Hello, I just started 25mcg of levothyroxine 5 days ago (new to this). My hair has been dramatically falling out for a while now but from day 2 of taking Teva levothyroxine it became twice as bad!!! I stopped taking it today as I will have no hair left at this rate, but cannot get in touch with my GP! Has anybody else had this problem? I was hoping it would help solve my hair loss not make it worse. Could it be this particular brand? Any advice is much appreciated. TIA x
Extreme hair loss!: Hello, I just started 25mcg... - Thyroid UK
Extreme hair loss!
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PinkSquirrel100
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SlowDragonAdministrator
welcome to the forum
Hairloss is common hypothyroid symptom
Please add your thyroid results and ranges that got you diagnosed as hypothyroid
Approx how old are you?
Standard starter dose of levothyroxine is 50mcg unless over 60 years old
Have you had iron and ferritin levels tested
Low iron/ferritin strongly linked to hair loss
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 once year minimum
About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies
Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s
Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.
Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.
Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)
20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis
In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)
Recommended on here that 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...
What’s your diet like
Are you vegetarian or vegan
Gluten intolerant or dairy intolerant
Thank you for all this advice, this is probably the most information I have received since being diagnosed! I will have to read through it many times to digest it all, as best I can as I am very new to this and really confused! Unfortunately I have no results or ranges as yet! About a week ago, my GP told me over the phone that I have underactive thyroid after having blood tests done for a horrible skin rash and hair loss I have been experiencing. I had iron deficient anaemia too but this has now been rectified after a few months of prescription iron tablets. She has referred me to an endocrinologist but there are no appointments currently available, so she prescribed me 25mcg levothyroxine (Teva brand) whilst I wait for an available appointment.
I really don't understand much about all these levels and ranges and different tests, I am assuming that the endocrinologist will explain them to me when I get to see one.
I have been taking Vitamin D supplements for a couple of months now, as I strongly suspect my rash is psoriasis, but 2 dermatologists who have seen me have yet to diagnose me. I am also waiting for results from ANA tests but they are taking a very long time.
I cut out gluten and dairy from my diet for 3 months, but as I saw no change I have reintroduced them, I do try to keep them reduced though. I do not drink alcohol either. I am 48 years old.
I had very bad hair breakage for a couple of years, just as the iron seemed to be making it better it suddenly started coming out heavily from the roots! Then I started taking the Levothyroxine a few days ago and it seemed to make it twice as bad! I took it for 5 days but stopped today as it is very alarming! I am wondering maybe it is the brand, as I saw negative reviews about it generally. Hoping another brand will not have this side effect 🙏
Thank you for reading this x
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
Highly likely iron/ferritin are still low
NHS frequently stops supplements too soon
You should have had full iron panel test before starting iron supplements and this iron panel is repeated every 3-4 months
Being hypothyroid frequently causes LOW stomach acid. This leads to poor nutrient absorption and low vitamin levels
Skin issues
Having one autoimmune disease makes others more likely
Autoimmune thyroid disease, also called Hashimoto’s frequently linked with psoriasis, hives or lichen planus
Psoriasis
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
This study demonstrates a clear association between psoriasis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in the form of a significantly higher prevalence of TPO Ab, Tg Ab, hypo-echogenicity, pseudo-nodularity, and increased vascularity. Hence, thyroid evaluation by anti-thyroid antibodies, particularly TPO Ab, and ultrasound should be included in the care of psoriasis patients.
hives
thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...
endocrineweb.com/conditions...
Lichen planus
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/226...
Because of the large number of cases of asymptomatic chronic auto-immune thyroiditis, it would be useful that women over 40 years of age affected by OLP were screened for thyroid dysfunction, particularly HT.
come back with new post once you get your previous test results
Standard starter dose of levothyroxine is 50mcg
Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose increase
Dose is increased slowly upwards in 25mcg steps until TSH is always below 2 . Most people when adequately treated will have TSH around 1 and Ft3 at least 50-60% through range
ALWAYS test thyroid levels early morning, around 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
pathlabs.rlbuht.nhs.uk/tft_...
Guiding Treatment with Thyroxine:
In the majority of patients 50-100 μg thyroxine can be used as the starting dose. Alterations in dose are achieved by using 25-50 μg increments and adequacy of the new dose can be confirmed by repeat measurement of TSH after 2-3 months.
The majority of patients will be clinically euthyroid with a ‘normal’ TSH and having thyroxine replacement in the range 75-150 μg/day (1.6ug/Kg on average).
The recommended approach is to titrate thyroxine therapy against the TSH concentration whilst assessing clinical well-being. The target is a serum TSH within the reference range.
……The primary target of thyroxine replacement therapy is to make the patient feel well and to achieve a serum TSH that is within the reference range. The corresponding FT4 will be within or slightly above its reference range.
The minimum period to achieve stable concentrations after a change in dose of thyroxine is two months and thyroid function tests should not normally be requested before this period has elapsed.
Thank you again for all this information, you have been so helpful.
My blood tests are with the Hospital so my GP says she has no access. I have spoken to the secretary of the dermatologist who requested them, she told me that he would send me the results in a letter, but it has been nearly a month!
I am still taking the iron tablets as I still have some left, but only taking half the dose as GP said I was no longer deficient.
Hopefully my letter will arrive soon and I will have some answers. Unfortunately everything is incredibly slow and when I finally get to talk to any doctors, it always feels incredibly rushed.
Thank you again though for everything, you have been very kind x
suggest you consider getting FULL thyroid and vitamins tested yourself
Thousands of U.K. members do so to make progress
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 once year minimum
About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies
Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s
Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.
Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.
Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)
20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis
In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)
Recommended on here that 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 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
Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning. Watch out for postal strikes, probably want to pay for guaranteed 24 hours delivery
Link about thyroid blood tests
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
Link about Hashimoto’s
thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
thyroiduk.org/wp-content/up...
