[Ellen_B]

#1063962

Is your hair loss—alopecia universalis (total hair loss) or alopecia areata (patchy hair loss)?
It sounds like you are talking about hair thinning. Generally, hyperthyroidism results in thinning of each hair as well as accelerated hair growth and loss which may make the actual hair loss appear worse than it is.
Alopecia areata (bald patches) is thought to be due to autoimmunity—it is not caused by thyroid dysfunction but rather associated with thyroid disease. In this case treating the thyroid may have helped the hair problem but unlikely to have major benefits. If the condition worsens or persists a dermatologist should be consulted to determine the precise cause of hair loss and appropriate treatment.
I have heard of a clearer explanation of hair loss with hypothyroidism. In this case the mechanism to explain hair loss is an increase in the proportion of resting (or telogen) hairs, which are more likely to be lost with brushing or washing. Hypothyroidism frequently results in increase resting or telogen hairs. The treatment with levothyroxine usually results in improvement over 6 to 12 months.
One doctor (Dr. Douglas Ross) says that hair loss may be related to high, low or sudden changes in thyroid hormone levels. If that is the case I would like to think that getting the thyroid hormone levels where they belong and then stabilized would lead to less hair loss. Ask your doctor perhaps he has the answer.
My wish especially for you is to have your hair stop falling out.
Ellen Brightly
Administrative Assistant
Graves’ Disease Foundation
400 International Drive
Williamsville NY 14221
Toll-free — (877) 643-3123
Email: Gravesdiseasefd@gmail.com
Website: http://www.NGDF.org

[Ewenme]

#1063963

My hair loss is general–not patchy. I notice it when I comb/brush my hair, especially after shampooing. Also have lots of stray hairs falling out in general. I had no problem with hair loss until a month ago after having been on Methimazole for 4 months, and my labs indicated I was then in hyothyroid territory. My GP mentioned something about telogen hair–I couldn’t remember the term but when you mentioned it, it ‘clicked.’ Those are the ones I think he said would fall out 4 months post diagnosis.
I am trying to get some blood drawn here, by having my endo fax an order to an urgent care center. Hopefully I will get some answers then. Thanks for the helpful reply. Will update when I can.

[Ewenme]

#1018314

Yep–that’s me feeling sorry for myself. I’m a long way from home (and my endo). I was heading for hypo territory after 4 mos on methimazole. I was told to stop taking it altogether a month ago and given a return appt in November. I have been out of state to help with my grandkids for the last 3 weeks -(still here and not going back til next week). Perhaps I should not have committed to that, but was feeling ok at the time. Was doing fine until the last few days notced my pulse rate was rising so am popping methimazole again. I am feeling more irritable and snapped at the hostess of the restaurant we ate at this morning (she deserved it, but…). Called my endo and am waiting for him to call back and advise me what to do til returning next week.
My hair started falling out about a month ago and hasn’t stopped. Supposedly it will subside and I need not worry. I have always had a lot of hair, so I could spare some, but I don’t know how long this can go on. Should I start shopping for wigs? My GP told me that I shouldn’t expect to be regulated after only 5 months and that hair loss is common about 4 months after the initial diagnosis. Others have told me it’s the unstable hormone levels.
Right now I am wondering if life will ever be normal again. Don’t know if anyone can relate, but just wanted to whine a little, I guess. Prayers appreciated.

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