Levothyroxine & Hair Loss - 3 CAUSES + HOW TO STOP IT
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- Опубликовано: 16 июл 2024
- Suffering from levothyroxine hair loss? Levothyroxine is KNOWN to cause hair loss in several different ways. If you are taking levothyroxine and suffering from hair fall then this is the video for you.
Levothyroxine is the #1 most commonly prescribed thyroid medication for hypothyroidism and low thyroid. But what you may not realize is that it can have many different side effects including hair loss.
Figuring out what causes hair loss can be difficult as a thyroid patient because your thyroid can contribute as well as your thyroid medication.
Use this guide to help you find the root cause of your hair loss so you can finally regrow your hair.
3 ways levothyroxine causes hair loss:
#1. Your levothyroxine dose is too high.
What you may not realize is that hyperthyroidism can lead to hair loss and taking TOO much levothyroxine can cause hyperthyroidism. Check your TSH and free T3/Free t4 levels if you think this may be happening to you. If it is, you will see a drop in your TSH, and an elevation in your free T4 levels. You may also experience the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
#2. Your levothyroxine dose is too low.
Next, your dose may simply be too low. If your dose is too low then you are still suffering from hypothyroidism and low thyroid can CAUSE hair loss as well. If this is happening to you then you will see a RISE in your TSH and a DROP in your free t3 and free T4 levels.
#3. Your hair loss is directly caused by levothyroxine.
Lastly, levothyroxine ITSELF can cause hair loss regardless of your dose. Don't worry, though, because there is a solution! All you need to do is switch to a different type of thyroid medication to see if that medication causes the same issue. As you swap through thyroid medications you will find one that works for you and does NOT cause hair loss.
Download my free thyroid resources here (including hypothyroid symptoms checklist, the complete list of thyroid lab tests + optimal ranges, foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, and more): www.restartmed.com/start-here/
Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:
- Supplements that everyone with hypothyroidism needs: bit.ly/3tekPej
- Supplement bundle to help reverse Hashimoto's: bit.ly/3gSY9eJ
- Supplements for those without a thyroid and for those after RAI: bit.ly/3tb36nZ
- Supplements for active hyperthyroidism: bit.ly/3t70yHo
See ALL of my specialized supplements including protein powders, thyroid supplements, and weight loss products here:
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Want more from my blog? I have more than 400+ well-researched blog posts on thyroid management, hormone balancing, weight loss, and more. See all blog posts here:
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Disclaimer:
Dr. Westin Childs received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Childs is no longer practicing medicine and does not hold an active medical license so he can focus on helping people through videos, blog posts, research, and supplement formulation. To read more about why he is no longer licensed please see this page: www.restartmed.com/what-happe...
This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's
It is weird that every doctor I go to refuses to say the hair loss is from levothyroxine. They always want to blame it on something else and the conversation ends there and I am unable to explore other options. I lost more than half of my hair since I started levothyroxine. I noticed the hair loss immediately while taking a shower. I am extremely discouraged.
My hair loss began almost immediately after taking levothyroxine, and my primary doctor said that it would get better after my body adjusts to it. I was on it for 3 years and it never got better. I had to beg my regular doctor to let me visit a thyroid doctor 2 years ago. I have been on 3 different thyroid medications and my hair loss has gotten worse rather than better. It’s awful now. Every time I take a shower and wash my hair tons and tons of my hair comes out. My hair is all over everything. I have told so many doctors that it was never like this before I started taking medication and they always tell me it will get better and it doesn’t. I’ve lost more hair in the last year than I probably have the last 5 years I’ve been on medication. If I didn’t have such thick hair I’m pretty sure I would be almost bald. I’m currently on levoxyl and though my thyroid levels are normal and I feel much better energy wise, I’m dealing with brutal hair loss.
@@veryfungamesawesome same story!!
Same here!!! I’m saddened :(
For 25yrs I'm blaming hyporthyroid for my hairloss.now i know it must be d thyroid med also😭
Wen i asked endocrinologists abt my hairloss they used to ignore,say not due to hypo,& worse refer me to dermatologist who did nothing n charged a lot!