Examples of Medichecks results
healthunlocked.com/search/p...
Blue horizon
healthunlocked.com/search/p...
Posts that mention hair loss
hi PinkSquirrel. I just wanted to tell you my experience with hypothyroidism and hair loss. One of my severe symptoms before being diagnosed was hair loss. Because the thyroid controls metabolism, when it isn't working properly ie not producing enough thyroxine as in hypothyroidism, the bodily processes slow down, including hair growth. This means, new hair stops growing. The result is, the old hair drops out as normal, but there is no new hair underneath to replace it. This was my case. I also lost body hair, no leg hair at all, my eyelashes broke off too. Once I started levo, it gradually came back, but you have to wait a while as is the way with hair growth cycles. After starting levo last year, it took three months before I saw a real difference in my hair, and after that it got gradually better. A year later and it's better than it ever was. I have short fine hair and it was very noticeable. It may be that the hair you noticed coming out when you started levo is some remaining 'old' hair, but the new hair will start growing now you are on levo, but it will take time. It's quite common for patients to think the levo has caused the hair loss when they first start taking it, but it's more likely the old hair coming out as normal. I hope you feel better soon, but it can take a while to get your dose right and once on levo you have to be very self aware of symptoms and levels in order to keep well. This forum is excellent for advice from people who've probably had similar experiences as you. I hope you feel better soon.
Thank you so much for your reply. Could I ask if you noticed if your hair was coming out at the roots or just breaking off? I had severe breakage for a couple of years but since taking prescription iron for deficiency a couple of months ago, it had just started to stop the breakage, but then unfortunately started coming out at the roots!!! The strands now have the bulb bit at the end, I was then diagnosed with low thyroid and was hoping that the levothyroxine would be the answer but within 2 days of taking it seemed so much worse!!! Not sure if it can do such damage so quickly or if it has anything to do with it at all?!! I found quite a few negative reviews about the Teva brand, and after 5 days I stopped taking it. Just wondering if this particular brand is to blame. My GP is calling me tomorrow although I doubt she will be able to suggest anything, I am yet to see an endocrinologist. I am glad you seem to be on top of your situation x
hi PinkSquirrel. My hair just stopped growing. I wnt to the hairdressers for my regular appointment ( just before lockdown) and remember saying ' It doesn't seem to have grown much since last time' but the problem wasn't apparent until over time it just got thinner and patchy as old hair fell as normal and there was no replacement hair. I wasn't aware of a dramatic hair fall, but over time bald patches appeared. I cried each morning trying to cover up the bald patches. It resolved with meds but be aware that your hair issue might be thyroid related, something else, or a combination of things. The GP suggested my hair loss may be due to stress but some months later had to ring me and tell me my TSH was 161 with no detectable T4!
Hi, as I notice you are 48 and female, if you are not already taking HRT if I were you I would be looking at that too - the plunge in oestrogen at this time can also cause significant hair loss. I’ve suffered similar and the 3 things I needed to sort out were: optimum dose of Levo, optimum haemoglobin and ferritin levels (esp the latter which my GP wasn’t too clued up on), and HRT. Good luck as I know how distressing it is.
Thank you for your reply. Woukd this show in a blood test? I have had many, many blood tests taken over the past few months. The only things that have shown so far is iron deficiency anaemia which has now been rectified with prescription iron, and now the underactive thyroid. I am still waiting for results from ANA and ENA tests for autoimmune. I seem to have suddenly been bombarded with horrendous skin and hair issues since having Covid! Never had any problems before that ☹ x
There is no real need for blood tests to check for perimenopause - if you are 48 and female you can assume you are in this phase! Google: “Balance Louise Newson” for great web resources on this.
Your haemoglobin may be corrected now (your iron deficiency anaemia) but if you also had Ferritin (a protein responsible for iron stores) tested it would be worth checking that it is also over 70 as below that hair growth will be impaired.
I do also think Covid has an effect on all sorts of things but maybe best to focus on what you can work on proactively .
Thank you again fir your reply. I don't doubt that I would be in perimenopause at my age, I just don't think that every woman in perimenopause is experiencing the extreme hair shedding that I am right now, which is why I believe something else is causing it. I will enquire about Ferritin levels, I am still taking iron supplements as I still have some but I have reduced the dosage, as too much iron can also cause hair loss! Its a bit of a lose-lose situation. Thank you again, you have been very helpful x
please don’t stop taking the thyroxine ...it’s just a starter dose and takes a few weeks to kick in and you’ll probably need to up the dose over the months. The fact your hair is falling out is due to having an underactive thyroid and is an ongoing and worsening condition which will take a while to improve ...only with the addition of thyroxine. The timing is a coincidence !!
Thank you for this advice. My GP should be calling me tomorrow although I suspect she will also say it is a coincidence. I am losing so much hair all of a sudden and it is heartbreaking. I am now counting how many hairs I am losing on average a day, pretty sad I know! But at least I can compare to when I will be back on the medicine. I have read negative things about Teva (including hair loss as a side effect!) and it just freaked me out and I stopped taking it after 5 days. Thank you for your concern and reassuring words, I hope you are managing your condition well ❤ xxx
I hope your doctor has good advice. I take it your hair was falling out before taking the Thyroxine? The longer you don’t replace the thyroxine ....which is absolutely necessary to every single cell in your body.....to life ...the longer it takes to recover. It takes about a week to get into your system. Think of it like slow release fertiliser! It a bit of a long slow process but you’ll get there in the end.
My hair was coming out horribly (and embarrassing as clothes had to be picked over before going out) because doc had wrongly told me to reduce T4 dose . I’ve increased it and hair is fine now!
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