I have had hair loss for the past year to two years and it seems to be getting worse. My hair is thinning especially on top.
First of all, I'll say that I had a total thyroidectomy in July 2002 and have been on levothyroxine since then. I was on 88 mcg. for a long time but a few years ago, my TSH, etc. was up to 10 and my meds were increased to 100 mcg. I had a hard time with side affects with the increase such as anxiety, heart palpitations, the shakes, etc. I had to have bloodwork every month for a long time. My ENDO increased it to 112 mcg. & the side effects got worse so I have been on 100 mcg. and my bloodwork (TSH) was about 3.6 about a month ago.
I also just recently had an ANA test and tested positive. The doctor I don't have lupus but didn't say anything about any further testing. This has been on my mind since she mentioned lupus. ANA results were 1.80 ANA & 1:80 Low Titer.
Two years ago, I also was put on blood pressure pills amlodipine besylate, generic form of Norvasc. Recently I read that some blood pressure pills cause hair loss. I also know that thyroid drugs cause hair loss.
Can anyone tell me what they think about these two drugs concerning hair loss? I have a doctor's appointment this week in hopes they will send me to a dermatologist.
Hair loss from hypothyroid meds should only occur if your dose is too high and you are hyperthyroid, which doesn't seem to be the case for you. Hair loss is a common sign of lupus.
It's not the thyroid meds causing the hairloss, but levels being off. Hairloss can occur in both hypo and hyperT and moving levels. hair is one of those things very sensitive for moving levels (dosage adjustment). You might want to ask for a hard copy of you labs. if you have the result please feel free to post them including the reference rangs.
As you might know, in order to feel well, it's important to dose based on free levels being FT4 and FT3. most need those at least midrange or higher (60-80%) to be symptomfree.
I have had hair loss for the past year to two years and it seems to be getting worse. My hair is thinning especially on top.
First of all, I'll say that I had a total thyroidectomy in July 2002 and have been on levothyroxine since then. I was on 88 mcg. for a long time but a few years ago, my TSH, etc. was up to 10 and my meds were increased to 100 mcg. I had a hard time with side affects with the increase such as anxiety, heart palpitations, the shakes, etc. I had to have bloodwork every month for a long time. My ENDO increased it to 112 mcg. & the side effects got worse so I have been on 100 mcg. and my bloodwork (TSH) was about 3.6 about a month ago.
I also just recently had an ANA test and tested positive. The doctor I don't have lupus but didn't say anything about any further testing. This has been on my mind since she mentioned lupus. ANA results were 1.80 ANA & 1:80 Low Titer.
Two years ago, I also was put on blood pressure pills amlodipine besylate, generic form of Norvasc. Recently I read that some blood pressure pills cause hair loss. I also know that thyroid drugs cause hair loss.
Can anyone tell me what they think about these two drugs concerning hair loss? I have a doctor's appointment this week in hopes they will send me to a dermatologist.
Hello,
According to the new lab values by the ASE American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, your TSH is still hypothyroid (above 3.0 is the new standard). That is clearly why you are still losing hair, not the levothyroxine. In fact, you are not getting enough med. You have heart palpitations have arisen because your system is not getting a full replacement dose after total thyroidectomy, when the TSH should be fully suppressed (i.e. you should be being medicated to around "0". You should definitely see another endocrinologist, who will slowly increase to a full replacement dose, perhaps younger who is aware of the newer standards. See Mary Shomon's thyroid patient support website to find an article regarding "the new standard TSH lab values." You won't need hair loss drugs once you are properly medicated.
