Hypothyroidism and hair loss

[NBinNC]

Hi,
After the results of a blood test, taken at my yearly OB/GYN visit in January, I was told that I have low thyroid levels and directed to see a GP.  My GP put me on Levothyroxine-50 mcg.  I have been on the med since February.  It seems to be working and I feel so much better than before my diagnosis.  However, I am having one side effect--my hair comes out, more than normal when shampooing.  My hair is really thinning and I hate that it is happening.  I found out that one of the side effects of the medicine can be hair loss.  Has anyone had the same experience?  Is so, what did you do to correct it?  Also, Does anyone think that something else is going on with me that is causing the hair loss?  It is just that it was such a coincidence that the same time I begain the levothyroxine, my hair started thinning.  Also, I have a scheduled blood test the end of this month along with a follow-up visit with my GP to monitor my thyroid levels.  Do you know of any specific questions I should ask him?   Also, I am told that it is genetic.  My grandmother, now 88 yrs. young, also has hypothyroidism and was diagnosed with it "many years ago" (her words).  Thanks for whatever insight you can give.  I am new to this disease and am slowly learning about it.   Help me keep my thinning hair!!!!!

[goolarra]

I think your're right - you should see an endo.  Lots of PCPs think they know what they're doing, but they don't have a clue.  My PCP blew it from day one and for the next year.  I can't tell you how little she knew about thyroid...but she thought she did.  Do you think your OB/GYN would tell you that you don't need him, your PCP is fine?  Same thing...

[NBinNC]

Thank you---  I will have to call to get the exact numbers.  I will ask for the original numbers (prior to being diagnosed) and the newest numbers taken in Feb/March timeframe (after taking meds for 1 month).  

Thanks again for your response!  I appreciate it, since I am so new to this, but I am learning alot!  I really appreciate your insight!  I need all the help I can get.  My appointment with GP is the first week in June.  I thought and mentioned  to both my GP and the OB/GYN that I should see an Endo, and they both said that a GP was fine. I still felt that I should go to an Endo.   I am confused.

NBinNC

[goolarra]

I agree...bet the hair loss is due to being hypo and not to meds.  You'll probably see a turnaround in that shortly.

If you're hypo, I would strongly suggest finding an endo.  This is a life-long condition, and it's important to find a doctor that you can work with well.  GPs simply cannot keep up with everything going on in all the different specialties they have to deal with.

As gimel said, post FT3 , FT4 and TSH.

[gimel]

Hard to say if the hair thinning is due to meds, or just due to the result of hypothyroidism not yet corrected by meds.  It would be helpful if you would post your lab test results and reference ranges, so that we can see what tests have been done and where in the range your results fall.  Then we can provide better analysis and feedback  in preparation for your return visit to your doctor.