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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Hair Loss After Taking High Doses Of Levothyroxine?

My doc increased my levothyroxine dosage from .1 to 1.5. I m taking calcium but did not know until I filled the new Rex that I shouldn t mix calcium with the levothyroxine. Now I wait 4 hrs between. My hair has started to fall out. Is that a sign of too much levothyroxine?
Thu, 10 Nov 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.

Increased dose of Levothyroxine appears to be responsible for the hair loss.

I would suggest you repeat a thyroid profile to see that the dose of Levothyroxine you are currently on is sufficient and appropriate.

The dosage should be adjusted in such a way to maintain the TSH level in the range of 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L. The thyroid profile should be monitored six to eight weeks for any dosage change.

If the hair loss continue to occur even after adjusting the dose of Levothyroxine, you may need to use Minoxidil solution on the affected area of the scalp.

If taken together Calcium can decrease the absorption of Levothyroxine from the intestine thus decreasing the its effects.

You should separate the administration of Levothyroxine and Calcium carbonate by at least 4 hours.

Hope these answer your query.


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What Causes Hair Loss After Taking High Doses Of Levothyroxine?

Hi & Welcome. Increased dose of Levothyroxine appears to be responsible for the hair loss. I would suggest you repeat a thyroid profile to see that the dose of Levothyroxine you are currently on is sufficient and appropriate. The dosage should be adjusted in such a way to maintain the TSH level in the range of 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L. The thyroid profile should be monitored six to eight weeks for any dosage change. If the hair loss continue to occur even after adjusting the dose of Levothyroxine, you may need to use Minoxidil solution on the affected area of the scalp. If taken together Calcium can decrease the absorption of Levothyroxine from the intestine thus decreasing the its effects. You should separate the administration of Levothyroxine and Calcium carbonate by at least 4 hours. Hope these answer your query.