Hair Loss with Hypothyroidism / Levothyroxine

[RedApple]

One of the distressing symptoms that gets asked about here on the forum, is about hair loss. Often, the member has been recently started on levothyroxine, noticed a marked increase in hair loss and is convinced that this is a 'side effect'of the medication.

I came across this article, which I feel explains this issue well.

Does Levothyroxine Cause Hair Loss?

Off-kilter hormones can easily disrupt the delicate hair growth cycle. This disruption is especially true for thyroid hormones, which are responsible for regulating the cellular growth and metabolism of every cell in your body. Hair loss is a common side effect of hypothyroidism, but it is a treatable problem. However, many people wonder if levothyroxine, the most commonly prescribed treatment option for hypothyroidism also causes hair loss. Ahead, a look at if levothyroxine causes hair loss.

Understanding the hair growth cycle

There are three primary phases of the hair growth cycle: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Every strand on your head follows its own growth cycle, which means that you will not lose all your hair at one time when they switch to the shedding phase. 

You can read the rest of the article here:

palomahealth.com/learn/levo...

[radd]

RA,

I had forgotten about the Paloma health website. Lots of useful articles.

I've just read about the changes coming about for NDT. Has this been posted about yet?

[RedApple Administrator in reply to radd]

Not that I’ve noticed radd so feel free to do so if you like 😊

[radd in reply to RedApple]

Done.

Interesting article on hair btw 😊

[Rapunzel]

Great article RedApple

Just to say that as many of we thyroidies also suffer androgenic hair loss around menopause, don't get your hopes too high, chicklets., until the root cause of your hair loss is established.

My own hair ( I freaking paid££££ for it...) is gorgeous {tosses mane}

Rapunzel's tresses...kinda

[asidist]

Recently came across this (old) article that I thought was really helpful too

academic.oup.com/jcem/artic...

[Titaniumfox]

I was losing a lot of hair until I began taking Vit B2. Then the loss lessened and stopped. However I didn't get re-growth in the thin patches, which was what I was hoping. But at least I'd reached some sort of stability. Then I got Covid and the loss began again, and at the moment (6 months on) is still going. I fear I will be headed towards Rapunzel's solution above!

[JasmineJasmine]

Does anyone know good places to buy a wig?? I might look into it, while I wait for my hair to grow back!

[TwigwithaWig in reply to JasmineJasmine]

Hi, i too am looking to buy a wig. I have looked into a place in Berkshire. I've not been there yet, but one more shampoo and I'll be on the phone crying to my friend to take me😢. It's called Beesley Wigs Ltd, Sandhurst, Berkshire GU47 8EE

I've only looked at website so far. Read reviews. It's also not too far from me. Wishing you all the best xx

[TwigwithaWig in reply to JasmineJasmine]

Hi, i bought a wig from Beesley Wigs in Berkshire. I tried qiute a few on. Appointment was 1 1/2 hours free, no obligation to buy. I had the VAT removed on medical. I was happy to walk out with hair but very consious of it. Had it for 6 days now and wouldn't be able to go out without one as too much hair loss. You just don't know when it'll stop falling out and if it stops, will it fall out again. Hope find one you're happy with, good luck x

[Rapunzel]

Try simply wigs. They show the inside of the wig which is sooo important for whether or not you're likely to get on with it and they allow returns which is rare.