As many of you already know from reading my story, I am currently taking the medication synthroid for low thyroid. Recently I’ve been seriously looking towards that as being the cause of my excessive hair loss, and what seems like an endless hair shedding that has been going on for years non stop. Let me first clarify that I know for a fact that isn’t what initially started my hair loss. What started my hair loss was from stopping high androgen index birth control pills, however, I think that synthroid may be exacerbating the situation.
When I first started losing my hair approximately 8 years ago I would notice that my hair shredding would sort of go in cycles, there would be 4 months of a crazy shed and the next 4 months it would seem to slow down tremendously. That break in shedding would would allow for some hair to grow back. But, as of the last couple years I’ve been shedding non stop with a recent tremendous increase this year. My thyroid medication dose has been raised this year and last year as well. I don’t know if that is just a coincidence or it that level is too much for my hair.
I came stumbled across a website today where people were sharing their experiences with hair loss and Synthroid. The stories were very mixed, similar to what you will find in any forum, which is precisely what my gripe was yesterday when I was talking about my issue with hair loss forums. But, I still find myself scanning various internet sites in hopes to find something… anything that may help me. I do think that certainly enough people complain that they believe it is the cause of their hair loss, that I should start looking into another medication to treat my hypothyroidism.
It is always scary switching any medication when you are suffering with hair loss, at least it is for me. I want to try and find a local thyroid doctor who believes in treating his/her patients with a natural thyroid.
{ 61 comments… read them below or add one }
I am wondering the same thing about Synthroid. I thought it was suppose to help but I think it is making my hair loss worse. Does anyone know anything about the natural synthroid Armour? How do you find a doctor who prescribes it?
Go to http://www.armourthyroid.com and click on “find a doctor near you” and you can search for docs in your area. I plan on looking into this debate a bit more myself.
Hi Beth, welcome to the site, thanks for the link! I’m going to check it out and try and find a doctor who treats thyroid with armour. I’ll keep everyone posted on how that goes.
I had radio active Iodine Jan.06 for over active Thyroid and nodules. Then I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.I had chemo and Radiation so my hair fell out,but it never came back right.I had sooo much hair before and now it is so thin and baby like that I cannot go without a wig.I take synthroid now and I am wondering if that could be the problem. I am looking for a new Endo. doctor who will work with me on this I saw a top notch dermatoligist who just advise Rogaine Foam .Any info would be appreciated.
Wow. Wow. Wow. And I thought I wasn’t taking enough synthroid. I actually always thought my 100mg dose was too much (mg I think?). My hair loss pattern is the same as yours… thanks for the insight!!!!
OMGosh….I have been losing handfuls of hair for over a year now. It started around the time I switched from Levoxyl to Synthroid. I have been very suspicious, and recently switched back to levoxyl…although the shedding hasn’t stopped. I’m wondering if the Synthroid triggered it. Now I’m almost convinced. I cry everyday in the shower as I watch tons of hair flow down the drain. My endo dr says its normal hair shedding. ITS NOT. I’ve lost over 60 percent of my hair. I’m definitely following up with another dr. Thanks for the insight and info….
Amanda
i feel the need to share my story as much as possible in hopes of saving someone alot of stress. ive been battling low thyroid, weight gain and hair loss for 7 years now. long story short ive switched from high doses, to low doses, to synthroid, to armour, to levoxyl…. on and on it goes. today i am at my highest weight ever, but guess what? my hair is about 75% gone and that stresses me out alot more than my weight. according to my doc, my thyroid levels are good but i have less hair than ever now.
so, here is my theory: the cause of my ongoing extreme shedding is constant fluctuations in hormone changes due to changing my meds constantly. i dont think my levels have ever had the oppurtunity to level out long enough to see a difference. i think now that any time i make a change in my meds i will give it atleast 9 months before i say yay or nay. i know that when you are losing your hair it seems logical to changfe things to fix it, wich is what im famous for. but maybe that is the worse thing you can do? my ultimate goal is to be able to hop all of these message boards and share a success story but in the meantime, i hope my theory is helpful? we will see…
I am on my own journey to stop the thyroid madness….And I feel I have found a way to FINALLY feel like a human being again!
I was initially put on Levoxyl and my hypothyroidism symptoms grew worse. I suffered from extreme hair loss, fatigue, body aches, depression and brain fog. Then I learned about Armour and found a doctor who was very knowledgeable about thyroid problems in general.
He prescribed me Armour and my hair grew back and I felt wonderful for a month – Then all the symptoms came back – except for the hair loss. I started researching – thinking it was all in my head – and discovered that Armour had changed its fillers without letting their consumers know. As a result, all of my hypo symptoms returned – with a vengeance! My doctor – as disgusted as me – put me on a compounded drug with Levoxyl and Cytomel.
