Hypo with hair loss any suggestions?

[Henson1980]

Hi,

I was put on a 50mcg dose of Levo 5 weeks ago as my TSH level was 6.79, I'm due to have my bloods done again next week to see if the dose needs increasing, my question is, I seem to be experiencing hair loss, like quite alot of hair loss, also itchy dry flaky scalp, I'm guessing this is one of the symptoms of the disease, has anyone found a hair treatments or supplement that can help with this without it affecting the absorption of Levo? I have pantethenic acid but not sure if this interacts or if it works??

[Shibby]

I think low ferritin can cause hair loss and if ferritin is low it can impact on the thyroid. Have you had any vitamin/mineral levels checked lately?

[Henson1980 in reply to Shibby]

Hi Shibby

Yes I had vit D and B checked which came back normal. I'm thinking I need an increase in Levo as I'm feeling rough again, sore throat, hair loss etc, maybe once they increase it will stop? Hoping and praying!!

[Shibby in reply to Henson1980]

Have you seen a copy of your results, level and ranges etc? I got told my B12 was normal but the pernicious anemia society recommends the level be higher than mine was so I supplemented and some of my symptoms went away. My Vit D was deficient before and it's only slightly in the range now but still seen as 'normal'.

Would be worth getting your ferritin and folate tested (or get the results for them if you have done already) and pop them on healthunlocked for members to advise?

[Henson1980 in reply to Shibby]

Thanks Shibby, when I get my blood test results back I will post them, do I specifically need to ask for the ferritin and folate testing or so they just test this as part of the thyroid testing? Sorry if that's a stupid question I'm just not very clued up on all of this 😊

[Shibby in reply to Henson1980]

No it's ok don't worry! I think I asked for mine when I started my 'journey', not sure if they would test as part of thyroid as some docs advice on this forum seem to have no clue of the importance of vits/minerals. Are you awaiting the results or are you due your blood test?

[Henson1980 in reply to Shibby]

I'm due a blood test on Wednesday, I have also been supplementing with 200mg of selenium as I was told it helps to support the thyroid. Feeling frustrated as I seemed to have a spike in energy last week so I thought I had cracked it but now I'm feeling bad again, bad timing as I have an exam in 3 weeks that I'm finding difficult to focus on and study for!

[Shibby in reply to Henson1980]

Ah ok I see. Yes I believe it helps conversion from FT4 to FT3. Your TSH is still too high on that dose But hopefully they will increase it again after your next bloods. When is your appointment and what time do you take your Levo? Aw I'm sorry to hear that. I know why you mean about the brain fog and tiredness

[Henson1980 in reply to Shibby]

Do they increase in 25mcg incremental doses or can they say double it from 50 to 100mcg? Are your levels normal now and do you feel better? Would love to know there is light at the end of the tunnel, the whole of my mums side of the family have underactive thyroid, my mum was also diagnosed 3 weeks ago, it's a real pain in the backside isn't it? Haha x my appointment is at 11am so I will miss Tuesday and Wednesday mornings dose xx

[Shibby in reply to Henson1980]

I'm afraid that's where my knowledge ends. I also am not diagnosed with it, there is a family history and I have very suspiciously similar symptoms but I have seen my bloods (done by medichecks for antibodies and T3) and they are all within range. If you tell them how you feel hopefully they will put it up more but I couldn't tell you if they double it or not. They may want you to be on Levo longer before they increase.

[Henson1980 in reply to Shibby]

Ah ok...I'm glad to hear your within range...a little envious but glad haha xx thanks for the chat and advice, I'll post my results when I get them...take care x

[Shibby in reply to Henson1980]

You too. Sorry I couldn't be any more help. My results are in range just means I am back to square one again! Hopefully you will get on top of it. X

[amethyst22]

Aside from optimising ferritin levels etc, I have found Amla to be useful in stopping hair loss. I give myself a weekly treatment and it has really helped. You can find it with the Henna in chemists/asian stores or online.

[silverfox7]

They should increase in 25mcg or otherwise you can be over medicated and have hyper symptoms.

There is lots of info you may find useful on the Thyroid Uk site. They run this forum and are recommended on NHS Choices for thyroid dysfunction. Shout out if you don't understand anything.

[Henson1980 in reply to silverfox7]

Thank you x

[silverfox7]

You're welcome