Eyelashes

[MDL990510]

Hi.

Could loss of eyelashes be thyroid related or as I have not been diagnosed is this likely something else?

[Teuchter]

As far as I know, loss of eyelashes and eyebrows, particularly the outermost parts, are classic symptoms of under active thyroid, which observant doctors looked for, before blood tests came to be relied on.

I'm sure more knowledgeable members will be along shortly to confirm.

[shaws Administrator]

Loss of body hair is a symptom of hypothyroidism but could also be due to some other cause. However, I will give you a link for clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism and also hyperthyroidism and you can tick either which applies to you.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Also ask for your thyroid antibodies to be checked as that would mean you'd have an Autoimmune Thyroid Disease called Hashimotos.

When you ask doctor to do a blood test make the appointment as earliest possible and fast (you can drink water). This allows your TSH to be at its highest as that is usually the only result doctors appear to go by. If you are diagnosed every test for your thyroid hormones should follow the same procedure but you leave about 24 hours between levothyroxine (thyroid hormone) and the test and take it afterwards.

Always ask for a print-out of your blood test results for your own records and so that you can post here if you have any queries. Always put the ranges as well.

[MDL990510 in reply to shaws]

thank you Shaws. Just wondering, are GP's usually reluctant to test thyroid antibodies?

[Clutter in reply to MDL990510]

MDL990510, there's no hard and fast rule. Some GPs include antibody testing in the initial thyroid panel while others won't test antibodies unless TSH is over range.

[Heloise]

There are eyelash mites, ugh. You can use pharmaceutical grade castor oil around the lids.

[Treepie]

Losing the outer third of the eyebrows as I did is a symptom of hypothyroidism.

[milkwoman]

I lost the outer third of my eyebrows as well as most of my eyelashes. The eyelashes were really sparse - it was pathetic.

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism (despite my blood results being "normal") by a good functional doctor who started me on Levothyroxine in June 2014. I have tested negative for thyroid antibodies.

That being said, I also was diagnosed with lupus and Sjogrens and believe the Sjogrens is a major cause of my eyelash loss. I've been on Plaquenil a little over a year.

it took a long time for my eyebrows to come back and I really didn't see much change in my eyelashes. So, I started on Latisse about 8 months ago. That helped but I would say only when I added Restasis (mid-September) and also started cleaning my eyelids with an eyewash that I've begun to see real change. My lashes are now long enough that I can apply mascara - I feel like a girl again! I hope they continue to grow, thicken and darken.

I also started taking biotin (probably about 4 - 5 months ago) and other supplements to support hair growth. I'm sure they've played a role in the recovery of eyelashes.

I wish I knew what was actually doing the trick but I can't say for sure. I'm just happy to not have to use false eyelashes anymore as they were just a PIA. I don't mind them for special occasions but hated having to use them every day.

[MDL990510 in reply to milkwoman]

That's really interesting thank you. I have had some hair thinning and a friend of mine recommended biotin as well as this has helped her greatly. I am not currently taking anything until I get some sort of diagnosis as I don't want to skew the results but I will keep those items you mention in mind.

I have too often wondered about Lupus. I don't know too much about it but I do have some symptoms (although I know these are broad and can cover many things) but have never has a rash. I have seen on NHS website that enlarged lymph nodes, raynauds, depression, migraines, shortness of breath, muscle pain, fatigue, all of which I have, can be a sign of lupus but I have never questioned it due to not having any sort of rash.

Anyway, thanks again for your reply and I hope you regain your lashes soon

[milkwoman in reply to MDL990510]

It took about 2 1/2 years for me to get diagnosed. Doctors kept telling me I was "fine" when I knew I was not. I don't have the rash - not everyone gets it. Lupus and Sjogrens have similar symptoms lists. I have primary lupus (SLE) with secondary Sjogrens. Since I wear contacts (for about 30 years now), I never considered my dry eyes to be a symptom. Go figure. Same with all the dental issues that I never could quite explain.

It is worth asking your doctor to run an ANA, which is a basic broad blood test for autoantibodies. If positive, then you can get referred to a rheumatologist for a full gamut of tests.

Keep track of your symptoms and always get copies of your blood test results. Even when I got my positive ANA, the hematologist still told me I was fine. I than insisted to my GP for further testing. By that point I believe I was simply tired of my feeling well so I was more aggressive in fighting for my health. Thank goodness I did because I never would have been diagnosed otherwise.

Best of luck to you in your search for answers.

My lashes are doing well - nice to be able to apply mascara again! Baby steps! ☺️