Levothyroxine and Hair Loss: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• December 10, 2011

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "If you are taking Synthroid and you are still depressed, overweight, or losing hair (all symptoms of hypothyroidism, which this drug treats) then your dose is still not high enough. If your doctor tells you that you are 'within the normal range,' switch doctors - if you are still having symptoms, then your dose should be higher. I have been on this medication for several years now and as long as I'm on the right dose, I feel fine. I know I need an adjustment when I start to get tired and depressed. Those are the two most obvious symptoms for me (as well as hair loss). I have used low-carb diets effectively (New Atkins for a New You is good - has a section for vegetarians) to lose the weight I had gained when my thyroid became inactive."

• Anonymous
• December 22, 2011

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I do not feel too much of a difference from before I had my thyroid removed. I do understand how so many people have such a wide variety of symptoms. I can say though that my weight is lower than ever, even my teenage years. My hair does seem to be thinner and cannot tolerate cold very much but that is pretty much it."

• Nat...
• February 25, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been on Levothyroxine for 30 years and never had issues until recently. I am having dizziness, nausea, I am exhausted all the time and have all kinds of 'hypothyroidism' symptoms while all along, my levels are fine. After doing some research, I find out that the makers have replaced one of the components (lactose) with 'mannitol' and 'citric acid' to prolong its shelf life. Look up the side effects of mannitol: dizziness, hair loss, nausea, tiredness...and here is our culprit: mannitol! In France, Merck had taken over the production of Levothyroxine and had changed its formula to mannitol: thousands of patients started getting sick. The government got involved due to the number of complaints about the side effects. Makers were asked to revert to the original formula with lactose, but then came out with Tirosint instead, which contains gelatin and glycerin instead of mannitol."

• Lbj...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 13, 2018

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I'm taking Synthroid - it's a horrible drug. I'm losing all my hair, headaches, insomnia, depression, fatigue, brain fog, etc. This drug sucks, I have no idea why doctors keep pushing this drug. I have a new insurance and doctor, hopefully, I can start taking Armour. If not, I have no idea what's to come."

• Pen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 3, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "After nature thyroid and Armour seemed to not be working, I was put on Tirosint by my endo. I felt great the first week or so, but since then I’ve had heart palpitations, fast heart rate, swollen legs and ankles, hair falling out, and in the short 2 months I’ve been on it, I put on 13 lbs. While all these symptoms were going on, my TSH was 0.20, which meant I was very hyperthyroid."

• che...
• October 10, 2011

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was on Armour Compound 90 mg for the last 2 years but started on the new Armour formula and had trouble with too much T3, which led to hyperthyroidism. My endocrinologist changed me to Tirosint, a gel cap form that is easy on the system. They are individually packaged, I don't know why. After a few weeks, I had a flare of hives, itching, and some hair loss, but now I seem to be doing great! I will be excited to test my blood work to see the levels in a few weeks. I am hoping it will help with my fertility."

• fer...
• September 4, 2009

For Underactive Thyroid "Before I started the medication, I had severe hair loss and fragile nails. I was tired and had no energy. A couple of weeks after taking the medicines, I started feeling energized, started to grow hair again, and my nails started to grow and became very strong. I love the medication. I am a 54-year-old woman and have had menopause for 2 years."

• Hap...
• June 13, 2016

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have been taking Levoxyl for 3 months, and my blood tests have gone down from 110 to 65. It's still not normal, still underactive thyroid. Half my hair has fallen out in the 3-month period. My stomach hurts, and the doctor said no Pepcid or antacids for 4 hours after taking the medication. My joints and muscles hurt all of the time, and I have insomnia. I think I may be adapting to the meds, as I no longer have to spend half the day in the bathroom. Diarrhea has lessened, but stomach cramps persist. I was just told I need to increase the Levoxyl to 0.75 mg. I'm terrified I may end up bald with an ulcer."

