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Experiencing Hair Fall And Hair Thinning And Skin Becoming Very Dry. Have Hypothyroidism. Related?

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Posted on Fri, 21 Jun 2013
Question: I am experiencing a lot of hair fall and hair thinning off late. The hair has become very brittle and breaks easily. Also my skin is becoming very dry and I am developing spots on the skin (only on areas exposed to the sun).

I have had Hypothyroid for the past 10 years. I have also put on a lot of weight over the years. I have been taking 125mg of Eltroxin regularly for a year now but the weight gain or hair thinning has not stopped. My thyroid results over the years are given below:

Date T3 T4 TSH
3-Oct-03 2.43 0.69 41.65
20-Nov-03 121 10.6 9.24
1-Mar-04 98 9.1 26.27
15-Apr-04 124 11.7 7.58
7-Aug-04 111 10 5.93
11-Aug-05 116 9.6 7.87
28-Apr-07 116 11.2 2.01
1-Mar-08 100 11.03 3.1
24-Mar-11 85.7 11.5 5.59
20-Jun-12 97 10.5 5.81

As advised by a specialist I have got a couple of more tests done this week. The results are given below:

Serum Free T-3 (Free Molecule): 3.5 pg/ml
Serum Free T-4 (Free Molecule): 1.3 ng/dl
Sr. TSH (Ultrasensitive): 0.176 uIU/ml

Method: Automated Chemiluminescent

Autoimmunity Tests:
Microsomal (TPO) Antibody Titre, serum bu CMIA: 721.99
Thyroglobulin Antibody (ATG), serum by CMIA: Above 1000.

Is thyroid the cause of hair fall and skin dryness as well? What can I do to control it?
doctor
Answered by Dr. R.G. Joshi (1 hour later)
Hi XXXXXXX
Hair fall is common in both hypothyroid and hyperthyroidism.

Raised or decreased level of thyroid increases androgenic hormone in hair follicles. This causes arrest in growth of hair follicle leading to hair fall.

Hair loss in thyroid is similar to male pattern baldness.

Thyroid treatments only will not help to revert this hair fall and minoxidil is required in such cases. A 2% lotion of minoxidil is sufficient. Application method: 1 ml at nighttime. A dropper is provided with pack.

You will also need to take biotin and iron supplements .It will help in regaining hair strength.

Treatment is prolonged and you need to keep patience. In initial phase there may be more hair loss and 2 to 3 months will be required to get results.

Dry skin is also related with thyroid. All you need is a good moisturizer and a gentle soap like dove.

I hope this will solve your query. If you have any concerns, I will be happy to help you. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. R.G. Joshi (4 hours later)
Thanks a lot for your advice Dr. XXXXXXX I wish I had written in earlier!

Just a couple of more questions:

Is minoxidil and OTC lotion? Does it need to be applied everyday?

Also, could you recommend a biotin and iron supplement? Again, are these OTC medicines?

doctor
Answered by Dr. R.G. Joshi (34 minutes later)
Hello,

Thanks for follow up.

Minoxidil is now available on counters. You need to purchase a solution containing 2 g in 100 ml.(Not 5 g in 100 ml)

Minoxidil should be applied daily preferably at night.Read manual properly before application.

Biotin and iron supplements are available separately on counter ,but it will be better if you take a combination tablet containing biotin,calcuim pantothenate and iron. You will need a prescription for it.

The brand which I usually prescribe to my pateints with hair loss is Xtraglow tablets(sun pharma).

It is advisable to take tablets under the guidance of your doctor.You need to continue tablets for 2 to 3 months.

I hope this can solve your query.In case of any concerns feel free to ask.

Take care.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. R.G. Joshi

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 733 Questions

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Experiencing Hair Fall And Hair Thinning And Skin Becoming Very Dry. Have Hypothyroidism. Related?

Hi XXXXXXX
Hair fall is common in both hypothyroid and hyperthyroidism.

Raised or decreased level of thyroid increases androgenic hormone in hair follicles. This causes arrest in growth of hair follicle leading to hair fall.

Hair loss in thyroid is similar to male pattern baldness.

Thyroid treatments only will not help to revert this hair fall and minoxidil is required in such cases. A 2% lotion of minoxidil is sufficient. Application method: 1 ml at nighttime. A dropper is provided with pack.

You will also need to take biotin and iron supplements .It will help in regaining hair strength.

Treatment is prolonged and you need to keep patience. In initial phase there may be more hair loss and 2 to 3 months will be required to get results.

Dry skin is also related with thyroid. All you need is a good moisturizer and a gentle soap like dove.

I hope this will solve your query. If you have any concerns, I will be happy to help you. Take care.