Show!! Thanks, Dr. Westin!!
Thanks for this doc 👍
Thank you for explaining hair loss and thyroxine.
I did not know that Levothyroxine would make my hair fall out . Was going to trim my hair and once I combed it , I was really troubled at what I saw . I will definitely bring this subject up on my next appointment . You just take for granted that doctors know best . My hair used to be very nice and full . I would order your vitamins but think I should see what's going on first .
Dr Childs, are you available for an online consultation please? Thank you!
My thyroid was irradiated into oblivion after endocrinologist diagnosed hyperthyroidism. Most of my hair fell out and I had severe muscle pain to the point I could not walk due to taking levothyroxine and Synthroid. I finally refused to take it and now take Armour Thyroid. My hair loss has slowed greatly and my muscle aches are much better.
What ? I have trouble worse than ever before walking . The medication could cause this ? I think all doctors care about are their pockets and greed . They never help us . Should I stop taking this drug ? I hope you get to feeling better and best of luck to you . Seems like we're not the only ones with these issues .
I have all those symptoms and I'm on the medication.
Thanks for the info
Just found this video and commenting to let you know how thankful I am! The information here is precious for my case as recently I started taking 50mg of levothyroxine. I addressed the issue of hairloss with my doctor, it basically worsened once I started taking it. He however recommended me testing for lack of vitamin D, B12 and so on, while stating that the medication is not causing the hairloss. Now I checked my latest TSH and T3 levels and as you explained, the dose appears to be too high. I guess I have to take a lower dose now.. and perhaps consult with another professional. Thanks again for the useful insights!
Drs. lie and skirt the issue. Went thru same .
Sounds fine to you. My endocrinologist will only see me once a year. How does anything get fixed with those kind of time frames? Besides last time he told me levothyroxine and synthroid were all there is. Great
Hi Dr. Childs. I just want to sincerely appreciate all your excellent videos and posts. Thank you so much for everything and the great information. You are a true lifesaver🌹
Glad to help!
Thanks!
Hello. Thank you for all you do. Is there any way you can turn on your CC? Thank you 😁👍
Thanks 🙏
Hi Dr Childs, Thank you so much for sharing it. I had thyroid surgery it was thyroid cancer, i've been having hair loss for several months, it began before the surgery. It significantly noticed after hair dyed. I shaved my hair and it's growing back but the bald spots are still the same. What can i do? i don't think it causes of levthyroxine because it happened before taking it. I had taken japanese algae 30sh daily for 5 monts before the surgery. I'm assuming that i had too much selenium because of algae. What do you think?
Dr. Childs,
I've been seeing numerous physicians and no one with as much valuable expertise as you. In some of your videos you are mentioning patients from different parts of the world who are being treated by you. I live in North Carolina and I know you could be the one to save my life. I'm struggling with hypothyroidism which is being treated with Levothyroxine. It's not helping but making my health condition worse in a number of ways including hair loss, weight gain, loss of libido to name a few. All the medical professionals I've seen are telling me my thyroid levels are being controlled by Levothyroxine just fine and they refuse to look more closely into my individual case. Please, advise me on how I could have a privilege of becoming one of your patients. Greatly appreciate what you do by making your knowledge available to the public!
-Julie
Hello...did He ever replied back to you?
Hello...did He ever replied back to you?
God , this makes me so angry . Doctors don't listen . They're not always right .
I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism when I was 19. I’m now 24 and am seeing a doctor for treatment. Before I was diagnosed, I didn’t lose as much hair as I do now, but I did lose a lot. The rapid hair loss began when I started taking Levothyroxine. I’m currently on Levoxyl and though I’m feeling a lot better than I did on levothyroxine, my hair loss got worse. I have a few bald spots it’s so bad. Luckily I inherited thick hair from both my parents or else I probably would have hardly any hair left. I don’t know what to do because other than the hair loss I’m feeling good on my current medication, my rapid weight gain stopped and I’m finally losing weight, now I’m dealing with brutal hair loss. I see my doctor in a few days so hopefully I will find a solution.
