Another hair loss question...

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Another hair loss question...
4
Fri, 08-13-2004 - 10:23am
I found out I was Hypo, in March. Started on Synthroid (25mcg). My TSH went from 6.3 to 3.7. (Working on getting it down to 1-2.) Now, since I began the Synthroid I noticed MORE hair loss than prior to my diagnosis. I thought it may be the Synthroid, but read on this board that it more than likely was the Hypo condition, itself. I recently began taking my medication early in the AM - hours before eating or taking vitamins - hoping that will help the Synthroid work more effectively, thus solving (or helping, at the very least) my "shedding."

My question is this...how long before I might notice a difference, as far as hair loss? I want to give the Synthroid a chance, and hope that it is NOT the Synthroid causing it. However, I also want to rectify the problem before I lose all of my hair. I DO know that when my numbers were 6.3 the hair loss was not as significant as when my levels dropped to 3.7. Does that make sense?? I notice it primarily when showering. I have fine hair to begin with, and it comes out in little clumps (sometimes about 5-8 strands at a time) when I am rinsing my hair.

I may switch medications, but as I stated above, I hope it is NOT the Synthroid, as I feel really good otherwise!

Thank you for any advice you may have!

~Karen

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-03-2004
Fri, 08-13-2004 - 3:49pm


Karen,

I have the same exact problem, with the exception that I'm on Levoxyl. I've been on the medication for about one year. I've noticed hair loss ever since, but over the last six months the hair loss has been getting worse and worse. Like you, I notice it in the shower and when I comb my hair out while it's wet. I was thinking about changing medications and trying Synth., or as suggest to me from another message board person, that I try T3. However, I've asked doctors for the T3, but none of them want to prescribe it. If you find anything out let me know.

Danielle

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 08-13-2004 - 8:34pm
Danielle,

Thanks for your response! I think perhaps, in some Hypo cases, things get better before they get worse. (ie - hair loss, weight gain, etc.) Perhaps that is what is going on with us.

I have been using a product recommended by a client of mine who is a hair dresser. It is called Nioxin. I use the cleanser, treatment (like a conditioner), and leave-in treatment. I feel like it has helped, somewhat.

I will let you know if I find anything else out! : )

~Karen

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 08-13-2004 - 8:42pm
>I think perhaps, in some Hypo cases, things get better before they get worse.<

Opps...I mean they get worse before they get better.

: )

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-09-2003
Tue, 08-17-2004 - 5:32pm
I don't know if this will help but my thyroid has been steadily getting worse for the last 8 years but my doctor always said I could just live with it because she didn'y want to put me on meds for the rest of my life, but anyway my hair has been getting thinner and thinner I just started taking the meds a little under a month and and I'm on levothroid but before meds my hair was falling out in huge handfulls in the shower and since starting this medication I lose maybe 10 peices of hair per shower YYYAYYY so I would say to give it at least an month and if it is still giving you trouble to try and have the meds switched.

Good luck

Michelle