Hair loss

[Sam75]

Ive been hypo for 20 years,and always had thick hair, suddenly its falling like rain, and Im getting worried.

My GP has been reported for negligence (not by me)

, and he was totally dismissive of my suggestion that I might have a vitamin deficiency and refused me a blood test, saying its only done once a year, any advice would be welcome.

[shaws Administrator]

I am sorry your hair is dropping. Sometimes it is a clinical symptom of hypo (I am not medically qualified) and I would have thought you'd have lost some previously as that's a common complaint mainly when newly diagnosed.

I believe your GP should have tested all vitamins/minerals because we usually do have a deficiency of some of them.

When did you last have them checked (he is right it is usually once yearly) but if you have a symptom(s) he could have checked. Both Vit B12 and Vit D are pro-hormones and iron, ferritin and folate and we can be deficient in all of them which can cause symptoms..

Get a print-out of your most recent results (with the ranges) and put on a new post if you don't have them to hand today for comments.

If it is nearly a year since you've been tested ask again and say you are concerned about your hair falling out. Also say you have had advice from the NHS Choices Thyroiduk.org.uk for information/advice on the thyroid gland.

[Sam75 in reply to shaws]

Thank you for your advise, I am requesting a different GP as my one is

quite dismissive of older people sadly, hes pretty ancient himself.....

[shaws Administrator in reply to Sam75]

When we don't feel well we expect some sympathy and kindness from GP. Maybe he is too work-worn and near retirement.

[Sam75 in reply to shaws]

He is actualy part time but very unhelpful & talks to old people as though we have no brain....

[shaws Administrator in reply to Sam75]

He's in the wrong profession. As has been mentioned on the forum a few times. Animals get better treatment from the vet than humans from doctors/endos.

[bluebug]

Do you have any other symptoms and signs apart from hair loss? For example horizontal ridges in nails (not vertical), fatigue, pain in muscles, joints or limbs?

If so mention them as well when you ask for a full blood count plus blood tests for vitamin D, ferritin, folate and vitamin B12. (You need to say exactly the tests you want done.)

If you refused again make a request in writing stating what the GP claimed previously at your appointments and keep a copy.

GPs don't tend to like patients who have some way of keeping records as they know they can be pulled up on it.

[Sam75 in reply to bluebug]

Thank you, yes I do have the ridges on my nails, and my hips are very painful...then I am almost 80...but nothing else significant to moan about....going to see a different GP so will ask for tests you mention.