Very dry hair

[Josiah150767]

Hi all,

Before I was diagnosed with under active thyroid, as well as the other symptoms, my hair was very dry. Even on levothroxine my hair is the same if not worse. Has anyone else experienced this?

[Macey2009]

Hi there. My hair is awful now too. So very dry brittle and breaking. Used to be soft and healthy. I am undiagnosed other than knowing from this forum i have hashis. Must have tried every conditioner there is but nothing helps.....so very frustrating. Wish i could be of more help

[Josiah150767 in reply to Macey2009]

Hi

Yes, I was the same, had healthy shiny hair. I have lupus and just getting over a bad flare up, so to make matters worse my hair is coming out. Thanks for your reply.

[Macey2009 in reply to Josiah150767]

Sorry to hear you're poorly. I know it's only hair but it's affecting my self esteem now. That seemed to be my first symptom a few years ago.

[aspenca in reply to Macey2009]

Have you checked your iron levels?

[Macey2009 in reply to aspenca]

Hi yes my iron levels are optional.

[aspenca in reply to Macey2009]

Could you share your labs?

[Macey2009 in reply to aspenca]

All the labs are on my profile ☺

[aspenca in reply to Macey2009]

All I'm seeing is your Ferritin. You'll need all 4 iron labs: (Iron/% Saturation/TIBC/Ferritin)

Women when optimal:

Iron: ~110 (or 23ish in ranges that go up to 27)

% Sat: 'close' to 34 or 35% (or .34 / .35)

TIBC: ~low 300's, sometimes lower

Ferritin: 50's or higher (optimal 70-90)

[Macey2009 in reply to aspenca]

Iron is 26.4 (10-28)

Transferrin 2.73 (2-4)

Transferrin sat % 37

That's all the iron bloods i have.

[Josiah150767 in reply to Macey2009]

Hi

Did you have your tests done privately, or was that through your gp? The reason for me asking is the only results I have are from through the nhs, but am going to get private testing.

[Macey2009 in reply to Josiah150767]

Hi there. I have had private testing done through blue horizons. But only just recently found out that my gp was supposed to do 6 monthly thyroid checks (at risk of developing thyroid disease) I can't really afford private testing anymore.

My gp tests tsh and free t4 only but will ask next time if she'll do free t3 too. Sorry for the long reply lol ☺

[Josiah150767 in reply to Macey2009]

Hi

That’s all they have ever tested with me . I feel the only way to move forward with it is private testing. I hope you find some answers about your hair and if I do I’ll post on here.

[Macey2009 in reply to Josiah150767]

Thank you. I hope you find some answers too. Do you find the weather affects it too? Worse when it's warm or if it's really humid i look like a scarecrow lol not a good look.

[Josiah150767 in reply to Macey2009]

Yes it does, and because I have had a bad flare up with lupus, to add insult to injury my hair has been shedding but it always grows back. Keep well

[Macey2009 in reply to Josiah150767]

You poor thing. I was actually being investigated for lupus too. And it was my rheumatologist that requested the 6 monthly thyroid checks. Due to very high tpo antibodies. Have you ever had them tested? Just a thought.

[Josiah150767 in reply to Macey2009]

Yes I think so. I’ve been told by rheumatologist that it is due to my lupus that I have an under active thyroid. I my go has requested an urgent referral to rheumatologist. I moved down south just as lockdown was happening and requested my gp for referral.ive had this bad flare and they have finally done something. I’m starting to feel better, so all good

[Macey2009 in reply to Josiah150767]

Ah ok. I didnt realise that you had a diagnosed thyroid condition. Seems more likely it's autoimmune thyroid disease as you have lupus too.

[Josiah150767 in reply to Macey2009]

Before I was diagnosed, my hair going dry was the first symptom and then the weight gain, so make sure they keep a check on you.

[Macey2009 in reply to Josiah150767]

Thank you. My hair being dry was also the first symptom. That started 3 years ago 😔 Strange isn't it. Since then lots of other symptoms now too.

[Macey2009 in reply to Josiah150767]

Sorry but i forgot to ask. Have you asked your gp or rheumatologist why your hair is this way? If so did they have any ideas?

[Josiah150767 in reply to Macey2009]

Hi

Spoke to my previous and new gp more times than I care to remember. I am going to mention to rheumatologist on my next app. I’m pinning my hopes on private testing, as things are not right with my thyroid and I feel I have to start taking control of my own care and of course the advice on this forum, which is really good.

[Macey2009 in reply to Josiah150767]

I don't suppose they were helpful. I am the same. I always felt a bit silly when complaining about it but it really is affecting my self esteem now 😔 I hope you find the answers through private testing.