First let me say, you are in my thoughts and prayers and I am so sorry you are feeling so sad about your recent shed. I really do understand and I know how much sorrow hair loss causes. I just wanted to share my experience regarding synthroid and tell you that you might consider synthroid as the cause of your hair loss. I have been experiencing hair loss now for about 5 years; it has been one of the hardest things that I have ever had to deal with. My hair loss started immediately after I began yasmin (yes, I know it’s supposed to be low androgenetic but for some reason it caused my hormones to go crazy). Immediately after taking it, I started loosing my hair, my back became overrun with cystic acne and I started growing excess hair on my back. Up to then, I had never experience any kind of acne or imbalance in my system. I got off the pill, but my hair loss never stopped, my scalp started burning and my hair steadily thinned. Of course I went to the Dermatologist who suggested Rogaine, my doctor said I could start spiro (I wasn’t there yet), I read Geoffrey Redmonds book “The Hormonally Vulnerable Women“. At the time, I was trying to get pregnant, but I decided I would try to go back on the pill when the time came. Fast forward a few years later, after stopping breastfeeding, my hair shed started up again. I decided to go on Yaz this time and I have to say, a week later my hair loss stopped and had been stable for 6 months.
During the years that my hair had started to thin, I promised myself when I saved up the money I would go see an Endocrinologist who might be able to give me insight on my hair loss. I made an appointment with a respected Endo in Dallas and I was excited that he might be able to at least tell me why I was loosing my hair, although I suspect AA since my hairs are not coming back. He ran $2,000 worth of bloodwork and found nothing significant. My thyroid was a slightly elevated at 2.8 and I was a little anemic – my androgens were fine, probably because of the Yaz I was taking. He gave me a prescription for synthroid and spiro. Several days after I started taking synthroid my hair started falling out, several months later, it started heavily coming out and I was right back where I was four years earlier, panicked and very depressed. I went back three months after starting the synthroid and he ran $500 worth of more test to make sure he didn’t have me on too high a dose of synthroid ( I was only taking 50mg). My thyroid came back 1.7, everything seemed to be great. I told him I really appreciated his help and for him listening to me, but I was not going to take the synthroid anymore. It has been two months more and my hair is still coming out, but not as bad. As for the Spiro, 50 mg gave me scary heart palpitations (my endo probably thinks I am crazy!). I know that 200 is the minimum suggested dose for dealing with AA – I think I would have a heart attack at that amount. He also gave me Zoloft to help me deal with my obsession and depression over my hair – that is the only thing that has helped me.
I just wanted to share with you that you might consider getting off Synthroid and trying something else. I hear many people have good luck with Armour. Synthroid can cause you to loose your hair, it even says it on their side effect listing. Most doctors will absolutely refute this and assert it is the disease not the medication, but I just don’t agree. As for me, I am not sure I was ever hypo enough to need medication. I am currently thinking about getting a front lace wig. I am doing research on them, they seem like they are practically undetectable. I think psychologically it’s just hard to take that step of wearing wigs because there is kind of no going back. But, I am 37, I am in good shape and I am not unattractive, but having no hair and being able to see my scalp thru my baby fine hair ages me in a way that makes me feel old on the inside too.
I hope you come out of your depression a little. I am sorry you are having such a hard time. I understand.
Blessings,
Leah
***********************************
Dear Leah,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write, and I also want to thank ALL of the women who responded so quickly to my last my last post about my hair loss and sadness. It is so touching to see all the women who take the time to write and share their words of encouragement and support. It has helped me sooo much!
Leah, I’m so right there with you about the Synthroid. I’ve long since suspected that an increase in my dosage during 2006 and 2007 caused my hair to shed so massively like never before. I wrote a post about that back in October and also last Sept 11th. Reducing my dosage from 112mcg to 88 mcg showed almost what seemed like almost immediate improvement. I have concerns about switching my thyroid medication to something completely different for fear that a shed would follow that too. Most doctors think that is preposterous to think that the synthroid is the cause of hair loss, but like you said it is listed as a side effect. I think sometimes it is a sensitivity to a certain dosage that pushes us over the edge. I’ve had hair loss since 1999 which started when I got off the pill Loestrin FE, I didn’t get on Synthroid until 2003. The dosage prescribed was 88mcg and it didn’t seem to help or hurt my hair loss at the time, but once it got raised in 2006 to 100mcg and then again in 2007 to 112mcg the shedding never ended. I can’t even begin to describe it, my hair was melting off my head in unbelievably alarming amounts for 2 years straight. I finally found a doctor who confirmed my suspicions that it could be a sensitivity to the dosage itself so that is why I’m back on 88mcg. I don’t want to make and sudden moves simply due to the most recent shed, but rather just wait and see. I think often women make decisions to change medications, or get off or on them way to quickly without waiting to see if things would improve on there own. I’m guilty of this myself.
Was your doctor by any chance Dr. David Whiting? Do you recall all the blood work that was done by the endocrinologist you visited? I know often times women ask which tests they should ask their own doctor for and I’d like to compile a complete list. The result of your blood work findings is so typical for women. Everything seems to always fall within “normal range” that bugs the heck out of me. What is normal? I never had any tests before my hair loss so I don’t know where “my normal” really is.
I think lace front wigs are a really great option for women with hair loss and a lot of them look completely undetectable… the good quality ones anyways. I am considering them for myself and am trying to warm up to the idea. I had quite a funny experience ordering some wigs off of ebay, I definitely don’t recommend going that route. I know it will probably be an adjustment to get used to wearing a wig, but I think about how liberating it would be to not be constantly trying to hide my thinning hair which is quite frankly not able to really be hidden any longer.
Thanks so much again for writing and sharing your story, your support means so much. I am feeling better since my last post and my spirits are definitely more uplifted. I won’t be joining a parade anytime, soon but at least things are looking up 🙂
I don’t know if you have visited the Women’s Hair Loss Project Network yet, but it is a really great way to interact with other women from the site who are also experiencing hair loss. You can set up a profile here: http://community.womenshairlossproject.com/
All The Best,
~Y
{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }
I was wondering if you’ve read anything about Natural Progesterone Cream, and how it can possibly help with hair loss? I just finished reading the book “What your doctor may not tell you about premenopause” and “Natural Hormone Balance for women.” Both of these books purport that an imbalance of hormones (namely too littler Progesterone) can cause all sorts of female problems, including hair loss.
