Help - my hair is falling out - think I'm overdosed!

[Maxxxx]

I would be grateful for any advice on dosing - I upped my dose to 1 X 25mcg T3 and 1 X 50mcg levo per day from 20 T3/50 T4 about four months ago because my T3 was only half way through the range. I got tested last month by the NHS and my TSH was very low as usual and my T3 was about half way through the range - I have been feeling very good. Sorry to get complicated but when I changed over four months ago I was missing two days levo equating to 100mcg per week initially as I thought that would equate to the correct amount I needed to take. About two months ago I started taking the 50mcg levo 7 days a week instead of 5.

I started losing lots of hair about a week ago and I reckon I'm overdosed now. I would be very grateful if someone could advise on how to get the extra levo out of my system. I didn't take my levo last night and I haven't taken the T3 yet today. Should I just not take anything all weekend and then go back to my previous routine of either keeping the doses the same but missing out two days of levo per week or go back to the 20mcg T3/50mcg T4 per day?

Thanks!

[Maxxxx]

Sorry meant to say that my most recent test about two months ago had my T3 about 3/4 through the range - don't have exact numbers and can't phone the doctor as it's the weekend. That test was before I started taking the levo every day instead of just 5 days per week.

[greygoose]

I don't think you should change anything before getting tested. Messing around with your dose too often is not recommended. You should be on a dose for at least six weeks for it to settle. And, I doubt that taking 100 extra levo a week would push your FT3 over-range. Obviously you don't convert very well, or you wouldn't be taking T3. I would leave it for now, if I were you. All sorts of things can cause hair to fall out, not just over-dosing on levo.

[Judithdalston]

Have you had your vits/ mins tested ( ferritin, folate, b12 and vit d)? If you google hair loss you will find other nutrients like zinc, magnesium etc etc too help. I’ve lost half my hair all over my head twice in last 5 years...one was from septic shock so know it took about couple months to be noticeable, and about 4 months to mend itself; second time as trying to treat undermedicated hypo - added T3 ( but got worse as lowered my levo.), and discovered and started treatment supplements for vits/ mins mentioned above. So I doubt 5 extra mcg T3 would do it...think about nutrients.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Bloods should be retested after 6-8 weeks on constant unchanging dose

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

If/when also on T3, make sure to take last dose 8-12 hours prior to test, even if this means adjusting time or splitting of dose day before test

Is this how you do your tests?

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all vitamins

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

Come back with new post once you get results and ranges

[jacrjacr]

what changed 3 mths ago because according to hair cycle, they say it usually is a result of a change 3 mths ago...i would be curious if thyroid meds made your hair fall out quicker..i was overdose a few years ago and i had headache pain in the back of my head and eye pain and dilated one eye but never got hair fall..i was overmedicated for about a mth or two.....Hair loss is not uncommon with a new laser helmet, aging and unbalanced hormones or iron deficiency and d3 and b12 , low protein diet, and/or low stomach acid ...i have had hair loss for a few years and it is very alarming and mine came on suddenly and i assume menopause although i take hormones. Irestore laser helmet, hair essentials anti dht hair vitamins by well being, etc....so i would get your ferritin checked bec low normal is bad for hair, d3, b12, ..( if you are constipated alot..thats a sign of low stomach acid)

[Maxxxx in reply to jacrjacr]

Thanks for your reply - I will do the vitamin and mineral tests - also I have a metallic taste in my mouth. I'm not sure what a laser helmet is? I am wondering if I have reverse T3?