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Suggest Treatment For Severe Hair Loss While Suffering From Hypothyroidism
for the past 2 days i have basically been combing clumps of hair from my head... i have always had thick hair and this is worrisome.. I am a african american female, 59 yrs. old, mildly obese w hypertension (well controlled..) I do have a history of asthma, and hypothyroidism... my dose is being adjusted... i have had non worrisome lung nodules in the past.. but after about 3 yrs. of stable CT scans.. i was told really not needed any more... I also have chronic sinus issues...I have been seeing the same hairstylist for over 15 years and I do use a hair rinse and a hair relaxer every 6 to 8 weeks. I have never had any problems w hair loss prior to this.. Recent labs revealed an elevated Sed rate and Vitamin D was low. Now taking 50, 000 every 14 days.. my TSH was abnormal(working back up to 200mcg. but that has always been an up and down problem..Had a thyroidectomy over 12 years ago..My PCP also ordered a Serum and Protein Electrophoresis which came back negative...He has now ordered a low dose CT Scan and CT of the abdomen with contrast.. My family has a history of cancer, breast , colon, and my biological brother died 4 years ago of cancer called Fungoid Mycosis ? It was another name the specialst said but, i cannot remember it right now... My colonoscopy is up to date.. No polyps were found. Mammogram and GYN results were all ok and are up to date.. I guess I am looking to have my mind put to rest ... I am scared...
Tue, 26 Jun 2018
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Please, do not worry, hair loss is highly likely from uncontrolled thyroid hormones.
Thyroid hormone imbalance - either high or low hormone levels may cause hair loss. The hormones affect hair growth cycle therefore usually patients with thyroid diseases have diffuse hair loss. If thyroid hormone level in the body is controlled hair re-growth happens within several months.
After thyroidectomy (either partial or total) you should have optimal thyroid replacement therapy with levothyroxine. Thyroid hormones (T3, T4) should be monitored while you taking thyroid replacement therapy and the dose of levothyroxine should be adjusted to avoid over or undersubstitution after thyroidectomy.
Please, get thyroid hormone levels checked and levothyroxine dose adjusted with continuous monitoring of thyroid hormones levels.
Regarding cancer screening: you should have breast cancer screening (mammography) every 2 years until 75 years, cervical cancer screening (Pap smear) every 3 years until 65 years, and colorectal cancer screening (fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy) untill age 75. According to your risk factors your doctor may order additional screening tests.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thank you,
Malik Amonov MD
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Please, do not worry, hair loss is highly likely from uncontrolled thyroid hormones.
Thyroid hormone imbalance - either high or low hormone levels may cause hair loss. The hormones affect hair growth cycle therefore usually patients with thyroid diseases have diffuse hair loss. If thyroid hormone level in the body is controlled hair re-growth happens within several months.
After thyroidectomy (either partial or total) you should have optimal thyroid replacement therapy with levothyroxine. Thyroid hormones (T3, T4) should be monitored while you taking thyroid replacement therapy and the dose of levothyroxine should be adjusted to avoid over or undersubstitution after thyroidectomy.
Please, get thyroid hormone levels checked and levothyroxine dose adjusted with continuous monitoring of thyroid hormones levels.
Regarding cancer screening: you should have breast cancer screening (mammography) every 2 years until 75 years, cervical cancer screening (Pap smear) every 3 years until 65 years, and colorectal cancer screening (fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy) untill age 75. According to your risk factors your doctor may order additional screening tests.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thank you,
Malik Amonov MD
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