I still felt terrible – worse really. An all of the new hair that ha grown back has fallen out again.
So, I started researching natural treatments and discovered that I could buy the very same ingredient that made me feel so good when I was on Armour’s original medication – dessicated pork thyroid. I bought a bottle of Raw Adrenal and Raw Thyroid. (You can buy these products online) I also learne that Kelp, Bladderwrack, Selenium and B12 play a very important role in assisting the production of the thyroid.
It has been four days and I have been on my feet all day – doing things that I have not done one in months. I am thinking more clearly and the fatigue is fading more and more by the day.
Therefore, I absolutely REFUSE to take Levoxyl, Synthroid or any of their generics EVER again. I personally feel that nature is a safer, more efficient route than a chemically engineered hormone.
Feeling BETTER and loving it!
I had the same problem with synthyroid and hair loss, but decided to change
to armour, and that has been a disaster. I have had severe shoulder ligament
weakness, which is what I had before I started thyroid treatment, and my
skin on my arm has thinned and also my blood, and have these blood blisters on my arm, like an old person. The people that advocate armour, say nothing but good things about it, but I have certainly had bad affects from it.
I was so excited about it because of what I read, but now I don’t know what to do. Think I will go back to synthroid, and make sure I get the brand name,
was using generic before, maybe that will help. My pharmacist did tell me that hair loss was a symptom of synthroid, and I must say my hair did stop coming out once I was on armour, but these other things really scare me.
I’m on L Thyroxine which is a form of synthroid. I am itching and have severe hair loss. But the itching has me more uncomfortable. What is a normal TSH Level? I have an appointment with an ENDO but it’s a month away. I feel awful; lightheaded, itchy eyes, very depressed over this.HELP!
Also, will my hair grow back once I get thyroid level corrected?
I had a similar issue after being on synthroid for over 15 years. I am now on NatureThryoid 65mg and though I can’t say my hair is regrowing, I do believe the loss has slowed.
Just to add my experience:
I was put on Levothyroxine at a very low dose because of a slight increase in my TSH…and because my menstruation had suddenly become irregular (prior to thyroid meds, I was put on Orthotricyclen, which made my hair fall out in chunks! When I stopped BCP, hair loss stopped, too). I felt great on Levothyroxine and lter switched to brand – because I thought it would be better. Long story short, my hair began falling out like crazy. Endo said it’s not the meds, GP said “wait it out” but 4 months later, it was coming out in clumps. I finally stopped taking it in September ’10 and 7 months later, I’m seeing ome slow down in hair loss, but hair regrowth…not so much. I never had hair loss before this experience and I had a TON of hair. Now, 50%+ gone…in addition to some hair loss on my arms and legs. Would you believe doctors are trying to convince me to get back on the stuff at my barely elevated TSH?! And I’ve seen 4 Endos about this!
Doctors should know the side effects of meds before prescribing and not make patients feel crazy by denying hair loss as a side effect of the medication. It’s a real side effect; read the literature. Synthroid is synthetic junk and is only handed out like candy because the company is great at marketing with doctors. And not many doctors seem to be proactive enough to read up on the pros/cons of these meds. My guess is, these pharmaceutical companies must line most doctors’ pockets, otherwise what they do by prescribing synthetic thyroid meds to patients so irresponsibly is completely unethical.
All of that to say…Synthroid does cause hair loss, and a severe one at that.
seconding everyone’s comments, in particular my experience with Eutirox marketed by Glaxo SmithKline. They changed the formula (still available in some countries though) and several patients complained of side effects including hair loss. Since becoming hypo (was hyper, then radioative iodine); my long thick (mid back length) hair thinned immensely. Now with this past 1.5 years on Eutirox, it began falling – in chunks, just putting my hand in my air. Am currently set to see an Endo back in Europe who is open to T3 supplementation, which I have never tried and suspect I need to. Whatever you do – stay AWAY from Eutirox by Glaxo (google it). I only just found out as much by my research of recent. It is a shame about Armour’s changed formula; reviews generally seem very positive prior to. I think I might lean towards supplementing with Cynomel. The RAW thyroid info above sounds good too: we have to treat ourselves. Listen to our own bodies. I have come to realize with thyroid disease: only YOU know YOU and how you feel, best. Go by that for your “cure”.
a correction to my previous post: I meant to type ELTROXIN and not EUTIROX by Glaxo SmithKline. again; avoid it.
AnjiB,
If you still visit this site, I’d love to hear what your current experience is now 6 mos into the natural combo you’ve found for yourself. My hair breakage started years ago (before diagnosis of hypothyroidism and meds). I started on Armour and now am on a combo of Armour and Levothyroxine and have seen an increase in the hair shedding/loss. I did experiment with a Raw Thyroid from a whole food store, but didn’t really feel a difference. I came across Adrenal Glandular, but never took it. I wonder now if in combo these two things would help support.
