General Medicine

» Elaine Moore - hair loss

In response to hair loss posted by mariammc:
Hi,
It always surprises me how practitioners who haven't had ablation
or hypothyroidism are quick to say how effective this treatment is. For me and many others, the hypothyroidism and effects of ablation have been far worse than the initial hyperthyroidism.

Your labs show mild autoimmune hyperthyroidism with a low vitamin D level and normal kidney and liver function results. Your vitamin D supplements should help and so would 200 mcg selenium and a low iodine diet.

Your low creatinine level suggests that you could benefit from more protein in your diet, and this could also help with hair loss. Biotin and vitamin B5 supplements are also helpful for hair loss.

With your FT4 only being slightly elevated, you probably were put on a 10 mg dose of methimazole, and this should bring FT4 into the normal range within a few weeks.

It's important to avoid hypothyroidism from too high of an anti-thyroid drug (ATD) dose since this promotes inflammation and thyroid antibody production as well as increased hair loss.

You're considered euthyroid or normal as soon as FT4 falls within range regardless of your TSH result. Your TSH level will stay low for a long time because of your thyroid antibodies. A low TSH doesn't mean that you're still hyperthyroid...although many doctors get confused by this. As soon as FT4 falls within range, your ATD dose should be lowered so you're on the lowest dose needed to keep your FT4 within range. And over time, the dose is reduced until you achieve remission. Best, Elaine