I haven’t been able to try the Natural Progesterone Cream, because it doesn’t work if you are on the pill, and I’m afraid to go off Yasmin to try it. The books are soooo convincing that this is the answer to all of our problems, but I’m too afraid to go off the pill again.
Dear Jeni and Leah and all the other precious women out there may you be blessed with God’s peace and healing. What you are going through is so difficult and frightening. My heart and prayers goes out to you. Last Sept. my hair began to rapidly fall out to where I just had a few hairs left within a month. It was so devastating. I started wearing, hats and finally bought a beautiful wig – it was terrifying to go to the ‘wig store’ and buy one. But I just began to try on all sorts of different ones and even started having fun and putting on crazy wigs. I selected a beautiful one and called my daughter to come and see if I should buy it. She came and said ‘Yes,Mom you need to get this one.” and I asked her ‘Why?’ and she replied ‘Because you can’t stop smiling.’
I than went thru the process of trying to figure out what was wrong with me. It is very costly but I wanted answers. In May ’07 I had started taking a synthetic hormone. I was also under tremendous stress from my marriage. I went to the Dermatologist and he said I most likely had AA and maybe try Rogaine and have a blood test done to check my Iron levels. I talked with a friend and she recommended going the route of Natural Compounding. So through a Compounding Pharmacy I did a 12 Panel blood and saliva test. Found out that my Cortisol was extremely high (that is a stress hormone), my thyroid was very, very low, progesterone, estrogen and testerone were below low. Basically I was having what I would call a chemical crash. I wasn’t sleeping, I was freezing, my whole body ached, my skin was dry and broken out with rashes, emotionally a wreck and I was exhausted.
The Pharmacy created a prescription that was specifically made for me. I am hypothyroid,I had Adrenal Fatigue, and they are leveling out my hormones. I started the medication in October. I feel fantastic, my hair has grown back fuller and more beautiful than ever and my relationship with my husband is doing very well. He was so loving to me through the whole process. I think it really scared him. I daily take natural compounding, including Adreset (for my adrenals), Progesterone, T-23 Triiodo-L Thyronne SR (for the thyroid), BIEST/TEST/DHEA Cream. I will say it is expensive but I am so grateful for my health returning to me. Most insurance companies don’t cover it. But it is worth getting the 12 Panel Test because it measures your hormone levels through out the whole day. Unlike going to the Dr. and they take some blood – it is not an accurate reading because our hormones change through ought the day.
I also eat lot’s of fruit and veges (Juice Plus), take Biotin, Fish oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin D. I eat lot’s of spinach and Wheat Germ for the Iron.
In all this to say is to check out all your options and don’t settle for the first answer you get. I pray that you will have wisdom, peace, healing and have the answers that you are searching for. In one sense I am grateful for the hair loss because I was really on my way of having a heart attack or worse. It was a huge wake up call for me to take care of myself and to pace myself.
Patti, that is wonderful that you have been able to grow your hair back. And, thank you so much for your thoughts. I think that what is going on with me is female pattern baldness( I was adopted so it very well could have a direct genetic connection but I will never know, I don’t think it is going to come back. I think the pill triggered an imbalance in my hormones, which also the Androgenetic Alopecia, and I think Synthroid triggered another major shed years later. But, that is a really good suggestion that I have not yet thought of…. there is a compounding center not far from me. I get my prescriptions filled there – they are super friendly and the pharmecist is a women which gives me hope she might some understanding of what I am dealing with. I will talk to her and ask for suggestions. One last thought however, now that I have accepted the fact that it is probably time to get a wig…. I am kind of excited. Maybe I will love wearing a wig? I have always wanted nice hair! All the energy I put into worrying about my hair, the depression and sadness, while in the meantime withdrawling from my precious children, my loving husband, it’s time to move on and get over it. I am hoping that having hair, even if it’s fake, will help me reclaim my life a little. Blessings, Leah
Leah, You have a great attitude. I feel the same way, perhaps I will love finally having a full head of hair, even if not my own. We have to remember to deal with the hand we’re dealt. If you can’t do anything about the situation, make the best of it. You gotta go through it whether you have a good attitude or a negative one.
leah,
i went through hell too with hair loss from taking synthroid. luckily i work in the beauty arena and started to sell wigs to all the women i know on the forums going through the same thing. i started wearing a wig too. my nice hair is no more and after 3 years of the imbalance the doctors caused for me, I doubt the hair is coming back. in the meantime, i found what you wrote inspirational. if you ever need a wig at a discounted rate – please e me. thanks for writing the blog. g-d bless you and everyone else suffering from this. me too. hopefully we will prevail.
Hi, I’m new to this site and I’ve been experiencing “thinning hair” for about 18 years now. Didn’t believe it in the beginning but in my 30’s it started to become very noticeable. I had alot of stress in my marriage and at work; I was anemic and was having very heavy cycles while on the pill (Ortho-Novum 7/7/7). My gyno tried to lower my bc and put me on Yaz but it didn’t help, so I stopped all bc. My hair loss got worse. I looked at a number of options, started using Rogaine, and even had progesterone injections to my scalp. I am now 42 and I notice some days my hair loss is worse and it is harder to hide my “little secret”. At the beginning of the year, I bought a Laser Comb. But, this weekend, I fell into such a depression over it. I simply want to hide from the world and pretend I don’t exist. I have always tried to be proactive but I don’t know what to do somedays! I went out today and bought some Progesterone Cream…and I’m going to try putting it on my scalp tonight. I figure…why not?
Sorry, this is long, but I’ve not talked to anyone about this for 20 years…I’m glad you’re here. And, thanks for listening.