Any good news to report from your experience?
Hi.
Reading all your comments is making me scared.
I have been loosing my air for many many years, and I have and am so worried about it. My doctor says it is age and over weight more then anything else. I never heard this that so many of you say about synthroid.
I take 125mgr a day. I thought I am taking too little and a too low dose. Now I am really scared.
Should I just stop taking it??
If I do, then what happens with the thyroid??
How can I stop taking synthroid and still keep my thyroid in place??
I am morbidly obese. So they say. I way 270lbs. And am 5’9″.
Am taking meds for cholesterol and high bloodpressure now too. I am realizing I am really a mess.
On the description from one of you above, you described to have itching. I itch in my scalp. To the point where it really burns.
I took one medicine but lost my feeling to touch on my skin on my arms. Very scary.
Please, If anyone has any idea what I could do, let me know.
Thank you. Gisela
I started taking Biotin 5000 mcg a day. I’ve been taking it over a month now and my hair loss has stopped completely. I can’t say that it has grown back where I lost it, but it has definitely stopped the shedding. I am hypothyroid, just mildly, but I’m scared to take the Synthroid prescribed. I’m afraid it will make the hair loss worse.
Does anyone know if there is a way to wean off levoxyl and go to a natural thyroid replacement? I’ve been on it for almost 2 years now, and have been losing hair just in that amount of time, too.
I tried the t3 types of medicine before, as well as iodine, but my body does not respond well to t3 – makes my heart racy and gives me insomnia. I just tried upping my levoxyl to 37 mcg (from 25) and made hair loss worse!
How to keep thyroid under control but also the hair loss from stoppin?!
So i naturally, then, after a couple weeks of that, went back down to 25, and now i feel like hell! Exhausted, sluggish, light-headed….could changing doses for such a short time really affect me that much? And has anyone read about the thyroid/adrenal connection?
AHhhhhhh, so confused and scared!!!
Hi,
I just noticed that my hair is very thin on top. I recently went to the doctor and they are checking my thyroid. I am very scared reading these stories. How do I get my hair to stop falling out? It used to be very think and now it’s thin 🙁
I am 24 years old. September 21st, 2011 I had a hemi-thyroidectomy to remove a nodule on my right side, later to be determined BENIGN. It took a year to discover that the half of thyroid still left wasn’t producing enough thyroid hormone and I am now Hypo. If I could give anyone out there advice about having nodules removed from your thyroid, GET A SECOND OPINION!! Benign nodules can stay and never affect you later in life. After having surgery to remove half my thyroid for a benign nodule, I am now losing the most hair over a very short period of time. I have been off my levothyroxin 25mg for 2 weeks now blaming the hair loss on the med since it got increasingly worse as I was on the medication. But after reading above, I’m wondering if the fact that I’m on birth control and have been the past 7 years, could that be the reason of the hair loss? Could the combo between birth control and thyroid medication be causing the rapid hair loss?
I’ve been on Synthroid for the last ten years and my hair is definitely thinner and drier than it used to be, although some of the hair loss is probably age-related. I take 500 mcg of Biotin daily and I seem to lose less hair. Unfortunately it doesn’t do anything for the texture.
So what is the solution for hair fall ? I am hypothyroid & menopausal, have tried this and it kind of works for a while.
1. Iron supplements help in hair growth if you are anemic.
2. Selenium is great too. 3. Neem Oil massage for scalp. Massage roots. Keep the oil on overnight. Wash hair in the morning.
4. My doctor prescribed ‘Meganeuron OD Plus’ tablet which contains (Mythylcobalamin +Folic Acid+Pyridoxine+Biotin+Benfotiamine+Alpha Lipoic Acid) . This is a Vitamin Combo capsule. Also Calcium+VitaminD tablets. 5. I have noticed that once I have taken Thyroxin at a stretch for say 3 months, my hair begins to fall. Then I go off it and it stops. In a couple of months when it begins to fall again I resume with my medication and then the hair fall stops. Nothing major happens to my T3, T4 readings though my TSH rises to 4.0 when I stop. The TSH goes back to the 1.0-1.5 range when I restart Thyroxin.
I am seeing my doctor today and am going to ask him to put me on Armour. I’ve been on synthroid since 1997 and have had slow hairloss since then. It started to get so bad that I started using Rogaine. I did notice a slight improvement and was very happy with that. Then my doctor upped by sythroid dosage and my hair fell out in bunches. My heart started racing and I was sweating like crazy. I had to go back down to my lower dosage. And my hairloss has not stopped. It’s gone crazy. I’ve been so depressed about it. I started researching and heard a lot about Armour. Thank God I have a doctor who listens. I know that if I ask him to change my medication to Armour he will. I can hardly wait to try it. I will let you all know how it goes and if it helps at all. I’ve also started taking EPO (Evening Primrose Oil) and Saw Palmentto to see if it will help. I also take B vitamins and Salmon oil and iron. I’m doing all I can….this forum and support network has really helped. I’ll let you know how it goes after my appointment and I start the new medication.
