Sudden hair loss - thyroidectomy 38 years ago

[Queenie22]

I have suddenly started losing my hair, I have a bald patch on the top of my head which I am quite alarmed about. The Gp is arranging some blood tests but thinks it could be due to my thyroid. I had a thyroidectomy 38 years ago, been on levothyroxine 100mcg for years and have been fine. So I am shocked that this hair loss has suddenly happened. In February my T4 was at the upper end of normal and my TSH below the normal range at 0.05mU/L. Has anyone experienced something similar and did your hair grow back?

[PurpleNails Administrator]

GPs aren’t usually happy when TSH is low even if FT4 is in range,  they are often under the impression is means you are over medicated.  Although the TSH is a poor indicator of thyroid function. 

Have you always had low TSH? Was your thyroid overactive before thyroidectomy?

 Have you ever had FT3 tested? If you are well the body should convert what is it required to FT3. This is the active thyroid hormones but NHS labs rarely test it, so many arrange private tests to monitor.  

When nutrients are optimal it helps levo works well, have folate, ferritin, B12 and vitamin D been tested? 

[Queenie22 in reply to PurpleNails]

I originally had an over active thyroid, Graves’ disease and yes the TSH has always been low, as far as I know. No I don’t think FT3 has been requested and nor have folate ferritin B12 or vitamin D. Having read various posts last night I’m begiyto realise they ought to be.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

suggest you get FULL thyroid and vitamin testing done ….

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

What vitamin supplements do you take

all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am 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 and money off codes

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

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins 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...

monitormyhealth.org.uk/

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via

vitamindtest.org.uk

.you can ask GP to test vitamins…they might agree

Hairloss is frequently linked to low iron/ferritin

Request full iron panel test including ferritin

B12 and folate and vitamin D

Come back with new post once you get thyroid and vitamin results

[waveylines]

And there we go another of our lovely admin team straight in to support.......sorry on a mission to acknolwedege the lovely support our admin team give on this site.....who give their time and knowledge freely.

[humanbean]

You might find this link of interest :

discover.hubpages.com/healt...

[Queenie22 in reply to humanbean]

Thank you I did find that interesting. Think I need my iron levels checking. I’ve been a pescatarian for nearly 40 years so I always thought I are a healthy diet.

[Goatcheesesalad]

I agree, Here ,here

[Batty1]

should check your Iron levels

[Me2U]

Hi just to say I am currently experiencing quite bad hair loss too; its almost disappeared from the sides & seems to be receding frm the front hairline. I have been hypothyroid for some 15 yrs yet this has gradually come on around the last four years. My hairdresser felt it was some other condition unfortunately she couldn't remember its name (but wasn't alopecia)

[shaws Administrator]

I also have a condition called Alopecia Areata and have had to purchase a wig as I have no hair at all.

[shaws Administrator]

You could have a new 'diagnosis' i.e. alopecia areata. I hope not - so consult with your GP.