I have been suffering from hypothyroid since I was 15 and at the age of 28 started loosing my hair. I am considering surgery since I am only 31 and it is getting very noticeable when I do not have my hair pieces in. And to answer the question of is it the Synthroid… yes it is. I have a very good endo and pretty much told me what keeps you healthy is also creating the situation.
hi,
i recently began taking yasmin in may and by june 2nd i had a bald patch on the top of my head,i say my gp who said i had alopcia and i had a terrible rash all over my body he said yasmin had nothing to with it all…i was inconsolable.i had trouble sleeping,leg cramps and also felt depressed,my hair loss is now so excessive im shedding everywhere and its falling out in handfuls.ive seen two more gps and they still insist yasmin doesn’t cause hairloss and they don’t seem to want to address the problem of hairloss.i then ended up at A&E as my leg had turned blue,my lips swelled and i felt on the verge of collapse….the doctor at the hopsital suggested that the pill had caused all of my problems including the hairloss!and what a relief to hear this was exactly what i had been trying to tell my gp.my hair is still shedding but now its so bad i can’t look in the mirror and i dread washing it and combing it…i don’t want to go out in case i meet friends and i don’t want to get upset infront of my two girls and my husband who has been great.im 35 and i have always had way too much hair but now i constantly wear a head scarf as i can’t look at my hair anymore.hair is falling out but nothing much seems to be growing,i don’t know how long it takes for hormones to settle down as ive now been off yasmin for two weeks.ive also lost hair from other areas such as due to me having polyscstic overy syndrome i had a line of dark hair on my stomach of which some has vanished and also some of the fine hair i had on the sides of my face has gone.while i was taking yasmin my scalp had an unbearable itching,burning sensation and now i have been left with photosensitive skin which my gp has said is another side effect of the contraceptive pill and the upsetting thing is i didn’t want to take the pill but it was prescribed for the pos.can anyone shed any light on this or offer any information.
best wishes Bev
I am a 22 year old female and I have always have thin/fine hair although it wasn’t until I started birth control in November that I started noticing a significant amount of hair loss. At first I didn’t think that the birth control was the cause, but I really can’t pin-point any other reason why I would be losing so much hair. I am extremely healthy otherwise, I take hair/nail vitamins and everything else seems to be in good order. I tried switching birth controls but the hair loss has continued so I’ve decided to give up birth control completely. I’m hoping that by doing this my hormones will become balanced again and my hair will start to grow back and fill in again. I’ve heard very good things about both Nioxin as well as Phyto hair products/vitamins that are both specifically made to help slow the hair loss product. I’m curious to know if anyone has had any experience with these products? I’m thankful that I’m able to address the problem early before it gets worse, but I still feel very helpless when it comes to the hair loss….
I am shocked. I am only 22.
I was on Yasmin for about 6 months. I switched from Tri Cyclen to hopefully stop the weight gain that I rec’d from taking it for years. Well me and my boyfriend broke up and it wasnt until 2 months after I stopped taking it that my scalp started burning and itching un controlably. It was greasy immeadiately after I got out of the shower and then the worst thing, my hair started falling out in clumps. Up until this point I had healthy long hair.
I dont know what to do.
please help…if birth control causes this when will it stop? What can I take to make it better?
HI Leah. I so related to your words. I had been on synthroid for 25 years and my hair just got thinner and thinner. I started with hairpieces and for the last 15 years I’ve been wearing wigs. I recently swiched to West-throid, (like Armour) 9 months ago. My hair is still non existent. I have read that some thyroid desease attacks the hair follicles. It is very painful to think about. Get the best human hair wigs that you can find. I suggest a mesh top…very light. There are many hairdressers who can thin it out and style it for you. My wigs look fabulous, must better than my hair ever was! Bless you….
Finally, people I can relate to!
I am 44 years old. I have been hypothyroid and taking Synthroid for a very long time.
My hair was always thick, even on Synthroid.
I actually used to complain that I had too much.
About 2 years ago, I had my blood levels checked. The ENDO suggested boosting my dose of Synthroid from .100 to .112. A couple of months later, it was increased to .125.
Somewhere in the middle of that, my GYNE suggested Yaz as a last resort to clear up my acne, and help me with peri-menopausal symptoms.
I did so, and within weeks, my skin cleared up beautifully. I even lost 8 pounds.
Then my hair started to shed.
So much so, I’d have to sweep out the tub, the sink, the floor every morning after showering. The drains needed to be cleaned out every few weeks. I was devastated.
I did not know what to blame. The Endo said it was the Yaz, the GYN. said it was the Synthroid, stating she was on Yaz, and her hair was never healthier. They both said give it time, it would stop.
I did give it time.
It did not stop.
Yaz was the first thing I decided to quit. The GYN warned me that the shed would worsen for a while, and it did.
It has been over a year since I have been off Yaz.
Although not nearly as bad of a shed, I still in fact, shed. My receding hairline keeps receding and it seems I see more scalp every day. Oh yeah, my acne is back.
When most women at my age are fighting wrinkles, I am fighting wrinkles and acne.
Now they want to increase my Synthroid even more saying that my not enough can be the cause of the hair loss.
What I am ready to do is go back down to the dosage I was on before this even started.
I decided that my birth control was definitely the cause of my hair loss which is why I finally got off of it. I have an appointment with a dermatologist tomorrow to see if anything else can be done. Fortunately my thyroid is in good condition so that cant be the reason for my hair loss…I’m determined to get it under control. Medication ie birth control can definitely be the cause of losing hair, however, from what I have read, it is possible for the hair to grow back once you stop using it. I mean if you consider that cancer patients re-grow their hair after chemo therapy, it makes sense to me that you would be able to re-grow your hair after losing it from birth control. Unless I’m just a wishful thinker….
Jackie – how absolutely maddening and incredibly frustrating! I am no doctor, but It sounds like Yaz caused you to shed along with an increase in your synthroid dosage. And, if you suspect this – no you are not crazy! Both events (upping your dose and starting any BC despite the androgen) can cause you to loose your hair. Anything that relates to your hormones can cause hair loss in those that are predisposed to having sensitivity to DHT. I don’t know whether you should go off YAZ. In my experience, Yasmin did cause my hair loss – but then years later Yaz (lower estrogen than Yasmin) helped to stabilize my hair, until I got on Synthroid that is… I am in the same boat as you because I recently decided to discontinue my Yaz. My hair is falling out so bad, I don’t think it can get any worse so I am not really worried about shedding after stopping the pill. I don’t like being on the pill, so I figured “hey, if it’s not helping me… why be on it? I am so sorry! Hang in there.
