hair loss

[dcmichel74]

I was just diagnosed my by OBGYN with hypothyroidism and was prescribed Sythroid 25mcg.
Total T4 was 5.3; Free T4 index (T7)-- (what is this??) was 1.6; and T3 uptake was 31% (also haven't read anything that explains this percentage)
TSH was 5.56

before being diagnosed, my main symptom was hair loss over several months.  I had attributed it to stress because besides being exhausted all of the time (which I also assumed was stress-related), I didn't have anything else going on-- no weight gain, cold sensitivity, etc.  I have appointments scheduled with my dermatologist and a integrative MD this week but have started the Synthroid and some Evening Primrose tablets as well in the meantime.
However, now I am sort of freaked out about Synthroid and all I've read about continued (or even increased) hair loss with people who are taking it.  My hair is very fine but wasn't really that thin because I had a lot of it, but not anymore!!  As with so many others, I cannot stand the thought of my ponytail getting any thinner or my hair being any more broken and frizzy everywhere.  It's amazing how vain I feel letting this affect me so much, but I can't help it, and I feel like the stress of thinking about it all of the time will just make it that much worse...  I find myself looking at everyone's hair now and wishing so badly to just have mine back!

So anyway, is there anyone out there for whom the Synthroid actually helped the hair loss stop?  It seems like everyone complains about it, so I'm pretty wary.  Should I just quit taking it and try to get an Armour prescription asap?  Today is only day 4 for me, so I wouldn't think stopping it this early in the game would cause any side effects.  Thank you for you input.  

[stella5349]

The thyroid panels you had done were vey inconsistant labs unfortunately, to really determine the right method of addressing a thyroid disorder.

The TSH is probably the only thing this doctor based the medication on which can in alot of times be faulty.

The tests to best determine "how" and "what" to treat this condition are the Free T3 and Free T4 levels - not the "index" or FTI readings.

With your TSH in the 5's this doctor determined you may benefit taking a trial dose of Synthroid to see if you can deplete the TSH lab to a lower reading. You "may" satisfy the TSH taking the medication and lower that number - but the way its being looked at is not going to really help you with the hair loss.

"will the Synthroid help you with your hair loss?" - most likely it won't. If the thyroid is not working at its proper level other hormones do get effected. Usually the estrogen/testosterone levels suffer with hypothyroidism but the hypothyroidism is not the main cause of why you are having the hair loss symptom.

I think your appointment with the Intergrative medicine doctor coming up will look at things differently and will best be able to determine what hormone lelvels are truely off that is causing you this hair loss. A different approach of hormone replacement will probably fall into place with this other doctor and getting that second opinion with the Intergrative doc will be a good source for you to consider.

[redheadaussie]

Hi firstly, you really need to copy out the whole lab report and the reference ranges it states.

Any thyroid medication is going to take up to 4 to 6 weeks to kick in. Even then you may still find hair loss. Hair will fall out easily due to the fact the body basically slows down in hypothyroid state and it redirects all the good energies to just staying alive. So dumping off hair is nature's way of saving energy in growing it.

NOT everyone who continues to take Synthroid will continue hair loss. It's not the medication, rather the dosage which needs to be adjusted to get the person out of hypo range and into so called normal range.

Don't stop taking the medication just yet. It is not an instant cure, sadly. The Armour is a different medication and you MUST be sure your body needs it before you take it. Many people do well on it, but again, it is because of their symptoms and blood tests showing they need it.

Also do not take anything within 4 hours of your thyroid medication, as this can inhibit it from working correctly. Give it time...Time is a Thyroid patient's worst enemy but one in the end works well.