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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Hair Loss While On Levothyroxine?

I am a 70 year old female with hypothyroidism. I take 100 mg of Levothroxine daily. My Dr has increased my dosage 3 times in the past 2 years, but I still have a lower tsh reading than ideal. I have begun losing some hair and my hair is thinner than ever before. Could the disease or the medication cause hair thinning ? I know my age affects hair thinning to some degree, but I m worried when I see too many strands coming out daily. I would appreciate your opinion on this. thanks
Thu, 18 May 2017
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi, thank you for your query at Helathcare Magic...

Yes, in some cases, hair loss is one of the Levothyroxine's side effects. Actually, not all the patients experience this. However, advanced age can be one factor that aggravate the adverse effects.

Hair loss is generally a part of the body's natural reaction that does not endanger health.
Losing 100 strands of hair per day is still considered normal, but if excessive it would be a problem.

There are several medical conditions that cause hair loss for example:
1. High DHT hormone (dihydrotestoteron)
-The hair becomes thinner and quickly fall off the roots
-Often in men causing androgenetic alopecia.
2. Nutrition is not good
3. Effect of drugs including chemotherapy

Things you can do at home:
-Do not wash too often, preferably 2 days or once a day (if necessary)
-Use shampoo containing ginseng, panthenol, and other ingredients that can strengthen the roots of hair and avoid massage too hard when shampooing
- Do not pull, twist, and tie the hair too strong
- Do not comb your hair when the hair is wet
- Use a toothed comb that rarely and comb from the bottom first
- Reduce hair care with chemicals and electronic products
- Live a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy foods, adequate rest, and regular exercise
- Manage stress well

If the hair loss reaches an alarming level, I recommend that you consult with your treating doctor or a dermatologist to determine the exact cause and appropriate therapy.

Thank you and take care.
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What Causes Hair Loss While On Levothyroxine?

Hi, thank you for your query at Helathcare Magic... Yes, in some cases, hair loss is one of the Levothyroxine s side effects. Actually, not all the patients experience this. However, advanced age can be one factor that aggravate the adverse effects. Hair loss is generally a part of the body s natural reaction that does not endanger health. Losing 100 strands of hair per day is still considered normal, but if excessive it would be a problem. There are several medical conditions that cause hair loss for example: 1. High DHT hormone (dihydrotestoteron) -The hair becomes thinner and quickly fall off the roots -Often in men causing androgenetic alopecia. 2. Nutrition is not good 3. Effect of drugs including chemotherapy Things you can do at home: -Do not wash too often, preferably 2 days or once a day (if necessary) -Use shampoo containing ginseng, panthenol, and other ingredients that can strengthen the roots of hair and avoid massage too hard when shampooing - Do not pull, twist, and tie the hair too strong - Do not comb your hair when the hair is wet - Use a toothed comb that rarely and comb from the bottom first - Reduce hair care with chemicals and electronic products - Live a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy foods, adequate rest, and regular exercise - Manage stress well If the hair loss reaches an alarming level, I recommend that you consult with your treating doctor or a dermatologist to determine the exact cause and appropriate therapy. Thank you and take care.