Try using MSM sulfur, if you are not allergic to sulfa supplements or drugs. I have been using supplement and my hair is thick and grows at a faster rate than otherwise. I am 70.
I had a goiter at 20 yrs. old My hair was falling out by the hands full. And I was very exhausted and had always been real active. Iam now 75 yrs old and have been on synthroid for 55 yrs. My doctor put me on that drug and I could not take it. My heart fluttered and I did not feel well. I have Hasimotos thyroid disease. Synthroid is very exspensive,but it works for me.
Thank you! I have Hashimotos for past 30 years or so. I'm 54. On Levo and Liothyronin and post menopause. In last year and a half been losing alot more hair. My T3 and T4 1.0 are in good range. But now my TSH is .08. In hyper? That is with skipping 2 doses of levothroxine per week. My doc doesn't know. I'm trying to find functional med doc but they are full. Any suggestions I would much appreciate. I am going to purchase your multi vitamins for Thyroid. Can't think of name right now. But that is on my list for next paycheck
If say it is Levothyroxine causing hair loss, how does it cause it , what makes it cause hair loss ?
Thanks
I am taking T4 50- T3 35 SR with 15 mcg of Liothyronine, as my T3 was 2.0 , I am still losing my hair and my nails still won’t grow should I lower my T4 ? I am really tired of all this it’s so hard to continue to add on 5 mcg every few weeks , in addition to my compound. I appreciate your insight. 🙏 thank you
mr. childs,
in your website you recommend pure T3 to lower rT3 as it blocks the release of T4 which would be converted to rT3.
You say this takes several weeks to achieve. My question to you is this would eating cruciferous vegetables accelerate the decrease in rT3?
the logic behind it is this: cruciferous vegetables block the absorption of iodine which the body uses to produce T4. so reducing the production of T4 by eating cruciferous vegetables and taking T3 would in theory make it more effective, dont you think?
I would like to know, but no doctor could help. I fluctuate roughly between TSH 1.0 - 2.4. I thought my dose was too high, but I don’t really have any other symptoms than the hair (hair is getting thinner towards the ends and new/shorter hair is also falling out) and skin problems (chin area mild acne). I’m taking 75, but recently switched to l-thyroxine (German version), since in France we had some problems with the new levothyroxine formula. Hopefully that will bring some changes. I’ve noticed a change in my hair in 2014.
Where is your practice located? Are you accepting new patients at this time?
Also, with liothyronine!!!!
Dr. Mayur my hair keeps thinning , is brittle and falls off on the back and on the front and side hair lines. What will stop this?
Any tips help miracles
Just listened to a lady who was losing hair until her doctor figured out that it was the dye in her medication. She switched her to a dose that had no dyes (but she had to take a higher dose) and the problem resolved itself.
What was the medication that caused it what brand?
@@Stal-Disc I actually don't know. I wonder if a pharmacist would know.
Hello Dr can I take levotherixine and finasteride? Since I started on levotherixine my hair starts falling
I take levo .88 and tamoxifen.. I hope once I stop taking tamoxifen my hair will grow more quicker, it seems like it doesn't right now..thoughts?
I always feel pain in my chest after taking cytomel is that normal ?? ،،،i have been taking cytomel for around 2 months now
My mother has symptoms of hyper but her test results show hypo.
Is this Hashimoto’s?
My thyroid was normal until I started Keytruda. Now my TSH is over 100. I just started growing my hair back following chemotherapy and it is really thick and curly. I just started levothyroxine and wondered how soon my hair loss will begin 😥🤪🥴
I have blood work constantly. I'm almost 60 been diagnosed in taking meds since I was 20 - 30 I finally got me diagnose and I've lost over like 80% of my hair discouraged and sad
😯 It is hard isnt it. Why are we only getting this information now? I find it so hard watching them and it makes me feel even worse. I am trying to book into see other Drs who are more up with things.
Dr Westin Childs I have hyperthyroid and Grave disease ,I have hair fall I take medication carbimazole 2 tablet everyday struggle sleeping during night fatigue .