I am taking syntroid, I have never noticed hair loss until I started this medication. I am 99% sure that taking this drug is making my hair fall our.
i began Armour therapy in August. My hair has thinned significantly over the last two years in the crown of my head and I have experienced small bald spots on the sides of my head. The Armour therapy has helped with a lot of my hypothyroid symptoms. My doctor told me it would take several months for me to begin to notice a difference and said that I shouldn’t expect to see major changes with my hair for a whole year. I think I need iron supplementation (waiting on results). Going gluten free (i cheat 1-3 times per week) has helped reduce my hives and dry, very itchy scalp. The right supplements along with the medicine I think are critical, in addition to the right diet and exercise plan. Get your iron, vitamin D, vitamin B and mineral levels checked and work with your doctor to see what the right supplements can help with hair growth. Understand you made need to commit to the regimen for life, or with iron at least until you stop menstruating. I hope to have a wonderful update in late spring 2013 about how my hair has regrown and thickened back up!!!! I am praying for you ladies, I was previously no diagnosed for hypothyroidism because all my lab work was in normal range. I found a doctor that was willing to treat my symptoms and realized that my blood work was “low” normal.
Check out Stopthethyroidmadness.com. I believe that this site will give you gals some hope. I believe that there might be a connection to gluten issues and thyroid as well. I have always had thick hair but it’s getting a bit thinner. I just started (today) a natural dessicated thyroid med from another country. I’m praying that it will give me more energy, help me lose some weight, and also regain the hair that I have lost. I urge you gals to check this site out. It’s for men and women. Lots of pertinent information on there. Whether you follow what they say or not, please, at least, take a look at it! My mom had thyroid issues and as she is very into the natural, she took Armour (the old formulation; it’s changed and so that’s why some of you are having trouble) then she did Dr. Wilson’s Thyroid Syndrome (deals with your tempurature) (can find online) and now, other than a thyroid vitamin (with a little dessicated thyroid), she takes no meds and she’s going to be 71 yrs old in March:) She tries to focus on God made foods as she knows He makes the best kind!
I was diagnosed as having hyperthyroidism and, Graves diesae in March 2013. I am 36 years old I’ve been experiencing symptoms for up to 3 years before I was aware such as always hot and, uncomfortable “sweating purfusly” motion sickness, nervous, slight memory loss, heart palpitations. In December of 2013 due to the severity of my conditions I was advised to have my entire thyroid gland removed. After my surgery instantly I felt better however I am now anemic, I have problems with my eyes bulging. I Now have Hypothyroidism and now all of my Hair has completely fallen out like paper and, it doesn’t appear to be growing back.
I am afraid because, 90% of my hair is gone.
I switched from Synthroid to Armour Thyroid a few years ago. I had been complaining to my doctor at the time about losing my hair. (I initially started with ridiculously thick hair, had noticed some initial shedding when first starting thyroid replacement (my TSH had been 41 when I was diagnosed,) and it increased over the course of a couple of years.
I did notice an improvement a few months after switching–my g.p. had also prescribed progesterone creme, so low progesterone may have been a factor, too.
After the slow but steady improvement for a couple of years, I had a period of additional loss and could see my scalp at times in small areas. I went to a dermatologist and who prescribed spironolactone. I’ve been amazed at the improvement. While he said it would likely just help stop further loss, I’ve seen most of the shiny patches disappear. (It’s been about 4 months.) The downside is it was initially approved for high blood pressure (which was not an issue for me) and lately I’ve been feeling a little light headed at times.
Hope someone finds this info helpful. (I know things like hairloss pale in comparison with problems like cancer, but it was a terrible time for me. Best of luck to you all.)
I have been fighting hair loss pre-Synthroid (triggered by BCPs which I am no longer taking) and post- Synthroid 9 years for hypothyroidism. I also have been using Men’s Rogaine once a day with good results. My hair is not the thickness of previous years but I feel I look good enough to go out in the sun without fear everyone could see my scalp.
This summer I noticed I was lethargic, was tested and told I had low T3. The doctor increased my dosage from 50mcg to 75mcg at the beginning of June. This past month was the start of another cycle of hair loss- and using Rogaine, I was dumb-founded! I questioned if it could be a bad batch of Rogaine and then I decided to google today and found this site! This is my first response to a forum. All the former participants writings have helped me to pin point the problem- the increase of Synthroid! Yes, I am no longer as lethargic, but at the cost of my hair! I improvise with a product called Toppik to blend away my sparse-looking hair, making me feel “normal.” I am seriously going to pursue other methods to care for my thyroid health.
vitamin D- I take 1000 units per day with a calcium supplement called Bone Up by Jarrow which has 1000 in it. My hair has thinned but at least it has slowed down the loss,. My thryroidectmy was 39 days ago.Might want to your Dr about D, taking too much is not good.
