The Dr. Westin Childs Podcast

Levothyroxine & Hair Loss - 3 CAUSES + HOW TO STOP IT

03.14.2022 - By Dr. Westin ChildsPlay

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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): https://www.restartmed.com/start-here/

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:

https://www.restartmed.com/blog/

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: https://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

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