Lindsay – I think many women who are suffering from Telogen Effluvium, or who are suffering hair loss from a temporary hormone imbalance (like after giving birth) you can grow your hair back. But, for others who suffer from Androgenetic Alopecia – it’s not going to come back. Once your sensitive follicles come into contact with DHT on your head, it poisons your hair follicles and kills them forever. It’s basically Male Pattern Baldness, only in a female. I think there are things to prolong your hair loss, but eventually, if it’s in your DNA – your hair won’t bounce back. I know I sound so negative, I don’t mean to… it’s just that sometimes I think it’s better to accept fate and bravely move on with the best possible attitude.
Lulu, where did you find your wig? I am looking into a front lace one, but they seem so expensive. I have no idea which company is reputable and I don’t feel comfortable just spending $1,000 on the internet when I am not sure about the product I will be receiving. Should I just look in the yellow pages for a wig shop in Dallas and ask them about front lace wigs? Do the front lace ones look good? I just don’t know where to start, I guess I am scared.
Kristin, that is exactly what happened to me! I am glad to hear you talk about the burning and itching and greasy hair (along with horrible cystic acne on my back and hair growing in places it shouldn’t have) – because I haven’t heard much about others experiencing this when their hair loss started. As soon as I quit Yasmin, I looked like I had prepetual wet hair it was so greasy – it was so weird because I had never had greasy hair. I remember thinking what in the world is happening to me. I always know when I am going to have a shed because my scalp starts to burn so bad, I don’t want to even brush it. I read somewhere that this is due to the testosterone on your scalp and your body attacking your hair follicles – which does make me wonder if there is not some sort of autoimmune component to hair loss. Do not delay in getting treatment – the sooner your address this, the better chance you have of correcting it. Find a good doctor, dermotologist or endocrinologist, that will listen to you. Ask them about another pill to correct the damage the other pill, ask them about Spironolactone, a common androgen blocker prescribed for female hair loss. My hair loss never stopped and five years later I am looking into getting a wig. I am really sorry you are having to deal with this. Some days when I see myself in the mirror, I am still shocked and it all seems surreal – I still cannot believe the pill caused me to have to wear a wig. I can’t believe this is something I am dealing with, and will continue to have to live with. Again, find treatment immediatly – chances are this will not go away on it’s own and longer you wait, the more your hair follicles will become destroyed. I highly recommend reading “The Hormonally Vulnerable Women” by Geoffrey Redmond. It will explain this mess way better than I can.
Leah, thank you for the advice. I think I am fortunate in the sense that my hair loss is most likely temporary because of a hormonal imbalance…at least I am hoping that is the case. I am just sad that anyone has to experience something like this but it makes me feel a little better to know that I am not alone. Thank you all for the responses!
Hi,
I’m 29 and am losing my hair. When I’m in the shower & rinsing my hair I end up with a wad of hair in my hands. After drying & fixing my hair, I look down on the floor & there is a ton of hair on the floor. Although I’m losing my hair, from what I can tell my hair is still very thick, no bald spots, & looks very healthy. I take several different medications for a rare immune disorder. I am on 10 mg of Prednizone daily (in the past was on 60 mg daily & have been on this medication since December 1999). I also take Wellbutrin for stress, & my birth control is Nor-Q-D. I was on Ortho-Tricylene but it made me break out with a rash, so my doctor recommended Nor-Q-D. As far as the Prednizone, I don’t know that I will ever be able to start taking it. Any advice?
Hi!
My name is Maria and i have been loosing hair for more than 10 years, tried different treatments, never worked out.
did you ever consider the possibility of a hair transplant?
Didn´t read anything about it and i am seriously considering it.
Would like to know more about it, specially concerning women because this surgery is more common with men.
Thanks for your help.
hi, I have been on synthroid for many years and my hair has always been very thick. I also experience seasonal shedding, always have. But recently the clumps of hair in the shower and the burning itchy scalp are making me crazy! For the first time ever I can see my scalp. My blood test recently showed that my dosage for the synthroid was too high. My dr. said that will cause hair loss and that the lower dose will help…but when? After eading all the blogs the two most common factors seems to be Yaz and Synthroid. I just stopped taking Yaz three months ago..I hate taking bc. I know started taking biotin and fish oil at night I was told it will help. we’ll see.. I hope someone else sees the link between yaz,synthroid and hairloss. Kathy
Hello ladies, I havent been on here for a while, but thankfully I think my hair is finally starting to grow back. My hair is reeeeally thin (when I put it in a pony tails its about the thickness of a a paintbrush), but now I have tons of tiny hairs growing in, I’m losing probably 1/3 the amount I was losing before and I can see much less of my scalp now. I know treatments vary from one person to the next, but I would like to share what I’ve been doing because something is working! Every day I take a hair, nail and skin supplement along with an Iron supplement, vitamin c and evening primrose oil. Additionally I take a liquid form of Omega-3 as well as a shot of Noni juice. I use a scalp treatment from Phyto (not sure how much this has helped) and I use progesterone cream to help balance my hormones since this can have a dramatic effect on hair. I had been to several doctors and my last one mentioned how Iron can play a huge part in hair loss and she suggested the iron supplement along with the vitamin c because helps with iron absorption. To some people this all might be a bit too much, but I feel so much healthier and my hair is finally getting better so I hope this is helpful to some 🙂
I too am suffering from hair loss.. Doctor prescribed synthroid a year ago when my TSH was 6.. Never was over weight, heart racing out of this world and now losing weight and now my hair.. Doctor thinks everything is fine because the TSH is coming back within normal range but i beg to differ. Has anyone had this sort of problem.. Usually with Hypothryoidism you are over weight I am 104lbs and losing.. but it is REALLY depressing because now of the hair loss… Is there vitamins you can take?
Hi Kimberly –
I think you need to see another doctor if yours isn’t *listening* to you. I don’t think all individuals who are hypothyroid are necessarily overweight. My mom is hypothyroid and is 100lbs and that was her before even being prescribed any medication, she just has a fast metabolism.
If your heart is racing and you are losing weight, it seems like you may be over medicated and the dosage of synthroid you are on is way to high for your body. I’m not a doctor, this is just my opinion, but I do think you need to SEE a doctor about this ASAP.