In the last 1 .5 years I have starting loosing my hair. I have been on Synthroid
now for 31 years . At first my dosage was .75 but for the last 20 or so years
it has been the same 2.0. Eighteen years ago I had breast cancer and have to be careful at what medication I can take. These there a natural medication
that one can take for thyroid problems.?
I have been on Synthroid for 5 years. Hair loss began about two years ago, thinning in front at first. My GP said it was nothing. Then I notice actual bald spots. After the GP, the GOYBN were clueless, I went to a dermatologist. She knew what it was right away: An A Immune problem called Lichen PlanoPilanus. Now on Hydroxychloroquine often given to prevent malaria. It will not grow back but should stop progression. Three months and I still have two tiny bald spots that keep getting bigger.
I was put on Tinosint due to hypothyroidism. It is a new pill that is helping my symptoms greatly! My hair is growing back, my numbers are great, no more night sweats and it’s gluten free, which is what I need.
On tirosint for three mos now and still have lost 25 -50 % of my hair on top and sides! Have started using rogaine 1 month ago and have taken 5000mcg of Biotin daily. So frustrating as my numbers are good. Have heard that you must take both T4 & T3 to prevent hair loss. Is anyone having re growth with this regime? So sorry we are all having to endure this. Hang in there and keep reporting your experiences! We are not alone!
2/11/15: Yes I agree. I am taking Eltroxin for my hypothyroidism 4-5 yrs. now. When I speak to the doctor he smiles as if he does ‘nt care or know. I am going to sort out an Endocrinologist to get to this. I once had lovely thick hair and I do also ballroom dance(82 yrs.) and my hair appearance is very important to me then and always. I do regularly get blood tests done as I am taking other meds. BUT this is not right.
Any reports would be welcome. JV
I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism five years ago. I have been experiencing hair loss for the past two years. I am thinking of getting the hair loss treatment from a clinic at Toronto named Seager medical group. But I am also having stomach problem so I have been losing a lot of weight. I’ve heard that hypothyroidism usually causes weight gain so I’m wondering whether Synthroid would end up causing weight loss. I’m really concerned about this since I have already lost so much weight.
Thyroid meds can cause hairloss especially those who have hormonal hair loss in the family, it just accelerates the loss earlier. If you are on bcp make sure it is a hair friendly one as many will elevate androgens. If you have high testosterone or are sensitive to it then spironolactone should help and your dr. can prescribe it. Finally if you are menopausal have your hormones checked and get help balancing from a good reproductive dr. I developed seborrheic dermatitis and hairloss at 42 and saw the famous hair doc in new York who is an endo and a derm and he has helped me maintain my hair for 10 years. I recently developed the seb derm again and the baby hairs are falling, blood work showed an elevated TSH but regular thyroid hormone. Going to call Dr. Redmond for help as after reading all of these horror stories about the meds.
I just started taking levothyroxine for hypothyroidism for 4weeks, my hair has been falling out for 3 weeks. Side effects sappy this is usually temporary, how long should I wait until I consider switching medications
For the last year I didn’t feel quite right. Had my thyroid levels checked – slightly hypo. Began taking 50 of Synthroid. Now, 5 months later, I’m shedding like crazy and have lost about 40% of my previously thick, long, and beautiful hair. Called my Endo. They said to stop the Synthroid and take Armour. But I’m losing TONS of hair each time I brush or wash. I’m scared to take anything. Has anyone had success with stopping hair loss switching to Armour from Synthroid? I’m literally scared out of my mind.
Hi I have similar hair loss problems/symptoms by taking Levothyroxine. I have changed my doctor several times over the years because i keep getting the brush off. Every time i mention about my hair to medical professions by taking this medication its as if there not listening to me or they don’t examine my hair in which i’m concerned about. I am a female & hair is extremely important for females. Its my identity. All they want to do is take blood tests & then prescribe this medication in which i’m declined to do. if there is any other medication to help with my thyroid gland i’ll be very grateful if anyone can help.
further to my condition above they doctors have mentioned try “Regaine for WOmen” & “Nanogen shampoo & conditioner”. Which has help a little. But the medical professionals in which I’ve seen so far really want me to go onto Levothyroxine. I also mention to one profession would it help if i saw a Dermatologist. This should have been mentioned to me in the first place from a medical source, not me mentioning to them. My hair loss by taking this medication got to the stage where i was depressed, wouldn’t go out socialising & i wouldn’t even go to a hair saloon. I have lost faith & confidence in medical professions as they just want to dish out pills without listening or examining the patient.
