Levothyroxine and Hair Loss

[SolidusSnake]

I have hypothyroidism and was put on levothyroxine for a while now, but at times my hair thins considerably, especially in the back of the head.

Recently, the doc decided to put me on a higher dose of levoth. since I'd kept gaining weight rather rapidly, even though according to her labs I was on the higher end of the "normal" range already.

Several months later, I still have thin spots in the hair that haven't filled in like they usually do by now, so we asked her if my meds could also cause hair loss, especially since they are so high.

She insists that levothyroxine and synthroid does NOT cause hair loss, but I that doesn't sound right to me.

Has anyone experienced hair loss as a side effect of these?

[jokkejens]

I am hypo on levaxin 150mg, and I have sometimes/frequently 2-3 bald spots on my head, size of a coin. It usually grows back after a while. They are usually placed on top of my head or on the back of my head. My hair on the top has thinned out more than I like the last years as well.
I do remember from many years ago when (I thought) I was a healthy strong boy, also at a few occasions had bald spot on my head, first I thought my mates had some fun while I was sleeping (Hair removal cream or something), then I figured it was stress.
Looking back now I believe it is symptoms of being Hypo.

[SolidusSnake]

I'm afraid not. I've honestly never heard any of those referenced by my doctor. All I ever get is just a single number on a single scale that I'm told represents 'normal.' I guess that's the TSH they're quoting me, but I can't be sure.

I don't have health insurance at the moment, and so I have to go to a trailer-sized local clinic that takes patients like me, and from my experience, all they do is draw blood, and then call me in a few days later or give a phone call and just say, "You're in the normal range" and just give me a number on a scale when I ask.

Another thing I should mention, is that when my hair thins and then thickens back to somewhat normal, it's usually in a spot in the back where most MPB strikes, so that's led to her telling me it's genetic, and yet I don't really have any family history of people going bald, especially at my age (I'm 22), on either side of my family. Even the older relatives of my family still have plenty of hair.

[goolarra]

Do you have the results of your latest FT3, FT4 and TSH tests?  Please also include reference ranges as these vary from lab to lab and have to come from your own lab report.

I suspect that your FT3 level is low.  Even with high levels of FT4, if your FT3 is too low, your cells will not be getting enough thyroid hormone to function properly.

I agree with your doctor that hair loss is more often a symptom of improperly adjusted FT3 and FT4 levels, not a side effect of the meds.