There is a test you can order online that tests for all kinds of stuff. I haven’t used it and can’t speak towards it’s reliability but it was recommended to me by well know doctor. Here is the link to read more about that:
https://www.womenshairlossproject.com/hair-loss/test-your-hormones-canary-club/
I take 88mcg of Synthroid and have had my own battles with it. I think for some people the synthroid helps the hair loss and for others it is a contributing factor to their problem. In making that statement of opinion I’m going to probably get negative responses to my email from people that disagree, but this is what I believe and my suspicions have been confirmed by several doctors I spoke with.
You can find more about my own Synthroid saga on these threads:
https://www.womenshairlossproject.com/hair-loss/synthroid-hair-loss-low-thyroid/
https://www.womenshairlossproject.com/hair-loss/hair-loss-shedding-slowed-down/
Sometimes it may seem like I’m always saying “I’m sooo sorry” to women for their struggles. But I really am. I KNOW how depressing this is, just know you are not alone.
Best,
Y
Kimberly said:I too am suffering from hair loss.. Doctor prescribed synthroid a year ago when my TSH was 6.. Never was over weight, heart racing out of this world and now losing weight and now my hair.. Doctor thinks everything is fine because the TSH is coming back within normal range but i beg to differ. Has anyone had this sort of problem.. Usually with Hypothryoidism you are over weight I am 104lbs and losing.. but it is REALLY depressing because now of the hair loss… Is there vitamins you can take?
End
I had this problem. I was diagnosed with HYPOthyroidism (Hashimoto’s). My TSH was 6.429 and I was 125 and went down to 112. No doctor ever told me that sometimes you go HYPER before going HYPO and then the thyroid dies out. I had many symptoms of HYPERthyroid and it drove me mad, especially because the doctor’s didn’t tell me this could happen.
________________________________
I didn’t start losing my hair until after taking thyroid meds and it didn’t matter which one I tried. Adverse reaction to thyroid meds is the effect the thyroid hormone has in general in your body which can cause hair loss. Some people will never have it, unfortunately, this happened to me in addition to hormonal problems causing a shed for nine long years.
I went mad/crazy telling my doctor’s I was losing my hair but all I heard was “you have a lot of hair on your head.” (So what, does that mean I should be dismissed? I read all these stories and know we aren’t making this stuff up. It’s just a damn shame we get treated the way we do – and thankfully we have sites to share our struggles. It’s a long road accepting hair loss. I wish your journey gets easier as the days go by.
Prini
Hi Everyone,
It really helped to know i am not the only one experiencing hair loss. I went on the Nuva ring my junior year in college and started experiencing hair loss after i went off and on it again. I saw a holistic M.D. who prescribed iron and other supplements… for a while my hair grew back and i experienced less hair loss. About 6 months later my hair loss returned and i went to see Geoffery Redmond in Ny. He put me on spiro and yaz as a result of the increased shedding… i felt confident this would help, for 3 months i noticed my hair loss slowing down and then again i am shedding more then ever…. i made the decision to get off yaz and all drugs to try to correct the problem… i am praying like the rest of you that it my body corrects itself… i am going to go see an acupuncturist today, because i was told they are good at resolving hormonal issues…. i will let you know if it helps, thanks for everyones support…
Brittany
I am battling the hair loss also. After having longer hair my whole life, I just had to have it cut to a bob. I wish I could o off the Synthroid, but because I had thyroid cancer and had to have it removed, I have to take it.
Before my diagnosis, for 15 years, I was EXACTLY where you are. In hindsight, I can tell you that you probably have polycystic ovaries and possibly hashimoto”s disease of the thyroid. I am not a doctor. But I have been there and done lots of research. I did not receive proper treatment for either, so I ended up having to have a total hysterectomy at 35 and thyroid cancer. I am not sure of the new advances with polycystic ovaries, but I believe that bringing your insulin levels down is very important. It is a complicated cycle. I suggest you talk to your doctor about both of these.
Does the natural thyroid (Armour something) also cause hair loss? I have taken Synthroid for years and my hair loss just began about 6 weeks ago. Jane
I’m new to this site. Have been searching for info on pubic hair loss and so many stories here sound familiar. I’m 54, had a hysterectomy (left ovaries), use hormone patches, & synthroid for hypothroid. My pubic hair loss started a number of years ago with a quarter-sized bald patch. Now is mostly gone. Have asked my GP, a dermatologist & an endocrinologist about it & all seemed mystified. Endocrinologist suggested maybe it was from ‘friction’—which outraged me. Have any of you who have this problem found any solution? Thanks so much.
I’m really glad I found this site. I just went and bought a wig on Saturday. A sad, surreal, hateful day. I’m 46, single and cannot get over the fact that i’m wearing a wig. I’ve been hypothyroid for over 10 years and on synthroid. 4 months ago I changed to armour. Only difference I noticed was some of the mental “fog” cleared up. The hair loss hasn’t changed. I have the hair of my grandmother. I am having my hormones checked and will see what comes of that. Just had to vent. First day at work with a wig and I can’t wait to get home to take it off.
Hello my friends
My name is Eliete and I am 28 years old. My story it is not different from yours. I started to lose my hair 4 years ago, I always had really thick hair. I did not pay to much attention to it. However last year I was losing to much hair. So I decided to go to a dermatologist, his name is Dr. Daly in Garden City, NY. As I am from NJ I decided to do blood work first so we could have something to start with. I did a complete CBC that of course it came back normal. So Dr. Daly put me on Lysine, Rogaine 5% and he requested me to do more blood work test and to do it on the third day of my period. It was in September 2008 my period did not come. That is when I discover that I was 2 months pregnant with my second child. I was really happy…Long story short my baby is 3 months now and I am losing a lot of hair again! I can see some spots on my scalp I am devastated. My hair is all over the house, but the sad part is when I wash it. I lose so much hair that my husband gets upset with me when the shower drain clogs every other day. When I was pregnant I did not lose any hair. My hair got thicker. I don’t think me and my husband can afford to keep me pregnant so I don’t lose any more hair. I just want to cry. I am feeling crushed, emotionally, and spiritually. I am scared and lost. Thank You for listening to my story. I am happy to hear every one elses stories. Please keep writing your stories.
hi I’m 16 and I’m so terrified of my hairloss. I’ve been on yaz since I was 13 for cramps and I have noticed hair thinning over time but recently it seems like all of my hair is falling out at once. Sometimes my scalp is sensitive and itchy, I don’t know what to do. I’m severely depressed about my hairloss and contemplate suicide sometimes. I’ve been to doctors and had blood tests done but nothing has helped. I’m so scared.