Synthroid lists Hair Loss as a side effect. The beginning of this thread is a old and it sounds like it was not listed originally on the medication as the woman here seem surprised by that.
Adrenal issues will also cause hair loss and adrenal issues can affect the Pituitary gland which in turn affects your natural production of T4. Your body gets confused and because your thyroid isn’t working (underactive) properly it over produces and your levels come back high.
I have just started Synthroid and I am defnitely concerned about the hair loss – has anyone had success with hair growth stimulating products?
Hello
I have also started losing lots of hair since starting thyroxine. it is terrible and I have stopped taking it in the hope the hair loss will stop. How much are you losing?
Hi, All. I feel your pain. I had Graves Disease (autoimmune hyperthyroid) diagnosed in 2011. Was on meds for that, but ultimately had my thyoid removed in 5/2013. Was good for the last 3 years for the most part while taking levothyroxine (generic synthroid). I would have occasional bouts of increased hair shedding, but that was only when tsh and other levels came back “off.” The endo would then adjust meds, and after I returned to normal tsh levels, the shedding would stop. UNTIL THIS YEAR…in 1/2017–I noticed hair regrowth of smaller hairs–would grow to 2-3 inches in length–and then fall out a LOT in the shower. Was very concerned, as I had always regrown hair in past, but this regrowth was going down the drain. Read up and found out that miniaturization was occurring. The follicles stop producing eventually. I suspect that all of my changes, diff. med. doses, repeated regrowth, etc. had “taxed” my follicles so they were no longer working well. I was semi-ok with this as long as my regular/longer hair was ok. I started a T3 (cytomel) in combo. with t4, and that didn’t do much. Also had ferritin tested, and iron was a little low, so started iron supplements. Then in July, longer hair started shedding ridiculously as well. It’s been almost 3 mos. now of shedding. Soooo much comes out while showering or styling, that I literally dread washing my hair. I went to my dermatologist who suggested Rogaine foam for women, which I started about a month ago. I still have a good amt. of shedding, but not sure if that’s from Rogaine (which supposedly does push out old hairs to regrow newer stronger hair) or from repeated issues with thyroid. The sad thing is, my levels of tsh etc. have been normal, so this doesn’t seem to be from tsh or thyroid off. But feel severely brain fogged and out of it lately (could be from hair loss stress, too). Dermatologist also suggested Nutrafol supplement to help slow the loss and regrow. Started that about a week ago. Hoping something will help. Diet and nutrition I also need to keep in check. Will report if anything helps. It’s debilitatingly depressing. I feel all of your pain. I wish you all the best of luck.
Hi all,
I am curious if anyone has found a change in hair loss when changing from generic levothyroxine to Synthroid? I have been hypothyroid for 13yrs since the birth of my son. I was on Eltroxin for the first 3yr and then generic brand levothyroxine for the last 10yr. I never experienced hair loss until a year ago when I suddenly started shedding and like others have now lost over 50% of my hair thickness and have experienced eyebrow thinning too. My TSH levels have all been fine. I have been taking Biotin for months with little effect. I saw a dermatologist who diagnosed Telogen Effluvium but that is supposed to correct after 6months which it hasn’t. I decided to change to generic levothyroxine to see if it made a difference, now reading peoples experiences on here I am wondering if I should! I knew levothyroxine could cause hair loss but as I’d been on it so long was very surprised when it suddenly happened and now for such a prolonged period. Will try the Nutrafol supplements and maybe look at at a T3/T4 combo.
Any suggestions or success stories out there?
I started taking Synthroid about 7 months ago and I have very dramatic hair loss. I used to have very , very thick hair and I am now left with very thin limp hair. This is extremely distressing. I am not sure what to do next.
I spend lots of time cleaning hair from my hair brushes. Lots of hair all over my apartment, my clothes. My nails are soft and constantly split and break off. Spend buckets of money on nail hardeners and special nail files. My feet are freezing. My hands are freezing. Wear gloves indoors. My dosage of synthroid was just adjusted down based on latest lab results so it seems worse now. Never seems right. Symptoms are always there no matter how much I am given. And I have all the other symptoms too. Be very careful self prescribing. See your doctor and stay monitored. Take care.