I have low thyroid and the doctor ordered me levothyroxine and now I am experiencing hair loss which medications can I take that do the same job instead of levothyroxine?
Hi Dr I use Eltroxin not levothyroxine . I don't have thyroid glands my left and right glands were removed but I'm suffering from hair loss how do I fix it
I wish you were in Ontario Canada. You sound like you are up to date on evidence based medicine
I wish you would do a video on people who are doing T3 only as all forms of T4 make them very sick. As per Paul Robinsons T3 only protocol (recovering with T3)
I will add it to the list of future videos.
Is this the same exact thing for if you’re taking np thyroid?
Hi dr .I m hypothyroidism patient. My age is 35 . I would like to know is there any hair supplement for hair thinning in hypothyroidism.plz recommend any hair supplement. My hair goes very thin n dry. I m women .
Hi, thank you for all the time you spend helping others.
Would you be able to give any advice on treating my thyroid?
I'm in Scotland and have been purchasing very expensive armor thyroid from America for the past 13 years. I am now retired and cannot afford to purchase armor thyroid and they won't prescribe it in the UK.
Initially, I was prescribed Levothyroxine but it did nothing for me and I had zero energy, which led me to independent research finding armor thyroid.
Initially, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroid and stupidly took corrective radiotherapy treatment which destroyed all my thyroid.
Would LED or Low level light therapy help with our hair loss if your levels are evened out? I’ve lost so much hair after being on too much T3.
There is no medical proof that light therapy grows hair.
I wish you would address sleep issues that thyroid medications cause. I haven't had a solid nights sleep since being on Thyroid medication.
Have you checked your cortisol level? I managed to lower it and I sleep now
I can’t sleep without taking sleeping pills and melatonin and I believe it’s because of my thyroid. I would love to know why also.
Same here
I hope you can answer my question. I had thyroidectomy in August 2020. I was put on 112.5 levothyroxine. Ever since then my hair has been shedding, thinning and shortening. It is getting worst and worst every month. What should I tell the doctor? Im afraid of being put on a medication that includes Pig and I am anti-Pig for religious reasons. What do you know about the natural thyroid solutions that are sold at the health food store? I am thinking about trying one of them and ordering an online test to see if they work. What do you think about that?
Pigs are nasty . They put pig plasma in dog and cat food . Now our pets/family are sick too . Even in the bible God says not to eat it . Hope you get help , and if you do share with us what you did to recover .
I was off my levothyroxine for about two months and I experienced the fatigue, weight gain, extreme puffiness around eyes etc. but my hair loss stopped completely. Two to three weeks after getting back on the medication my symptoms stopped but I started experiencing hair loss. Is it the medication causing it? I am so confused and just tired of dealing with this!
I've lost over 50% of my hair and multiple other symptoms from levothyroxine and NP thyroid. I have graves and hashimotos (according to drs.) I've commented on your videos, email you. I understand you can't respond to every single person, is there a way to get in contact with you? I've had all blood work you recommend in videos, tried multiple different options you present in videos not only with hair loss, weight gain, extreme exhaustion etc. I don't want to put every detail on here.. but if there's a way to contact u, pls less me know.
We only have Levothyroxine in Costa Rica, it’s very frustrating 😞
Same here in the UK 🙄
Was on 50 mg. of this.Told Dr. of loss of hair.Asked,to change Meds.said there was no option ? Now on 25 mg. still lots of loss.Woud,like to get off it. Stress , trauma, lifestyle, etc etc. causes alot of this imbalance,in Thyroid it seems.Is this why this problem is on the rise ?
I’m taking 100mcg levothroxine my test results just came in 3.25 please advise me?
Does Armour Thyroid cause hair loss too? You are a great thyroid doctor.
Yes, it can.
Yes! I experienced hair loss with both Naturethroid and NP NDT. My Dr. just switched me to Levo.
@@cindybatka7186 happened to me, too. Have you stopped losing so much hair?
I have been on Armour for about 10 years. All blood tests are within range. Still hair is so thin, you can see my scalp. Tried many growth shampoo... nothing helped.