Hi Kate –
I know how hard this can be. I’ve been dealing with extreme shedding for the last 4 months. I was severely anemic (with a ferritin of <5) and also went off YAZ at the end of September. Even though this is extremely devestasting, we can’t let this hair loss nightmare take over our lives (I know it’s easier said than done). You’re very young, so if you were to get off the pill…you might have a better chance of letting your hormones stabalize on their own. It’s been a little over 2 months since you posted here, I’m hoping things have improved and you’re no longer experiencing hair loss.
My fingers are crossed for everyone that is going through this.
Pilar
I am 43 and have not been on any birth control for the last 15 years. My hairdresser noted that my hair was different and asked me if I had been through surgery recently or if I was Hypothyroid. I had my doctor run a blood test because I was also tired a lot. Turned out that I was a “5”, so she put me on synthroid. A few months later, a retest showed that my level was a “1” and she was pleased. So was I because I was not feeling fatigued all day anymore. She said that it would take longer for the hair loss to end. It has been 10 months and I am seeing more hair loss instead of less. I have been adjusting to a new marriage and a non-meat eater. I just read that lysine found in meat, fish and eggs can help. I am going to start eating meat again, and taking a supplement with iron, and I just bought evening primrose oil. And I am heading back to the doctor to find out what my levels are now!!
Why isn’t anyone listening to Patti H of 6/24/08? Noone has commented on her journey….I have been on her journey, along with all of you in many ways. The answer is a compounding pharmacist (24 hr. saliva/blood & sometimes urine testing) available in my city through my alternative health MD and/or natural hormone and homeopathic centers. The Adreset, Adrenocor, accupuncture (make sure they are certified and highly qualified…why I chose an alternative health MD who performed it), natural hormones, amino acids and supplementation of what my body actually lacked (I, too had coritsol levels through the roof and almost non functioning adrenals from stress and unbalanced hormones)…took 5-6 months to feel completely alive again. Hair loss gradually stopped from 3 months on and now I have a full head of hair as if I was 25 again….I too, have struggled with ovarian disease, complete surgical hysterectomy from endometriosis at 32…put on estrogen patch and gradually lost my hair, energy, and life. Please be patient with the homeopathic/alternative health MD’s/compounding pharmacy routine…it DOES WORK and the payoff is HUGE…answer to prayers….Also, I struggled with gyns, endocrinologists, etc. for decades and all my blood work was “normal”… in the end, the money you spend with regular docs far exceeds the homeopathic route…I beg all of you to try it as one last chance. It has helped my mother as well with the synthroid issues and hair loss … her blood work from reg. docs were “normal” as well….God bless…and good luck….
Hi everyone. I was searching online to find out if Synthroid-induced hair loss can be reversed. I was put on .25 Symthroid back in March 2010 to help with menstrual irregularities that seemed to come out of nowhere. The Synthroid helped the menstrual irregularity, more or less…but since my TSH levels were only lowered a bit with meds (from 3.70 to 2.69), my doc decided to increase my level first to .50 and a month later to .75. Long story short, a month after my increased dosage of Synthroid to .75, my hair started to shed by the handful. I’ve always had a lot of hair, but this shedding was scary. I went back to my doctor and mentioned my hair loss concerns but her response was that I would “adjust”. Two months later, I’ve lost so much hair, my long, thick hair is like a rat’s tail and I have bald patches around my hairline and throughout my hair, and my hair part is increasing in width. I weaned myself off the Synthroid 2 weeks ago and now am not taking anything. The shedding has slowed down…I think. Or is it just that I don’t have as much hair to fall out? I never had hair loss issues before). I’m currently left with less than 50% of my original head of hair. I want to know if my hair will grow back…is this reversible? I have been crying myself to sleep every night for the past 2 weeks about this…and I’m beyond freaked out. Please help.
Hello everyone! I have been reading your stories and see my own in everyone of yours.
I had thyroid cancer after being on diaglysis for 14 months. After 17 years, no dr. can rescribe the right Sinthyroid dosse for me. I either had energy, but mgained weight and hair loss, or felt good about my looks and had hiar loss. I have been on every dose from 50-150 without succdss. Now, to add more fire to the pot, i am brittle diabetic with a transplanted kidney (immunosuppressant drugs). One type of insulin “messes” with my thryroid meds, but it wouldnt tell which way. just had to “figure it out with time.” Well, just like every one of you: WE DON’T HAVE TIME: we either gain a ton of weight, or lose all our hair. Why are people so insensitive? No one was doing anything: was seeing 2 endo’s. so I took the bul by the horn and just dropped my Sin fronm 136 to l00 ( a dose where I had “mninimal” sid affects). Doc’s hit the roof, saying it would only raise my TSH to drop the dose.And it was all ready 1.8, way to lhigh for a cancer survivor. Well, and even to my surprise, my TSH went DDOWN to .9 in 3 wks. They wouldnt give me a test, but my primary did.They said there wouldnt ae a change for 6 wks MINIMUM..something about a plateu. Well, proved them wrong!! But was also a shock for myself. I did think TSH would jump to over 2. In another 3 wks, it cam down to .08, which is where I used to run on l00,cg. Something is dropping it! But hair is stillfalling out but now brushfulls every time I comb it..I put newspaper down on the floor, as I have carpet in the bathroom and can’t stand to see it, feel, it on my feet. Me, too, feel lik,e dying when waashing my hair: it is all over in the shower. I have hair down to my waist and now must git atleaast up to my sholders cut just to look “decent”. I never wear it down anymore, it is so thin. But what do we do? I know lowering it to 75 willmake me gain a ton on weight…this insulin is so different from the pig insulin I used bfore tansplant…it shouldnt interfere with another organ’s hormones, but I am here to prove it does. And yes, all I got from so called docs was f”we’ve never heard of that being a side affect” when you know darn well it’s all about kick backs while they playwith our lives. The only thing I can think of that is making l99 work like it is stronger is that Iuse a fluoride mouthwash and flouride is suppose to interact with thyroid. For me, evertything is pposite. The transplant meds make my hair dry, straw=y and dull and fall out. So, there is no way to win in my situation. Prednisone, by the way, is notorious for severe hair loss. I got off that stuff 4 yrs ago. But with 2/3 of my thtyroid cut out along with 3/4 of my parathyroid, I am stuck on some sort of thyroid med. Going up or down from l00 makes my hair fall out. I turly feel for eveyone of you who are going thru this same problem….