I also have been on Synthroid for several years with minimal hair loss until end of summer 2017 when I noticed an increase. In December I went off all Synthroid to see if that would end the hair loss. Instead it increased the hair loss and breakage to some degree. I also have a lot of digestive issues and autoimmune disorders. So I’ve been on a restricted diet trying to get some of those issues under control. Only to discover a few days ago that eating raw eggs (although I’ve been eating only boiled egg whites, every morning) will result in Biotin needed for your hair and nail growth, to not be available for your body’s needs for nail and hair growth. So the long and sort appears to be, in my case, hair loss from eating egg whites every day. Of course I can’t be totally certain of this, but everything indicates that partially my hair loss and thinner weaker nails may very well be a result of daily eating boiled egg whites. So if you too have hair loss and thin weak nails, check your diet and see how often you are eating eggs. So for the foreseeable future, I’m staying away from eggs and increasing my B complex vitamins to see if that helps as well as going to my Dr. and asking to be put on Armor or similar thyroid meds.One thing I’m not going to do is to give up hope or reading about what has helped others. I’m confident that if I keep working at this, I will find answers and help. Mind you, I’m 72 and have had digestive issues for 17+ years and I still keep reading and looking. They learn new things every day and who know’s tomorrow might just be my day to find answers!
This is one of the “Secret 7” the drug companies have the cure for and since the drug companies have control of the FDA we’ll never know the answer to our question. Drug companies are making huge amounts of money on patients. You’re loosing your hair here take our product Rogaine for the rest of your life to stop the hair loss from Synthroid. See how that works? Our drug companies are not our friends, too much easy money at their fingertips! imo
I have viewed many articles on this subject and it makes me sad!
I started taking synthroid and was prescribed .05 or 50mcg. I was to cut the pill in half for 4 days. Then I was to take one pill for 7 days. Next 1.5 pills from then on. I have never had hair loss issues before. My doctor wanted me to try to see if this made a difference. When I started taking the whole pill my chest broke out into a rash and was itching like crazy!! Then I notice my hair was falling out like crazy. We are not talking normal shedding here. My desk at work and my shirts had hair all over them. Every minute or so I was brushing away at least 4 hairs off my keyboard. The volume or amount of hair that I put in a ponytail is half of what it was. I actually have holes that look like alopecia on my head. My hairdresser says she has never seen anything like it from a drug. Nothing else in my life has changed other than taking synthroid. I stopped taking it before I ever got to the 1.5 pills. So not even 2 weeks of the medication and this is my result. I told my dr about it and he laughed and said no the hair loss if from your thyroid problem not the meds. Well, I have never seen such a co-incidence in my life. My hair loss has slowed but still shedding way more than I should be. The only good news is my hairdresser says all the holes are filling in with new growth but it is going to take years for those holes to fill in. I feel for everyone in this forum.
I feel for all of you. I am struggling with hypothyroidism and was on Levothyroxine the light green oval pill
Comment from above. Anyway I switched pharmacy’s and now they got me on the round light green one, same dosage and my hair has started falling out. I wonder if that could make a difference? I am on 88 mcg’s. Thyroid problems are the pits. I would love to find a natural remedy. I seemed to be doing great though and my levels were good until they changed the shape of the pill. I am going to ask the pharmacy about it. My hair started falling out right after the pills changed. Makes me wonder…
At the age of 67 or 68 I had two-thirds of my thyroid gland removed. Since then I have been taking Synthroid (112-125 mgs) and have, from the outset, continued to lose hair. Everytime I shampoo I lose quite a bit of hair. I will be 79 soon and wondering if the Synthroid could be causing my hair loss. Do you know of anything else relating to tyroid levels that could be having an effect?
Abylynn
You could be writing my story. Trust me, the synthroid is the cause of it all. The question is what to do? We need something to keep our thyroid in line but the medication is playing havoc with our hair. Doctors simply will not listen that it could possibly be this medication. Very frustrated.
Hi everyone,
I share your concerns. Suffering from Hashimoto’s, I’ve been fighting hair loss for ten years. I finally had the situation quite in control when 4 months ago, I had to stop my previous levothyroxin med due to other bad side effects. I started taking Tcaps, the French equivalent of Tirosint. I was very hopeful… Since then, the other bad effects went better, but my hair has been shedding again, pretty bad. I’m quite desperate. Could it be a transition effect? Maybe my body has to adapt to the new med ? Does anyone here had a similar experience with Tirosint and did it get better over time ?
Thank you, and all my support from Paris !
I have also been taking Eltroxin since 2009 and since then my hair loss is really getting to me. I have hypothyroidism, at least this one time my throid was up a bit or whatever & immediately my GP put me on this. I also feel that by using SYMBICORT, for my asthma has messed up my thyroid. I do take other meds. I think I will go back to a Homeopathic doctor I started with to find out again. The only trouble is you have to pay out money for these doctors & I cannot always do that. I used to have thick thick hair and I am really upset about this. I really am turning against western meds. ,lately.JV
I am a 55 year old woman. Since being diagnosed 5 years ago with hypothyroidism I was given 50mg of Levothyroxine. For the first year I was tested every few months but since then it’s every year for my annual physical, I get the T4/T3 testing which falls within the normal range.
