Synthroid/Hair Loss

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Synthroid/Hair Loss
3
Wed, 07-28-2004 - 8:17am
Hi!

I was wondering...concerning symptomatic hair loss...is it the Synthroid itself, that may be the cause? Or is it the fact that it is not a "combo drug"?

Also, what other synthetic durgs are out there? Are there synthetic "combo drugs"?

Thanks!

~Karen

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Wed, 07-28-2004 - 9:09am
Hi again - Here's a great link that discusses T3/T4 and the roles each play. http://www.altsupportthyroid.org/t3.php

Cytomel is a synthetic T3, taken in conjunction with a T4 medication like Synthroid or Levoxyl. A side effect of Synthroid is hair loss but it is a side effect of too much synthroid. It is also a symptom of hypothyroidism itself and if you are undermedicated - with synthroid or anything else, the hair loss can continue. I just had my medication increase a month ago and myh air loss has stopped. I was undermedicated from the past year or so and that is one of the shrotcomings of not getting enough medication.

So you can talk to your doctor about getting on Cytomel if you don't feel well just taking synthroid - it may help your hair loss but it may not. I don't think the hair loss is so much related to the synthroid as it is to being undermedicated. (I know it's a side effect of the medication though. I'm not trying to downplay that.) That was my doctor's take on it and he's very good. If you're uncomfortable with synthroid overall, ask your doctor if you can switch to some other brand of thyroxine - that's the name of the T4 hormone in all of these medications. Hope this helps! Cathy :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 07-28-2004 - 4:47pm
Hi Cathy,

Thanks for your reply!

I totally agree with you that my hair loss is due to the fact that I am more than likely UNDERmedicated! I plan to bring this up with my D.O. the very next time I see him!

I also think I may benefit from taking both the T3 & T4, so I will bring that up to him, as well!

Your Dr. does sound quite good! I love mine...he tested me right away for my Thyroid levels, when I went in for a racing heartbeat. (110 RESTING!) He is a D.O. and I don't think I will ever have an M.D., again.

Here is why - 'D.O.’s look at the "total person." Osteopathic physicians focus on preventive care. Instead of just treating specific symptoms or illnesses, they look at the whole body.'

Can you blame me? (he he he) : )

Thank you again for all of your helpful advice/information!

~Karen

P.S. My TSH is 4.3, I believe. To get that down to a 1.0-2.0 do they just increase the amount of medication?

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Wed, 07-28-2004 - 4:51pm
Yes, they just increase them medication. Then you go back for another blood test in 6 weeks. Depending on the results, they'll keep you on that medication, increase it or decrease it. No one wants to send you over into hyperthyroidism. Once you stablize your TSH, you stay on that medication and fo back for blood tests every 6 months or if you feel something is happening and you need one to see where your level is at. I'm glad you have such a good doctor. it's a relief to know there are some out there!!! Let us know how you do at your appointment. I'll be interested to know what he says about taking cytomel. Cathy :)