[DianneW]

#1073933

Let’s start with hair loss: No, you won’t go bald. Many people have varying degrees of temporary hair loss that occurs mainly during periods of severe hyperthyroidism or perhaps rapid changes in thyroid levels. It might occur when a person becomes hypothyroid and starts taking replacement hormone, or when the dose is changed. That’s when it always happened for me. The form it took was just lots of hair coming out in the brush and in the shower/bathtub drain, so that it seemed like I would surely go bald, but I never did. Then later I would see short hairs growing in all at once as the hair was replaced. It was much like what happened after I gave birth. I think this is fairly typical. You may or may not experience any hair loss.

It’s a good idea to be treated by an endocrinologist, and if possible by one who specializes in thyroid disorders. Many endos treat mostly diabetes, so aren’t really up on the latest in thyroidology. If possible, find an endocrinologist who belongs to the American Thyroid Association or the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology. You can Google those and find their members on their websites.

A thyroidectomy is simply one of the three treatment options for hyperthyroidism. Not everyone chooses to do that. Taking the antithyroid drugs first can be a good choice because it allows you to learn more about all your options and make any choice that might be permanent when you’re feeling better and not under so much pressure and your mind is working right. Antithyroid drugs are also the only choice that give you a chance (20-30%) to have a long-term or lifetime remission from hyperthyroidism and keep your thyroid gland. With radioactive iodine and surgery you will almost always be on thyroid replacement hormone for the rest of your life. It’s possible that if you have a remission on antithyroid drugs you will become hypothyroid in the future as well, since antibodies can continue to damage the thyroid over time.

I suggest you read lots of posts and then if you have more questions, any of the facilitators or other posters would be happy to answer.

Best wishes,

[scoutgirl78]

#1019767

Ok, I am reading about thyroidectomy?? When do you know you should do that? Do I have to have an endocrinologist? My hair is going to fall out, too?? I am thinking skip drugs, go for the surgery and get it over with now….How much hair is going to fall out? Are we talking bald lady or thinning? When does that happen? If I can find all those answers in the archives, that’s fine, but I want the answers now….Thanks, everyone!

[Author]

Posts