Hi all - I've been on T3-only for about a year. I've finally got what seems to be a good dosage (60 mcg/day in 3 divided doses), but my hair is thinning rapidly. This started only a few months ago. I wonder if its possible that T4 is required for healthy hair follicles? Has anyone else on T3-only experienced this?
Many thanks.
No but I shared a feeling that T4 was necessary for me, for full health. I felt very stressed and unwell without any T4. But of course, for some people any T4 is a problem. I added Armour to T3, and am now well.
Thanks very much! I prefer no T4 because I have cancer and early research shows possible effect on cancer growth. But luckily I don’t feel that I miss the T4 in terms of how I feel. You are right, everyone is different. I hope someday the doctors honor that
Well, I've been on T4 for 40 years, the latter 10 yrs in combination with T3, and have still lost about 2/3 of my hair.
I’m on NDT, so get both, and my hair is great. It’s not even very grey, and at my age that’s unusual. 
How is your protein intake? I recall watching something where a vegan was losing his hair. He was convinced to eat several eggs every day and his hair loss stopped. It didn’t help the already lost hair return, sadly, but he stopped losing more so he was pleased. The gist was that his complete protein was inadequate in his former diet and that was the cause of the loss.
I was on T4 for 16 years.I did not have a problem with thinning hair.I had other issues with T4.Top of the list was tachycardia episodes & ectopic beats most of the time.
I took T3-only for 2 years.I felt much better & on a dose of up to 55mcgs my pulse was steady & normal.My BP was good.My temperature was stuck below normal,probably as a result of long-standing adrenal issues.My energy was much better.However,I now wish I had tested more regularly & lowered my dose,because my fine,thick curly hair became thin & I lost all curl & body.I also lost underarm & pubic hair.I've been on NDT for nearly 2 years now,& I can see my underarm hair is a bit thicker,but my head hair doesn't seem to be improving.
I have to factor in the process of ageing & being post-menopausal for 15 years,which I believe is part of the hormone picture,as was chronic stress & anxiety.
I did not see the hair loss occuring-ie on my hairbrush & in plugholes.My theory (as a result of online research) is that my follicles slowly shut down.
I believe I was lulled into taking too high a dose,by the improvements in other symtoms,while hot flashes & unstable mood were ignored.
I now test regularly to make sure my FT3 doesn't go over range.I take 2 grains.I reduced from 3 to 2,5 to 2 because of over-range T3.My mood is more stable & hot flashes are occasional.See www,tiredthyroid about T4/T3 ratios.She is doing better now she has added Thyroxine to to her NDT.I would follow suit if it were not for heart rhythm issues,to bring the ratios of T4/T3 more into line with human rather than pig ratios.
Hi can you pm me where you get your T3 please
Hi Lauramay, would you mind telling me where you get T3 also? Many thanks.
I have taken just T3 for well over 8 years and my hair did return to fullness once I was on a good dose for me (80 mcg in divided doses). We are all different and seem to need different levels of medication. My hair has started to thin again now as I have lost my cortisol production probably due to damage in my pituitary from a head trauma a number of years ago. Once I started on replacement hydrocortisone my hair has started to improve again. It might be worth just trying a slightly larger dose of T3 and see if that helps your hair.
Heather
I had a serious head injury 10 years ago, skull fractures etc. How do they know when the pituitary is damaged our of interest. PM me if you like
It is now recognised that head trauma, and even "just" whiplash can damage the pituitary. It would be investigated as for any potential pituitary dysfunction, if you had evidence/symptoms of possible pituitary problems. For instance, someone might have blood test results that indicate possible central/secondary hypothyroidism.
When I was on T3 the endo gave me far too high a dose and I was a mess. Even when they’ve reduced the dose I was still having huge hair loss, and allsorts of other problems that seem to highlight. I’m now on T3 second time round and I’m not having any of that problem with hair loss because they have started me on a very very low dose (I also take Levo)
I have the exact problem . Have taken T3 for 2 years and lost hair above ears a while ago , and that hasn't nor won't grow back . I've now got very thin hair after having a decent head of hair . I was on 37mcg a day which I recently dropped down to 25 after seeing what was happening to my hair . Unfortunately it hasn't helped , and for a while I'm not taking any more . I've reverted back to NDT but only half a grain a day . I also supplement with biotin , kelp and omega 3 oil . I think there's a very slight improvement but its only been a few days now . I also started to feel awful for about a couple of weeks prior to stopping the T3 , lethargic , and lightheaded . Which I find weird as it was fine before that . I'm waiting for results of blood tests , hopefully that might shed some light .
Have you had your iron and ferritin tested ? One of the most common cause of hair loss and thinning
Also vit E biotin and few other vitamins all needed for good hair growth and strength
Once my ferritin was up my hair stopped shedding
Hasn't regrown yet but I'm sorting out other deficiencies too
Thank you! and to all the responders as well, this is all very helpful. I'm not sure its the T3-only so I'm going to supplement protein, iron, B vitamins, biotin, etc. If it continues, I guess I'll try adding some LT4 to the T3.
Happy to help. Do test your iron and ferritin levels before supplementing as if you aren't deficient it can be toxic to overdose on iron
B vitamins and vit C are water soluble so you can't really overdose as such.
Omega 3 is impt too and a lot of people swear by castor oil for hair regrowth. Generally good diet of fruit and veg is always a good idea to start with
👍 good luck
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