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51 Year Old, Went On HCG Diet. Started Losing Hair. Got The Thyroid Test Result. Does HCG Injection Cause Problems?

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Posted on Thu, 5 Jul 2012
Question: I'm a 51 year old female who went on the HCG injection diet July 2011. My hair fell out in clumps. The naturopathic dr. who put me on the diet had tested my thyroid function prior to the diet,results were 7.18, unfortunately received after I'd been on HCG for 2 weeks and started losing my hair. I consulted my primary physician who found subclinical TSH 4.30. I was prescribed armour thyroid 30 mg tab. once a day. One month later, hair began to grow back, the weight I'd gained the year prior I lost and regained energy (I'm 5'4.5" and always 116 went up to 134 although same diet). Rechecked at 3 months showed normal TSH of 1.9. Then experienced hair loss again requested thyroid panel. During my annual physical in March, physician saw low T4 and added 25 mcg synthroid. No improvement I consulted with endocrinologist and learned my TSH even on the meds. was 7.60 at test done 01/10/12 and free thyroxine 0.5. I have a high DHEA of 6.750 . Other significant blood report is that although my period stopped at age 47 12/25/07, (I'm now 51) my FSH was 8 still in follicular phase on 05/01/09. I don't have an enlarged thyroid, no lactation, belly is not tender but I think bloated. My grandmother had an ovarian cyst at age 60 and a goiter in her 60's. Endocrinologist has ordered tests to all the endocrine glands for cushings, cortisol (adrenal) levels, pituitary plus ovarian function. My question is could taking the HCG injections have exacerbated some underlying problem such as an ovarian cyst or tumour on the adrenals or pituitary?
I like to be prepared and somewhat educated when it comes to my healthcare.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (2 hours later)
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The HCG injections that you are taking are not likely to have any effect on your adrenal gland or pituitary function. It is just a coinciedence that the hormonal disturbance was detected while you were on hcg injections.
The hair fall that you are having is likely to be due to dietary deficiency secondary to the dietary restrictions you are following to lose weight. This must have been aggravated by a decreased thyroid hormone levels in the body. Yu can add iron and multivitamin supplements to your diet to prevent further hair loss.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal

OBGYN

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 14039 Questions

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51 Year Old, Went On HCG Diet. Started Losing Hair. Got The Thyroid Test Result. Does HCG Injection Cause Problems?

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The HCG injections that you are taking are not likely to have any effect on your adrenal gland or pituitary function. It is just a coinciedence that the hormonal disturbance was detected while you were on hcg injections.
The hair fall that you are having is likely to be due to dietary deficiency secondary to the dietary restrictions you are following to lose weight. This must have been aggravated by a decreased thyroid hormone levels in the body. Yu can add iron and multivitamin supplements to your diet to prevent further hair loss.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.