I have had thinning and lost front hairline now with hypothyroidism for the past at least 7 years It has got to the stage where a good hair cut would help my confidence if nothing else I'm a 67 year old lady who needs to find a hairdresser perhaps trained in this aspect Do any hairdressers deal with this I live in Worcestershire
Many thanks
Is your thyroid adequately treated
How much levothyroxine are you currently taking
Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription
ALWAYS test thyroid levels as early as possible in morning before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
When were vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 levels last tested
Please add most recent results and ranges
Low ferritin levels frequently linked to hairloss
What vitamin supplements are you currently taking
Thanks for a of your advice Unfortunately all I get from my GP is a once a year review I'm on Levothyroxine 50mg one a dayNo one here takes thyroid seriously it's like take your tab it's a progressing disease My hair has been receding for years and thinning more now I'm going to sho around for the hairdresser with the magic touch
You sound under medicated. If your GP won’t help, can you see a different GP? What were your last thyroid results?
So you need to get FULL thyroid and vitamin testing done, either via GP or organise testing yourself
50mcg is only a STARTER dose
What are your most recent results
You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results
UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.
Link re access
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet
Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.
Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet
Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription
Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested.
Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least annually
Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)
Low vitamin levels common as we get older too
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
List of private testing options
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins
medichecks.com/products/adv...
Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test
bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...
If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3
£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via
If TPO or TG thyroid antibodies are high this is usually due to Hashimoto’s (commonly known in UK as autoimmune thyroid disease). Ord’s is autoimmune without goitre.
About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto’s. Low vitamin levels are particularly common with Hashimoto’s. Gluten intolerance is often a hidden issue too
Link about thyroid blood tests
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
Link about Hashimoto’s
thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...
List of hypothyroid symptoms
Come back with new post once you get thyroid and vitamin results
Levothyroxine doesn’t “top up” your failing thyroid, it replaces your thyroid completely
So almost everyone on levothyroxine will eventually need dose increase in levothyroxine up to full replacement dose
guidelines on replacement dose levothyroxine by weight
Even if we frequently don’t start on full replacement dose, most people need to increase levothyroxine dose slowly upwards in 25mcg steps (retesting 6-8 weeks after each increase) until eventually on, or near full replacement dose
NICE guidelines on full replacement dose
nice.org.uk/guidance/ng145/...
1.3.6
Consider starting levothyroxine at a dosage of 1.6 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day (rounded to the nearest 25 micrograms) for adults under 65 with primary hypothyroidism and no history of cardiovascular disease.
Also here
cks.nice.org.uk/topics/hypo...
gp-update.co.uk/Latest-Upda...
Traditionally we have tended to start patients on a low dose of levothyroxine and titrate it up over a period of months. RCT evidence suggests that for the majority of patients this is not necessary and may waste resources.
For patients aged >60y or with ischaemic heart disease, start levothyroxine at 25–50μg daily and titrate up every 3 to 6 weeks as tolerated.
For ALL other patients start at full replacement dose. For most this will equate to 1.6 μg/kg/day (approximately 100μg for a 60kg woman and 125μg for a 75kg man).
If you are starting treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism, this article advises starting at a dose close to the full treatment dose on the basis that it is difficult to assess symptom response unless a therapeutic dose has been trialled.
BMJ also clear on dose required
Many GP’s seem unaware of these guidelines
Hi, I have the same problem but nobody would know as I love my staggered fringe. I live in Scotland but think any half decent hairdresser would be able to advise a suitable style. They usually like a challenge and want their customers leaving happy.......unlike some doctors !
Thankyou I really love your positivity it uplifts me I shall go into a shop and just ask outright Make me as happy as this lady in Scotland Your a treasure many thanks once again🧡
I agree with Asiatic. I am 71 and my hair is getting thinner and thinner. Luckily I already had a fringe (think Mary Quant style) - it definitely hides the fact that the hairline is receding. I also wash my hair every day so that I can dry it “upside down” to give it a bit of volume.
Thankyou so much I think the positivity and upliftment I have from your reply is half the battle I'm now determined to take the train and find this hairdresser Once again many thanks for your time and advice
Hi, yes agree with others. Explain to your hairdresser the problem and that you have thyroid issues. They will be able to help you make the most of your hair. The lockdowns didn't help anyone as they couldn't visit a hairdresser for so long. Combined with thyroid problems double the issue. I had my hair cut radically in September because I was sick of the 'wispy look' I was developing. It looks much thicker for the cut thankfully and doesn't need washing quite so often to look halfway reasonable. I use a bit of mousse after every wash now worked through, don't bother to blow dry it, just a gentle comb through and let it do its thing naturally. It looks thicker without too much effort I find and has restored my confidence a lot.
Interesting reply, would you be kind enough to tell me which mousse you use? I have tried some but they always make me look "tacky" Thanks
I've been using the Charles Worthington Volume and Bounce range. Is for people with fine hair. All good products and the mousse used in moderation doesn't weigh my hair down.
Thanks for info. - will check good to have someone who has used the product. I have quite a lot of hair but fine and flyway!
Thicker Fuller Hair is good I've been a fan for years but I can now only get it in the US You only need a little I find most mousses to weigh my hair down and makes it look greasy
Hi I use a serum called Thicker Fuller Hair It is really easy on the hair not sticky or tacky Problem now is that like a things the price Whereas it was around £6 a bottle the only place I can now get it is on Amazon from the US at £17 but it does suite meThankyou for your positivity which I totally appreciate I really intend to wear my new hair style with pride
🧡
thanks so much I find that knowing others have had this and have positively dealt with it makes me feel a lot better and more determined to find the hairdresserAgain I'm so grateful for your advice and time
A good haircut helps, my hair has thinned out a lot these past few years. I have a good hairdresser who cuts it well. Which gives me more confidence, worth the cost.
Yes you are right Paying for a good cut is the solution and that's what I intend to do You just get in a rut with the same old style so taking the plunge and not to be embarrassed by the condition after all it is their profession I will think of all these lovely people who have answered my request I owe it to brave people everywhere to go and get a good hair cut Thanks so much you are all appreciated
Any decent hairdresser should be able to help. I have had a few over the years. I never felt it necessary to divulge any health matters to them. My current hairdresser sussed it as her father has thyroid problems. It definitely helps to see someone regularly. I go weekly but that’s done to a different health thing.
Thankyou I'm really so glad that positivity in your advice makes me feel uplifted I just have to now find this hairdresserAgain thanks a lot 🧡
Need help with my hair,thyroid has taken off my hair.
hair thinning worsening - T4/T3
I need a good wig uk supplier as I am losing my hair. Can anyone advice please. 
I have recently lost 23 pounds and wondering if I need to reduce my levothryroxine?
