I have not found anything helpful to date. I am so frustrated!!! I went from having oily hair which I had to wash every day to not washing it for 3 days just to prevent hair from falling out in the shower and breaking while combing after the shower!!! I seriously have tried everything and nothing has helped!!

Please help me help my hair !!!

katbg

[Jennifer1987]

I went to my doc today and mentioned the hair loss to him..He explained it like this... 'when a ship turns off its engines it doesn't stop totally for another 20miles'.... so basically when Im in normal range levels it will take 3-4 months to see the full benifits!! He said its common in hypothyroidism and not to worry..He seemed really interested in it so Im going o take his word for it!!! The thing about the thyroid is that its all TIME!!!!!! and PATIENCE! which I dont have LOL...

[Sonflower]

To: Everyone

I wanted to share my experience.....

RE:  HAIR LOSS

DOSE CHANGE OR ESPECIALLY A THYROIDECTOMY SHOCKS OUR SYSTEM !!

Over the past 4-5 years I have been taking Synthroid....   During this period of time my ENDO was attempting to shrink my Thyriod Nodule(s) by doing what is call "TSH Suppression Therapy" by increasing my hormones over and over again.  I started out taking 25mcg and it was gradually increase until I was taking 125mcg.  This method of treatment kept my Thyroid Nodules at bay for 4 years, but did not shrink them.  Then suddenly they got larger.  I am now post opp 13 weeks for a Complete Thyroidectomy.  

But everytime she would increase my dose of Synthroid.... my hair would begin to fall out!  And would continue to fall out for 2-3 month and then stop.  During this time of hair loss I would take Evening Prim Rose 1300mg 2x's a day, it took 2-3 months to notice a difference.

Now another medhelp member has shared that she has heard and has now begun taking "SILICA", this is suppose to aid with the hair loss problem.  Also, a shampoo named "NIOXIN".  

Since my surgery, post opp 13 weeks now, I am still loosing hair, so much so that I am afraid to brush it...   So I am now trying the Silica as well. The one I have just started is called "SILICON", which is Silica, Boron and Zink drops.

I HAVE HEARD THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD SUCCESS W/ THIS PRODUCT....

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Take care;  Sonflower

[LittleMarie]

Not sure if my eye lashes will come back,at this point i am  more worried about all my hair falling out and my since of well being.How long have you been diagnosed and how have you managed to deal with it all?Any advise and info from personal experience would be greatly appreciated.I thought i could pretend it's halloween,  may be buy some false eye lashes and a wig.........lol.

[Rainydeb]

God couldn't be so kind as to let our hairy legs and armpits go bare, lol. I'm almost afraid to get eyebrows waxed. What if I end up with none? I'll have to draw eyebrows on like those old ladies, and drawing is not my strong point!

Do eyelashes grow back?

No, I'm not using anything special. I've tried everything at least once.

[LittleMarie]

Well i have eye brows to wax and pluck that's for sure!! Besides all the other nice side affects i am having the main one right now is my dry brittle hair and i am having some eye lash loss....!!Why can it not be armpit and loss of hair on the legs....Wouldn't bother me at all!!! Are you using any special shampoo and conditioner?

[Rainydeb]

How about eyebrows? Mine are almost non-existent. I was just thinking today I would have them waxed and shaped but there's not much there to work with. The hair on my head is fine, though. Never had much trouble with that. It's always been thick, and long. My fingernails, that's a different story. Brittle with just awful cuticles I can't seem to do anything with. I am embarrassed by my hands. I wish gloves were in fashion!