Ms Peace 07.17.11 at 5:43 pm
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I lost all my body hair for the last year. I have been to over 11 doctors and have learned so much that I am at the point now of just trusting God for direction and the right doctor. Thank you for sharing all your stories. I will be praying for every person on this list of hairloss! I am not giving up. I found this hormone balance natural pill called MACAFEM and I am already feeling better. It helps balance hormones and is not contraindicative with other drugs. Check out the website Macafem.com I’ve also had 11 ;panels of bloodwork done and it shows up normal. I’ve had a heart monitor put on me from the heartpalpitations i used to have and results came back normal. I am 45 years old and been under much stress. But I am finally taking it easy. Exercising evry day and eating a very balanced diet w/out junk food and high fatty food. I know its good to get checked by an endocrinologist and dermatologist. But the most important thing is to Trust God and direct us. I want to add I had hands layed on by a pastor and I felt electricity run through my hands and the anxiety and major heart palpitations ceased and I haven’t had those symptoms since! Thank God! Don’t give up your situation will get better. I have been wearing the most beautful short haired wigs and no one could notice they thought it was my own hair. So after a while I got used to it. I think the less we worry about it the better our body will react. We are putting less stress on ourselves physically and emotionally. Peace to all of you! God Loves YOU he has the best on his mind for you. Just think all the people we are helping by giving our own testimonies. There are so many people going through this more than we can imagine. Thank you for sharing your story. It has helped me very much. I think its important to be sad, be mad, and then move on because dwelling on it all the time can bring you down…Everything we go thru in life happens for a reason. We have to love ourselves inside out. And learn from all of these experiences including hair loss! Anything is possible with those who believe! Believe in your restoration of health Isaiah 53! GOD BLESS YOU!
PattiH.
Thanks for your positive story! I just am wondering who you got to read your 12 panel test – do you have a particularly good doctor you recommend who helped you with all that? I have the same exact issues you described. I have been on levoxyl now for about 2 years, and my hair loss is just getting worse and worse – i want to get off it as i’m not sure if i ever needed it in the first place, and am on a pretty low dose of 25 mcg, but am afraid of getting off it now – could make things worse, thats always the risk with any change i suppose…
but i do suspect it could be pill related, or else pcos…
i’m just so frustrated and feel at my wit’s end with all this – no one seems to notice, but i feel so alone!
also, does anyone have experience with weaning off their thyroid meds and having hair success thereafter???
It was a lil encouraging to reads other’s stories cuz I thought I was crazy. I am have been on diff levels of Synthroid since 2008, but now they have me at 112. Probably for the past year I have been losing tons of hair & like the others can now see my scalp. I have been to several different doctors and done blood work and they have no solution for me. I felt that it was probably my Meds cuz that’s the only Meds I take, but of course the doctors say that is not it. They said I would be losing my eye lashes and eye brows too if it was due to the Meds, but recently I have noticed my long think lashes are getting thin too. I am 40 and I am struggling with this hair loss cuz it’s not socially acceptable for women to have hair loss like it is for men.
Me too taking levothyroxine and bold I do not want to meet people even my eyelashes..cry and cry … It helped a lot to read I thought I was alone
I think that it is time to law suit doctors. This is a malpractice case. There seem to be a lot of ignorant, intellectually disabled and greedy doctors around here.
I am losing my hair and have only taken 18 levothyroxine pills. I went in to the doctor because I was feeling so bad and he ran tests and the only thing that came back was a low thyroid – still in range tho – just low. Two days ago I started getting a lump in my throat and I feel like I can’t swallow. My thin hair is starting to get thinner…I don’t even want to wash it, because more might fall out. My scalp is starting to have a burning/itching sensation to it. So, my question is, since I’ve only taken 18 pills (yes, I believe I can already be feeling the effects)..would it be safe to stop taking it? My level was still in range, just a little low. I wish he had never put me on these pills and I wish I had researched them further, before I started taking them. I just hate the thought of losing my hair. My daughter is getting married in 47 days and I just hope I have hair left. I did call him today and he had me go take another blood test, so we’ll see what that is, but I think I’m going to not take them anymore and take some of the vitamins listed above. I’m glad I found this site!!!
I have lost almost half my hair’s thickness, my hair line is moving back rapidly, and I am getting a distinct balding spot at the crown of my head. I have been on 150mcg Synthroid since the beginning of August. I cannot go off it as I no longer have a thyroid due to ablation as treatment for Grave’s disease. I had no hair loss during my hypo period or the long hyper period that proceeded it. I am losing hope that I will ever have nice hair again. It used to be my best feature. My drain is always clogged, my chairs are covered in hair, I’m afraid of my hair brush. I miss my hair. My questions have been asked several time above, but I haven’t seen any answers yet so I’m going to take my chance with only limited hope.
1) What are the chances my hair loss will stabilize?
2) What are the chances it will regrow?
3) Does Amour cause hair loss too?
4) Has anyone seen improvement in falling hair after switching to Amour from Sythroid?
5) What other options do I have?
I’m overwhelmed after reading what sound like my same symptoms.
I’ve also been struggling to find answers and support. I can only describe myself and share and hope there are some answers. I just turned 62 and have tried Armor Thyroid to treat my hypothyroidism for the last year. I’m also losing my hair. I’ve been to the GP and had my bloodwork done and was told I’m in the normal range, and referred to a dermatologist. I hadn’t considered hormones until reading the letters on this site. I lost most of my pubic hair in my 50’s. I will have to continue my story. I’m feeling depressed and not wanting to give up but it’s very difficult. You have to fight your way through the doctors. In general there isn’t much sympathy. It’s a.solo flight.
M.
A week after taking synthroid I began losing my hair in clumps. Prior to this I never had any hairloss issues despite being hypothyroid for likely a number of years. In fact, I had more hair than I knew what to do with.
