Hair loss

[Robotnik]

Does hormone replacement prevent further hair from being lost or does it restore your hair to its former glory? I am so self conscious about my thinning hair I am avoiding talking to people in work. I can't stop crying at it coming out in big lumps any advice welcome. Thank you

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Robotnik It would help if you posted your most recent thyroid test results (with reference ranges) so members can see whether you are optimally medicated, also tell us what meds you are on and what dose, plus how long you've been diagnosed.

Hair loss can be a symptom of hypothyroidism, if you are not optimally medicated then you'll still have some symptoms, if you've not been taking Levo very long then it's still early days. Also, hair loss can be a symptom of low ferritin. Have you had any vitamin and minerals tested such as Vit D, B12, folate and ferritin?

[hachiko in reply to SeasideSusie]

how long is "not very long"?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to hachiko]

How long is a piece of string

If you've only been on Levo a couple of weeks (say) then there's no way anything will have improved, as it takes 6-8 weeks for the full effect of a starting dose, or an increase in dose.

After starting Levo, some people find they respond fairly quickly and their symptoms start to improve after 2 or 3 months (if they've been put on a sensible starting dose, not a stupid tiddly 25mcg). Other people find it can take up to a year for them to feel a lot better.

It's a very individual thing. And, of course, vitamins and minerals have to be at optimal levels, if there are any gut problems such as poor absorption then that will affect things too, adrenals have to work properly, sex hormones need to be balanced. It's a jigsaw and all the pieces need to fit. This is why, when someone doesn't do well, testing other things is suggested.

[hachiko in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you for your reply

[child-of-God in reply to SeasideSusie]

My mother is hypo and was on levo for several years. Her labs were great but her hypo symptoms persisted. She was always cold. Often I put her hands on me to relieve hot flashes. Now she is on nth and her hands are not cold and she is doing better. She still has some problems but it takes awhile to work through everything. I am hypo too. It's hard to get optimal.

[Robotnik in reply to SeasideSusie]

I have been referred for an ultrasound on my throat and await my blood results. I was diagnosed with depression and was told that the stress from that caused my hair to fall out. I am hoping that my thyroid is underperforming and that drugs will stop my hair falling out. It was my thinning hair that has been the last straw. I've been googling like crazy hence why I joined here. Thank you for replying.

[bluebug]

Hair loss can be caused by low levels of any of the vitamins that SeasideSusie mentioned. It however is more commonly caused by hypothyroidism and low ferritin.

[BadHare]

My friend's hair grew back quite well.

All I've got is two extra eyebrow hairs on one side, & another "Patrick Moore" type eyebrow hair on the other. Still trying, to up all the nutrients I need, but at least I've noticed a small difference!

[Robotnik in reply to BadHare]

Thank you for that reassurance.

[Robotnik in reply to BadHare]

At least I'm not alone. Looking about all I can see are massive mains of hair everywhere. I'm only 41. At this rate I'll he bald by 45. I know it sounds vain but its so rapid at falling out I'm in shock. I only brush it with my fingers because a hairbrush is so depressing

[BadHare in reply to Robotnik]

I have very fine baby hair, like invisible thread, & very little of it. More in my hairbrush, so perhaps I'd be better using my fingers too.

[Naomi8]

After 16 years on thyroxine,I became depressed & anxious.At the same time my hair started to fall & my scalp became mega dry & itchy.2 years of this came to an end when I started to add T3 to my T4.Hair shedding stopped.I then went on to T3 only,making sure I took all the recommended supplements in the right form & amount,including iron.All symptoms that bothered me on thyroxine improved dramatically.

After a year on T3-only,I am again depressed & anxious & my hair has become thinner & thinner,slowly over that period.

I am now taking higher amounts of D3 with K & B12.I think cortisol & adrenals are involved & its linked to a personal reaction to stress.

I think hairloss is a big issue with being hypo,but it is complicated for some,while others just need to get their dose & medication optimal,plus the right supplements.

[Katka in reply to Naomi8]

Totally agree. There are so many reasons for hair loss. Ferritin isn't always and an answer to the problem.

