[rapunzel]

#1018034

Looks like my thyroid has burnt out and I’ve gone hypothyroid. I’ll be seeing a new endo on Tuesday — the one I had ten years ago when my Graves’ first occurred is long since retired. I’m told I’ll most likely be put on medication.

Jake, it’s so great to see you here, still leading the tribe. Blessings to you!

I have to admit that my biggest concern is the hair loss that’s said to accompany the first few months of medication. How bad does it get? Will it grow back? Does it all grow back, and, if so, how quickly?

I know, I know…I’m vain. But I inherited female hair loss from BOTH my mother and father’s side of the family, so I’ve already got thinning.

Sigh. The indignities…but then again, the miracles!!

Thanks for being here!
Rapunzel

[Bobbi]

#1062327

Hi, Rapunzel:

There were times in my Graves journey when I was losing hair in clumps, like my collies. It would have been completely distressing, if I hadn’t had this board to help me understand what was going on. Anyway, once my thyroid levels were regulated, the hair loss issue essentially went away, and I am back to having my normal amount. But I do understand how awful it feels to see it thinning.

[Suz01]

#1062328

I’m 10 1/2 weeks post rai and still hyperthyroid. I was at the endo yesterday and he said he thinks it will work but if not surgery will be an option. I have a couple questions. What is the best way to choose a surgeon that is experienced in thyroid surgery? Also, my hair is falling out too and I was wondering if anyone has tried women’s rogaine and did it help with the hair loss?

Have a nice day!

[Bobbi]

#1062329

Your hair is probably falling out due to wonky thyroid levels – and it will continue until you get to normal levels. When we are hyperthyroid, our hair is rather brittle, and tends to break off if roughly handled. As we go hypothyroid — especially when we go rapidly hypo after RAI or surgery — the hair comes out in clumps. We are not going bald. Hair is considered a "non-essential" by the body. Hair and nails are the first parts of the body to lose nutrients when we are ill, and the last to get them back once we regain health. No matter what the cause. So the best thing to do is wrap patience around you, like a cloak, and keep the thought that "this too shall pass."

[rapunzel]

#1062330

Suz01: My hair loss began long before my Graves because women on both my mother’s and father’s side of the family experience it. Lucky me, I got the gene, too. I’ve tried Rogaine for that kind of hair loss, and it seemed to slow down the hair loss, but not increase hair growth.
There’s my experience, which doesn’t include med school. It’s certainly worth asking your medical professionals about — research and pharmaceuticals are changing all the time, and I’ll bet they know more than I do!

[Kimberly]

#1062331

Hello – On the surgery issue, we discussed at our conference last year that you should look for a surgeon who does more than 50 surgeries per year. Also ask about the doctor’s complication rate: 1-2% is average, with the most common complications being voice issues and calcium deficiency. It’s also good if the surgeon has specific experience with Graves’ patients. If you are hypER and not responding to meds prior to surgery, there are steps that they can take to reduce the risk of thyroid storm. Hope this helps!

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