Levo increase - hair loss?

[Flecmac]

I’ve suffered hair loss for few years now, but I have noticed this becoming worse since Endo increased levo to 75 mcg last month. Is this a possible link?? Not sure what to do .

Many thanks

[shaws Administrator]

It is a very common complaint, i.e. hair loss and this is a list of clinical symptoms and you can tick off the ones you have:-

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

I am not medically qualified but I'd suggest you get your Free T4 and Free T3 tested because both should be in the upper part of the ranges. Your GP may not test these but there are private labs that will do (home pin-prick blood tests and make sure you are well hydrated a couple of days before blood draw).

Ideally our TSH should be 1 or lower, FT4 and FT3 in the upper part of the ranges.

Also get B12 Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate. All should be optimum

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

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

healthline.com/health/iron-...

[Flecmac in reply to shaws]

I’ve had all relevant tests and put them on here. Just wondered if increase in levo may be making hair loss worse. Having more bloods in just over a week. Waiting for follow up appointment with Endo.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Flecmac]

Well, on your previous blood test your FT3 is low when it should be in the upper part of the range.

stopthethyroidmadness.com/h...

It's a pity that the doctors assume that we 'eat too much' when, in fact unexplained weight gain , may be due to them not providing optimum hormones to bring TSH to 1 or lower. Unfortunately most are so poorly trained that they seem to think that if TSH is low that we've become hyPERthyroid so that our body has the 'energy' it would have if not hypo. Many of the doctors keep adjusting our dose to 'fit into the ranges' even the bottom when they should be nearer the top part of the ranges (i.e. FT4 and FT3).

Also several Researchers have shown that many do better and feel better with a combination of T3/T4.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

The aim is a TSH of 1 or lower with the Frees, T4 and T3 , in the upper part of the ranges.

[Flecmac in reply to shaws]

Thanks. I’m not overweight, in fact I have always been very slim and have lost a bit more weight recently after going gluten free and bowel problems etc. I have Hashimoto’s. Also I have had lower back pain for years, GP said Fibro. I’ve also had a major op to remove tumour from nerve in spine last April and have had more constant pain since which medication hasn’t helped. I have lumber scoliosis too. I have painful migraines too so a lot of things causing pain. My hair has been gradually thinning over a few years, but I have noticed more lately. The increase to 75mcg has been a long time coming over many years and is a result of FINALLY fourth nhs Endo (long drive) recognising that my T3 needs to be higher.

Thanks.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Flecmac]

I'm glad you've got a more reasonable Endo and hopefully he will prescribe sufficient so that your pain will be relieved.

[Flecmac in reply to shaws]

🙏🏻🙏🏻 Thanks 😊

[Angel20 in reply to Flecmac]

Endo needs to fine tune your meds.. a friend of mine had same problem her hair was falling awful her meds were adjusted balanced this has a good impact on hair growth. Unfortunately few Endo doctors seem to believe more tablets is the answer - every person is different need to take into consideration how you are feeling and your concerns. Just a thought.

[Flecmac in reply to Angel20]

So do you mean increase makes it better? Mines worse since increase.

[Angel20 in reply to Flecmac]

not at all.. it means your Endo should lower the dosage appropriately it is about finding the correct balance.. too much may have adverse affects too little it may not be effective.. trial and error basically.. too high dosage in my opinion will do far more damage longer term.. this is just my opinion.

[Flecmac in reply to Angel20]

It has taken 9 years to get to 75 mcg and still not well. I heard somewhere that Thyroxine itself can cause hair loss. It’s been gradual for years, just a bit worse lately.

[G2G2]

When my T3 dose was too high, I had hair loss.

[Flecmac in reply to G2G2]

Mine is too low at the moment.