Hair Loss

[tntbodnar]

I've been treated for hypothyroidism for the past 6-7 years.  In November, my endocrinologist said it would not cause any further harm to stop synthroid for 3 months and then recheck levels to see if my hair loss stopped.  Unfortunately, my TSH level skyrocketed to 91 and my cholesterol was high as well.  So I went back on synthroid (100 mcg).  I'm still suffering from hair loss and am become quite concerned/stressed/depressed.  Is the hair loss a result of the synthroid or is it the result of my thyroid yoyoing up and down and if this is the reason why would an endo agree that it would not be harmful to stop meds and monitor in 3 months.  When questioned, my endo just said no one can know when a thyroid will stop functioning and then told me she was no longer going to be at the center I see her and a new endo will see me after my next blood test.  Forgive my English, but what the hell is going on....I counted on her medical expertise to help me make an educated decision and I'm no where...may worse off than before.  I'm not sure how much more of this I can take...the hair loss is more than I can handle....my patience has run out...can you offer any suggestions.  I'll be getting my blood work done this week so at least I'll see if there's any improvement on my thyroid levels.  Does the hair loss stop and will my hair grow back?

[redheadaussie]

Hair loss is associated with being hypothryoid, and you are certainly that! It is unfortunately a scary and depressing thing, to think you might go bald and never grow hair back again, but rest assured, it is extremely unlikely to happen.
It may not be the Synthroid causing the problem... thyroxine is the main ingredient no matter which synthetic thyroid replacement you take. More likely you need a higher dose of the hormone.
The endo may have thought you no longer needed any medication as your levels may have been fine. Often with goitres, when they shrink the doctors will stop medication. If the goitre grows back they put you back on medication. Often they do not grow back , after having the medication shrink it. I do not know if you had an enlarged thyroid.
  It would be really great to see your latest results of lab tests. Ask for a copy and post here what they were. Often doctors say Oh, you are normal...when in fact yo ure hypo or hyper thyroid.
  You may not be converting the Synthroid in your body effectively and keeping you at hypothyroid levels, too.
As I said, hair loss is normal (if you want to call it that!) and you may not be on enough medication to stabilise this problem..and yes..your hair will grow back.just takes a while..Hair grows at 3mm a month..which is really not much.but be patient.

Cheers

[hope4thegoodstuff]

Have you ever asked to be put on something other than synthroid?  There are other drugs out there.  I'm hoping that I don't have this trouble on synthroid, but if I do, this time I will not hesitate to say so.  Maybe the new endo will suggest something.