After losing hair at an alarming rate, I called my doctor who assured me it couldn’t be the synthroid. I switched to tirosent just in case which is supposed to have less fillers but my hair loss has only grown worse. It has been 5 months since I started my hypothyroid medication and now my hair loss is noticeable on my temples and on my hairline/widows peak. I can see my scalp now and because it is right at my hairline, there is no way to hide the thinning areas. But, my endocronologist just keeps saying that I am “in range”.
I am on minoxidil (rogaine) which I apply twice a day, vivoscal (contains biotin), anaphase shampoo, and neopeptide hair spray (all from the dermatologist). I am also taking a multi-vitam, vitamin D, green tea extract, prim rose oil, and fish oil.
I have made an appointment for a second opinion from an endocronologist but that’s an entire month away. I also reduced my 37 mg of tirosent down to 25 mg which is the original dosage I was on. I’m thinking about reducing it down to 12 mg. I’m also thinking about taking saw palmetto because I read that synthroid can increase your 5-alpha reductase which turns testosterone into DHT. But, I’m worried about the side effects. I have tried to consult with my current endocronologist but she hasn’t even bothered to return my phone calls. I’ve also stayed away from gluten since I read that can agitate hashimotos disease which I was told I likely have.
When I went to the dermatologist, my 17-OH progesterone levels were really high. I have no idea what this means and my dermatologist PA basically diagnosed me with congenital hydroplasia. This makes no sense. I am not masculine in the least and I do not have a deep voice. While I think my facial hair has increased in the last few years, I would hardly call it excessive hair growth.
I cry constantly about the hair loss which is causing severe depression. I am 30 years old. I should not have a receding hair line.
Rebecca,I am so very sorry for what your going through!
Its just awful!!!
I am 47 and started noticing thinning hair in my bang area. Widows peak and temples. It all started three years ago when I went to a specialist whom specializes in Hormones, Allergies and infectious disease.The Dr. drew tons of blood . Took me off the Levothyroxine I had been on for about 1 year. She then put me on 30 mg of Armor thyroid ,Biodentacle Progesterone cream and .05 mg of adavan. .I would see the Dr every 6 months or so and I told her it seems like im thinning in my bang area. Because I have an excess amount of healthy hair she had stated it must be because I am growing my hair out. I didn’t agree since I am organic hair stylist and I get regular hair cuts and take very good care of my hair. I did cut it short anyways.You never know. Still slowly I continue to notice its getting thinner and thinner in this area! I can know see the white of my scalp!!!I’m tempted to wean off the thyroid med ?It has to be one of those three things because it did not start until I was put on Armour,adivan and progesterone.
Laura,
having similar issues, things got worse for me on bio progesterone and when they finally put me on NDT I thinned horribly for 3 months, I have the extreme breakage where it looks like bangs and thinning peak and temples no one can tell me why the breakage is doing what it is (breaking then falling) but I how something is hormonally off now I just turned 47 as well and my nightmare started 18 months ago
Although Synthroid and all these other synthetic thyroid replacements are supposedly the exact molecular structure, there is something horribly insidious about the compound that affects a large portion of users. Not all users can transform synthetic T4 into active T3 effectively and if this is you, within a week or so, you will feel doom and gloom because the synthroid interferes with existing production of T4, you stop producing T3 from your natural source and at the same time cannot convert the synthetic source into T3 so you are T3 deficient (worse than before you started synthetic T4). So when you feel depression, this is the problem. Even endocrinologists do not understand the problem. Without enough T3, you will become depressed. Do not take an anti-depressant but go to a natural source of thyroid treatment. Has anyone had their thyroid inflamed when starting synthetic T4…yes this chemical can cause thyroiditis and damage what you have left of your thyroid. To get on the subject of hair…that is a big issue and its complex. Some people are lucky and have no negative hair loss effects but for those who do, regardless of whether you take natural thyroid or not, you will have hair loss now. It is what to do about it. Have your Dihydrotestosterone checked…it will be high. Most of us are TH2 dominant so before you start anything new, research to make sure it does not boost TH2 side of the immune system. You will find out that you are allergic to everything under the sun…get an IgG Food Intolerance Test done at a reputable lab. Make sure you eat all the 200+ foods they will be testing a week prior to the test to give the body a chance to develop antibodies should you be sensitive. Absolutely remove all gluten from the diet and go on a paleo & low histamine diet. You cannot cheat with gluten as the reactions can last for months, cheat a few times a year and you are back where you started! Gluten and Hashi are directly related. When you get your IgG test back, eliminate all foods you are sensitive to. This is critical to recovery. Using Minoxidil and other hair treatments will help you grow hair faster and thicker but it won’t prevent your hair fallout if you are having a hair loss flare. It is worth it as if you combine that with taking biotin, your hair loss will recover quicker. Look into 23andme dna testing (23andme.com, order the kit and do the saliva test yourself) combined with geneticgenie.com to find out your methylation pathway defects. If you are a poor methylator like most of us, SAM-e and Cordycepts sinensis will help with energy, feeling well and detox. If you are an over methylator, you will feel worse on SAM-e. If are having severe hair loss, see a chelation clinic to test for bacteria, virus, fungus and heavy metals. Eliminating the toxic load will stop your downward spiral and help you recover. Supplement suggestions are B, C, D3, E, Magnesium Malate, Medicinal Mushrooms, SAM-e. “Why do I still have thyroid symtoms” is an excellent book and research on your own – methylation, leaky gut, histamine intolerance.
If you read the hormonally sensitive woman you will find that progesterone as a whole is very bad for inducing or causing hairloss. The one type that is okay that is often included in the bcp is disprosonone and that seems to be hair friendly. Estrogen helps hair and estrogen dominance just isn’t true. I have suffered with hairloss and have had a lot of regrowth with spironolactone and a friendly bcp. I don’t use rogaine as I have seb derm and rogaine would be awful for it. I have been great for years and then suddenly rosacea is back and loosing the tiny hairs. Blood work says an elevated TSH but I am not rushing into treating it as the hair loss from the meds in hormonally vulnerable women is just really scary. I still have adequate t3 and t4 and if that changes I will have to take the meds, but I am going to do home work first and run everything through my endo in New York Dr. Redmond. If you find spiro has side effects then dose it up slowly every few days. At 53 I have done fine on it for 11 years and my sister inlaw has seen good results as well. It is the best shot at slowing the loss.