I tried a T3 T4 blend from the compounding pharmacy from male clinic That I have been using and my hair started Denning and falling out when I would wash it and brush it or run my hands through it. It freaked me out and I stopped taking it immediately this is about eight months ago and my hair is still thinning and the rate at which it was falling out has slow down exponentially but my hair is still somewhat thin and before I started taking it I had a thick head of great hair. it still has me freaked out and I want to get my hair back to how it was before, before I try another thyroid medicine.
Muchos culpan a la tiroides por la caida de cabello. Pero la realidad es que los mismos medicamentos estan provocando caida de cabello.
Yo en 2017 empece a tomar paroxetina
Antes de eso tenia un cabello abundante y grueso
Mediante pasaba los años he ido notando su debilitamiento y no creia parejo.
Este año lo deje hace dos meses y mis padres me dicen que ven mejoria en la zona mas afectada.
Leí que esto tarda varios meses en recuperarse.
My doctor gave me evion 200 tablets for 30 days after concerning him with hair-loss after 1.5 months starting levo
Hello Dr.Childs, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 5 years, three years ago it was explained that what I have is Hashimoto. I have been taking levothyroxine since my first diagnosis. And since my first diagnosis, I have been losing hair. Anywho, does this video also relate to those with Hashimoto?
Yes, you can also see this post for more information on that topic as well: www.restartmed.com/thyroiditis-hair-loss/
@@drwestinchilds where is your office located
Would this be the same with desiccated thyroid? The TSH being high or low?
I read 5 percent of ppl on desiccated thyroid experience hair loss.
I'm in the UK and currently have graves disease and on carbimozol and lost all my hair
I feel so sorry for you, Get on FB and look for a group called The Attuned Thyroid, you can post your blood results on there and they may be able to help you or guide you to another suitable page in the UK. Wishing you all the best.
Dr. Westin Childs..Im on 6 mcg. for 1 month so far. Dr. knocked me down to that. Was wondering , MYhair is like 3/4 th gone I AM ICHING ON MY SCALP AND HEAD SO BAD. Does levothyroxine cause this awful iching PLEASE?????
It shouldn't cause itching but it's always possible.
I say it does depending on the manufacturer. I have the same problem and im angry, i feel like we are being poisened.
DR C. I do have chronic hair loss. I justbswitched to Tirosint but I thought my hair loss increased after increasing liothyronine have any thoughts?
@shelleace Krolczyk Yes! It did with me also! It does with a certain percentage of people, independent of dose. Also, it will happen if the dose is too high or if you have an adrenal/cortisol problem! The T3 will pool and not enter the cells. It is contraindicated in people with adrenal fatigue.
@@IceSk8Princessa12 unbelievable never was advised or tested for an adrenal issue.
Increase in Levo...my hair is again falling out.
@@lindapowell2397 Me either and I told my Dr that I have an adrenal issue and Cytomel is contraindicated. He just thought my dose was too high, which it was but it even happened on his low dose! I refuse to try it a third time until my adrenals are addressed! I have no more hair that I can afford to sacrifice!
I thought this was a helpful video until I saw #3.
Oh yeah in the Jordy 99% of the time I've been on Synthroid 75 can't do generic has to be Synthroid
I'm taking 10mg of methimazole once a day for 1 month before I was taking 3 a day for 4 months,and I am having hair loss. Could this medication be causing hair loss?
Yes!!!
Hi Dr. I have a question hope you can respond back. I feel like my levothyroxine is causing my hair to fall out more now than before. My doctor says my lab work is good but my hair is so thin that I can't even style it anymore so I thought maybe it's the dye in the medication so I switched to the white pill and I take two to make 100 mcg. Then I started noticing a tiny ball spot at the left tip of my forehead it didn't get bigger but then started noticing my hair thinning towards the right of my forehead it's so thin you can see my scalp and I feel like its just keeps getting worse can you please help!!!
