Thyroid problems & hair

[caress]

I think I may have an overactive thyroid. The last time I visited my doctor she said that it was slightly enlarged but when the tests results came in I was told that everything was within normal range. I’m still a bit worried because that doesn’t change the fact that my thyroid is enlarged. I also did not like some things about my last doctors’ visit. It was my first visit with this doctor and she didn’t act as professional as I would have liked.

Anyway, I was looking up information about the thyroid and I found that having an enlarged thyroid can cause hair to become fine or it can cause hair loss. My hair has gotten thinner and finer and I do have some of the other symptoms listed. I’d like to know if anyone has had problems with their thyroid. How were you treated? How did it affect your hair? Did your hair get thicker?

Do you guys think I should have more tests done, maybe a second opinion?

caress19126

 

[sweetcocoa]

I had an overactive thyroid(also enlarged) removed when I was 16 years old. Since I don't have a thyroid I have to replace it what it does medicaly. When I don't get enough I'm underaticve(gain weight). I was diagonosed 4 months ago as now being overactive...either way it definetley causes your hair to be dry, thin out and shed(it effects your other hormones when one is out of balance.) I was told to cut back on my dosage of medication and my last test 2 weeks ago says I'm back in the normal range. Get a 2nd opinion...better yet...insist you see an endocrinologist(which is whom I'm seeing now...she overrides what ever my regular Doc says..which is fine with me...because I feel like he didn't know what he was talking about). It's very important you get another opinion and more thorough(there are several different ones) tests done because not only does your hair and skin suffer...but you heart does too(palpitations when your thyroid is pruducing too much thyxoin). If you want email me and I give you more info about this tomorrow.

 

[sweetcocoa]

I don't agree with that (about synthroid). I believe that is an individual thing cause I've taken synthroid since I was 16 (I'm now 47). I've had long hair all my life(except when I chopped it all off for the Halle look some years back)and as you can see in my pics I am not suffering from hair loss. What works for one person may or may not for another...the same as when it comes to our hair. But this really should be under 'off topics'.

 

[vevster]

Thyroid problems are really complex. You have the T3, T4 and other factors that can be measured. Sometimes doctors take shortcuts. Definitely find a GOOD endocrinologist and get tested. You may have an adrenal problem instead of thyroid.

I know a woman that has a thyroid and she has a weight AND she is balding..her hair is really thin.

 

[sweetcocoa]

I agree with you 100%. Most physicians just run the standard tests and go by just the 'numbers' and don't take into account your symptoms and how you are feeling...you know your body better that anyone else. I insisted on seeing an endocrinologist and I'm glad I did. Like Vester said...there are so many tests(plus it may be another gland such as adrenal, pituitary...even estrogen and progesterone can affect how your thyroid functions). Most 'regular 'docs only do the 't4 free' and stop at that. Either ways wether you are over or under active you will have hair and weight problems until they get in under control.

 

[Honi]

I agree on seeing a specialist. They go a little further than just measuring T4, T3 and TSH. They may test you with something called radioactive iodine to see how much uptake there is. There are many drugs on the market that are used to treat an overactive thyroid (depending on the etiology) but keep in mind that they all have side effects and it will take some time to find the most appropriate dose.

 

[caress]

I just wanted to thank you all for your responses. This gives me some things to ask about when I go back for my check which will be ASAP. I'm definitely insist that I be tested again and more thoroughly. Also, I'll ask for a referral to an endocrinologist. If this is a thyroid problem it will explain a LOT and not just as it relates to my hair. Thanks again!

Oh also I posted this here because I specifically wanted to know has anyone had thyroid problems and had it affect their hair. I had planned to get a relaxer sometime later this month but I'm unsure about it now that my hair is thinner and finer than it used to be (which I'll bet has to do with my thyroid). What do you guys think?

 

[sweetcocoa]

I think it's a good idea to get this cleared up first. That way you are using the relaxer on 'healthy' hair and not hair that is already weak and may not be able to handle it. When I have hair(or weight) problems...that's the first thing I check into.