Is this Normal

[neen1962]

can anyone please help, I am taking levothyroxine 75mg, for just over 12 months and just recently have noticed my hair falling out again, I am tired all the time but most off all I have put on half a stone since xmas, should i go back to my Dr's or is it just all part of the thyroid problems.

[cecile54]

Hello! Before my thyroid was taken out last December and that I was overactive, I lost of my hair for years. I am still actually. It is well known to be one of the side effect of thyroid problems, but yes I would ask the doctor about it and maybe prescribe some supplements...

Hope it helps.x

[shaws Administrator]

If you can post a copy of your most recent thyroid gland blood test results and post here, someone will comment. You may need a slight increase in meds.

[neen1962 in reply to shaws]

Thankyou, but how do I find my results, originally my thyroid was overactive and was discharged from the hospital last may, not had any blood tests since

[shaws Administrator]

I don't understand. If you were overactive originally and discharged from hospital in May last year. Who diagnosed you as underactive? Who prescribes for you? You say you have been taking levo for 12 months which would be March 2012.

[neen1962 in reply to shaws]

sorry was'nt making myself clear,It was the hospital that diagnosed me with an overactive thyroid and I had the radioiodine capsule and my thyroid went to slightly overactive for quite a while, eventually it was borderline so the hospital put me on the thyroxine and after going back in may it was still borderline so they decided to discharge me,and put me on the thyroxine as they said the doctors could deal with underactive thyroid problems

[neen1962 in reply to neen1962]

Hospital originally prescribed my thyroxine, when i ran out the Drs put me on repeat prescription and I have a review date of 25th may 2013

[shaws Administrator]

When patients are first put on levothyroxine, the usual way is that you are given a dose and it is gradually increased until you feel better. A blood test is taken at least every six weeks till you reach a proper dose for you and would usually have a thyroid gland blood test about 1 year later. If you are having any problems at all during this period, you have to see your GP again.

Many GP's just took at your TSH level and pronounce you are fine, when in actual fact they should ask you how you are feeling and if unwell, raise your dose.

Make an appointment now for a thyroid gland blood test and say you are not feeling well. Also ask for a Vit B12, Vit D, iron, folate and ferritin levels at the same time.

GP's appear not to know what the function of the thyroid gland is and that's why we have many on our Forum as they obviously don't recover their health by the method recommended by the BTA.

When you have had your blood test results (especially as your thyroid gland has been knocked out completely) get a copy of your results complete with the ranges and post on a new question and put the ranges too (figures in brackets) so that we can give a better answer.

[neen1962 in reply to shaws]

Thankyou, After posting my question and your comments I have now spoken to my Dr and am now booked in for a blood test on thurs, and will have to make an app to see them once the results come back. thankyou once again

[shaws Administrator in reply to neen1962]

Neen,

I found it amazing that I had to find out for myself how to get better. Thanks to Thyroiduk. I am sure you will do the same.

[Marz]

....low Ferritin can be one of the many causes of hair loss - particularly in women. Good luck with the Tests.

[neen1962 in reply to Marz]

Thankyou