Dear Maricela, have you managed to cope with the problem? Lots of love to you. ❤️
Are you currently taking patients? My current doctors are refusing to try other types of medication despite the fact that my dosage is fine. My hair loss is so severe and it just won’t stop 😣
I am not but you can use this resource to help you find someone: www.restartmed.com/how-to-find-a-doctor-to-treat-your-thyroid/
My T3 and t4 is normal but my ths is 7.3 and my doctor recommended me 25mg of levothyroxine. Does that cause hair loss?
Yes
So I had a phone appointment with my endocrinologist today and I am feeling so defeated. I was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer and had a full removal of my thyroid in 2011. I have all the symptoms of Hypothyroidism: weight gain, exhaustion, hair loss, muscle cramps, brain fog, high cholesterol (I'm 36 years old.) I'm on levothyroxine.
I am currently on my last straw. The last 2 years have been hell when it comes to whatever is going on with my body.
Today I talked to my doctor and I brought up trying a medication that has T3 in it. Her response was "there is not enough research when it comes to introducing a T3 medication to a patient that has had thyroid cancer. I am looking out for your health and I cannot and will not ever prescribe you a T3 medication."
So my question to you is, what do I do now? What do you do if you can't find a doctor that will let you try T3 with your T4? My doctor is ordering a free T3 test with my bloodwork (thankfully I was able to convince her to do that) but she made it perfectly clear that whatever the results are she will not prescribe me a T3 medication.
Los doctores en su mayoria no ayudan en nada mas que darnos fármacos que no ayudan.
Busca los videos de frank suares y el muestra las hormonas t4 y t3 natural que se venden en EE.UU.
Creo que eso deberia ayudarte
Im just going to have to buy a wig
Can too low T3 cause hair loss?
Yes.
Basically dammed if you do, dammed if you don't then.....
I see why you would say that but I don't think that's entirely true.
I take 150 mcg levothyroxine... I lost ALL of my hair between April and Dec of last year. Meds have not been switched.. T3 & t4 haven't been checked.. its hard to find a provider who is available to put the time in to help their patients due to being so busy. I say this bc I have worked in the medical field for many years. However, being a female and losing every hair on your body is quite depressing
WOW THAT IS WAY TOO MUCH TO BE ON. I THINK 25 MCG IS MAX FOR PEEPS BUT NOT SURE.
What if I stop taking levothyroxine? I feel no difference taking meds and not taking them. I have noticed my hair loss increase for the past few months and I have been on levo since 2015.
You wouldn't want to get off of it without physician supervision but it may be the right move.
Please come to teach Australian doctors about this . They are far behind
Damn right.
Gps are not interested they look right through me as if I'm a time waster
How does coffee affect thyroid issues?
@Juicy Smollieh I was just looking back through his videos and didn't see it. Thanks. I'll just have to look back further
Reduces thyroid medication absorption and directly inhibits thyroid hormone production.
@@drwestinchilds my endo changed my Levo to a different manufacture. My Tsh level was 8.5 when back in December was .56. I am so sick and tired of this ups and down of my tsh. Why is this happening? Why?
@@drwestinchilds If coffee affects the absorption of thyroxine then would i be correct in thinking it is the caffeine in the coffee and that in fact having a cup of tea might do the same thing? If so, how long after taking my tablet would I need to wait before having a cup of tea or is it better to avoid it completely and just stick with water?
@@drwestinchilds So,if ths is a symptom of Caffeine .Why, do they not know more of side effects of Levo and Hair loss.Maybe, tell people not to drink coffee, never was mentioned.
I wish I could have you as my doctor . Pleassseeee? I will be your best friend😊
You speak too fast . Difficult to understand.
Slow down the playback speed :)
I had COVID that lasted a good 10 days. I thought I was fine until I started to notice a loss of more hair than normal. After doing some research, I am realizing it’s from the stress my body went through during that time period and also the shampoo I had been using. So I began doing meditation, yoga everyday and changed my shampoo and conditioner to littleextrraa coooconion anti hair fall kit. And now i dont face any hair fall.
Thanks for this video! I feel so much more at peace.
I take 75mg of levothyroxin and I am suffering from severe hair loss. What are my options. Please advise.