It could be ferritin, cortisol issues, low T3, low vitamin D, Estrogen dominance, dehydrotestosterone, stress.... take a pick. I'm still trying to address all of them. Shedding less but still shedding and no hair growth for the past 3 years

[child-of-God in reply to Naomi8]

I am in search of answers regarding hair loss and hypothyroidism. Getting opitmal is always a problem. Addressing the issues that prevent it is a never ending struggle. Getting the T3 dose right may be key. I lost hair when I increased from 10 mcg to 20 mcg. Like you, I feel that the adrenals, cortisol, female hormones, iron, D3, B12 on & on & on leaves me discouraged to say the least. I am still trying though. I've done saliva testing for cortisol, I'm trying maca. I don't know if my hair loss will turn around. My best to you & all

[Piper729]

Here's a post I entered a while back about how I helped my hair loss. ... healthunlocked.com/thyroidu......

[blondpalomino]

Can I just ask, are you a man or woman, and your age group?

If you don't want to say then o.k.!

If you are a woman then the menopause can also cause hair loss.

[Robotnik in reply to blondpalomino]

Hi blondpalamimo, I'm a 41 year old woman. I will post my results of hormone tests when I receive them. I just need reassurance I'm not going to be bald. My hair is now fine, sensitive and looks like straw. When I noticed my first complete bald patch I was devastated.

[blondpalomino in reply to Robotnik]

Hi Robotnik,

sorry, I understand you are upset.I had my thyroid removed at age 44, and lost almost half of my hair,which was fine already.It did pick up quite a long time afterwards,but still not back to how it was.I am now 59, and I have also gone through the menopause,probably still going through it as I still have hot flushes.I have been on HRT,which didn't really make any difference to my hair,am now off it.Last year I had a period where it went really thin again,it may have been as I was taking multi vitamins and they had iodine in them,which can push your thyroid over the top.

I have been using something for about 9 months now called "Plantur39" which is supposed to be for women over 40 leading up to and going through the menopause,and it has improved it a lot.

There is a shampoo and conditioner, but I use the tonic which you can put on after washing and leave it in.

It takes a long time to grow down again, but at least it's now a lot thicker on the top.

Hope this helps,kind regards.

[blondpalomino]

You can also get hair loss with having too much thyroid hormone as well as too little.

[Hidden in reply to blondpalomino]

I'm hyper and suffer hair loss!!

[blondpalomino in reply to Hidden]

Hi elizabeth2eames,

My sister has also suffered hair loss and been overactive for a large part of her life,fortunately now her blood is normal, but her hair never fully recovered.

[BadHare]

Still waiting for that...

[Padster7]

Hi Robotnik last July I lost a patch of hair 3 x 3.5 inches at the back and it was thinning all over. I was very traumatised and understand how you feel. I was then diagnosedo hashimotos. I researched like crazy and went on this forum to learn as much as I could. Now almost 18 months later my hair has grown back.

It was getting the right dose of levothyroxine, increasing ferritin, B12, Vitamin D, going gluten free, eating really healthily, exercising regularly and getting a good endocrinologist that helped my hair growth back. Don't lose hope. It just takes a long time to return and changing bad habits. Reducing stress helps and using mindfulness works for me. I feel well now and have no hypo symptoms apart from a bit of constipation now and again. Good luck x

[jacrjacr]

using tar shampoo balanced the ph and helped a little, hormones slowed down the loss but not the return, if it is from dht ...then anti dht supplements like saw palmetto etc may help, iron, high cortisol, inbalance of any hormones,or sudden change in hormones and sadly it takes 3 mths to see whatever u are doing is working bec of the long cycle with hair.....good luck.....

some use minoxidil bec it helps regrow hair...and it works for them.....one lady I spoke to recently used the men 5% once a day before bed and in 3 mths she said her hair is coming back....her mom had did the same so she knew what to do she said....

[jacrjacr]

I have found that low estrogen can cause hair loss as you age.....especially....and many drs don't address that...