In the past 5 years of being on Levothyroxine I’ve lost a lot of hair, used to be long, thick and wavy, now dry and very thin and I had to chop it off because it looked so awful. Too, I developed thin and brittle finger/toe nails that I have to keep trimmed or else risk them cracking below the nail line, eyebrows are nearly nonexistent and have no body hair to speak of. Meaning my underarm hair rarely grows, my pubic hair is very thin, I rarely need to shave my legs (maybe once a week). I developed Raynaud’s, exacerbated dry eyes, developed many food and medicine sensitivities, intolerant to cold in the winter or heat in the summer. The list goes on. This year I spoke to my PCP about switching to Armour or Nature Thyroid and she basically scared me off the idea, saying those two are not consistent in their formulation and they are often out of stock.
I’ve had enough, this week I’ve started the weaning process off the 50mg Levo (it’s the minimum dose anyway) by reducing the dose to 25mg a day. It’s been 4 days and I’m extremely lethargic and foggy but I’m hoping my body begins to adjust and regulate itself and in time I will be able to start a vitamin regime. That’s another thing, I have a huge sensitivity to all supplements. My Vitamin D is very low but I can’t tolerate taking a supplement. The only thing I can get is Vitamin B12 injections.
Prior to being diagnosed with Hypothyroid I had NONE of the issues listed above before taking Levo. I didn’t even know I had hypothyroid until my PCP decided to test for it. I’m going to give it a couple of months on 25mg to see if anything changes. Maybe my dose should be 25mg and not 50, who knows. I’m going to take control and get back what I’ve lost in terms of hair and health.
I was on Synthroid for 35 years and at the beginning of 2021, I decided I’d had enough and I weened myself off of this merry go around!! Now almost 1 year and a half later, I am still having some brain fog and a lot of fatigue mostly. Plus I gained 40 lbs. My next approach is to change my diet to the Medical Medium approach (Anthony Williams’ books). I had all the symptoms you describe plus my thyroid shrunk. The doctor kept saying that the medication was for life and there were no side effects, very innocuous. Wow, that was so wrong! Almost 35 years later, I realized my hair was awfully thin (it is not genetic). So that got me started on the fake hair search. I became very depressed over my situation and I’m still dealing with some sadness. I feel I’ve lost my way but I’ve prayed on it and my intuition says to move on to a healing diet.
As I look back, I realized that for the most part, I never really felt great. I always had the symptoms you describe but I just put up with it. At this point I am determined to heal myself and I will not go back to a doctor for awhile or maybe never. Take it from me, don’t stay on the medication. You probably don’t even have a thyroid problem because the testing (I believe) is flawed. I’m sorry that I don’t really have an answer for you but I am trying to caution women to think before taking a synthetic hormone. And yes, I too am sensitive to vitamin supplements like Ashwagandha.
I realize you wrote this in 2020 so I hope you’ve found something that works. Take care.
Maria
To clarify, now that I’m reading my comment above, the vitamin supplement sensitivity is also a issue that developed after I started taking Levothyroxine.
I have checked my thyroid levels & started to take Synthroid. A few months later, I have lost my previously thick, long, and beautiful hair. Doc said to stop the Synthroid but already lost lots of hair each time I brush or wash. I’m scared to take anything. Has anyone had success with preventing hair loss?
I’m back to post an update from my previous post in 2/4/2020.
I feel like I should say: I’m not a doctor, what I say here is completely anecdotal and based on my experience. I am not advising anyone to follow what I’ve done.
As of 11/2021 I have been off levothyroine. When I tried to go cold turkey in 2/2020 I felt disgusting! I hadn’t allowed myself time to wean off, so I started back on it and began to research how to get off it completely. Basically I began cutting the pill in half for a few weeks, then I started to go a day without a dose a week, then two days, then three days and eventually just stopped. It took 4 months to wean off but I did it. Since then the shedding stopped and my hair is almost back to it’s original thickness 🙂 Yay.
After stopping levo, to my surprise I didn’t feel awful and when I went for my yearly, I half expected my TSH numbers to have improved. Well much to my surprise, my numbers went from 4.26 to 21.7! I really should be feeling awful, but I don’t and I don’t understand why I don’t. But because of the numbers my PCP prescribed Synthroid (BRAND) not generic, I picked it up from the pharmacy but I never started it.
I’m doing my own experimentation now. My B12 and D have always been way low or below normal and these two are vital to thyroid function. I’m now getting weekly B12 injections and taking a twice weekly, high dose D supplement (10,000 units each) I started this regime at the beginning of June 2022 and plan to have my TSH tested the beginning of September 2022, just to see if the numbers come back different i.e. lower. I’m also going to have my adrenal’s tested to see if they’re under active or over active and supplement if necessary.
All the stories here, break my heart. Hugs to all