• Mis...
• August 29, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I was on name brand Synthroid from 2008 until 2019, my doctor switched me to Tirosint thinking that I would have less heart palpitations and better absorption. I was on 200 mcg of Synthroid, TSH was 0.01, I am now on 112 mcg of Tirosint with a TSH of 0.1. I gained a significant amount of weight, so my endo doctor added 5 mcg of T3, I have not lost any of the weight. Since starting Tirosint, my weight has increased from 116 lbs to 130-131. I exercise and move a lot and do watch what I eat, although I do allow sweets in moderation as I always have. I have also noticed an increase in hair loss, a lot of hair loss, and very dry hair, thankfully, I have thick hair, but the dryness is awful. Long story short, I don't believe Tirosint is the right medication for me as I have gained so much weight and lost a large amount of hair, even with the added T3, which didn't help to change the weight issues. I will be requesting to go back to name brand Synthroid with the added T3 to see if this helps."

• Mea...
• February 4, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Taking Levoxyl for about 6 months, and unfortunately not working for me. The stomach pain is unbearable at times and unpredictable. Hair loss, spasms, vivid dreams, headaches, that horrid brain fog. (Hashimoto causes hair loss, including the medication. Make sure your iron levels are optimal.) These are just a few of a long list of side effects. Took Synthroid for about 2 years, and it worked to some degree, but hair loss was a nightmare and the lactose coating was a no for me-continuous digestive issues. Digestive issues with Levoxyl is enough to get me to seek other treatment."

• Miz...
• October 27, 2014

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Had partial thyroid removal with benign tumor 30+ years ago, was OK until about 2 years ago and routine bloodwork showed low thyroid. After 2 years being OK on the medication, suddenly the thyroid levels are dropping again, hair falling out, skin is breaking out in itchy red welts, gaining weight, so Dr. upped the dosage. A couple of weeks on a higher dose I feel like I am 'wired' in high gear, can't sit still, talking to myself going in circles, and my hot flashes have really, really ramped up big time. Dr. says to give it at least 60, preferably 90 days to adjust, not sure I can hold out that long before stopping it. Hoping there is a better solution out there someplace."

• cat...
• January 7, 2017

For Underactive Thyroid "Been on levothyroxine for about 5 months. Initially 50 mcg. After about a week or two, I immediately felt better. 'Brain fog' was decreased, I felt a lot less tired, a lot less cold. Also, I lost a significant amount of weight (I put on a lot due to an undiagnosed autoimmune thyroiditis). I'd say the worst side effect of this is the massive hair loss initially, and my hair was tangled so easily. I am now on a maintenance dose of 100 mcg. Have bought myself a decent hairbrush and I feel a lot better."

• Anonymous
• August 21, 2012

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I have been on Synthroid now for 4 years. I wasn't able to take the generic Levothyroxine because it caused me high blood pressure. I was shocked to find out I had thyroid disease. My dosage continues to go up, I'm on 125 mcg now, and just had my TSH checked, and it's again on the low end (which I can tell because of fatigue, weight gain, hair loss). I demand my thyroid to be tested every 4 months. When it's in the middle of the 'normal' range is the only time I feel good!"

• NYA...
• October 7, 2015

For Underactive Thyroid "Diagnosed under active in July. Put on Lev 0.25. First two weeks, my knuckles were killing me on both the left and right hands. Up to three weeks, still had hair falling out. I have to say I'm on almost 90 days, and I lost weight, feel great, and my levels are normal. So far, so good!!!!"

• Aya...
• December 6, 2017

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I used Synthroid (25, 50, or 75) for over more than 10 years, but had to use the original, not the generic, because the generic does not work in some people. I've not been operated on, but for over 2 years, I've been using NatureThroid (32.5) instead, which was recommended by my ND, and I have to say that all my side effects that Synthroid caused had gone. I almost lost all my hair and had terrible heartbeats, headaches, joint pains, etc. I do not have Hashimoto, and really don't know if it works for people with this condition, but I tried NatureThroid, and I am very happy with the results."

• She...
• April 6, 2015

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have been on one form of hypothyroid meds for the last 20 years. I have used Tirosint for a year and a half. The only thing that I can say for it is the doctor loves it. I hate it. I was hoping it would help with my fatigue, swelling, and forgetfulness. The only thing that has changed for me is my cheeks are redder, I feel bloated all the time, and I am losing my hair. I'm still tired and still think I'm losing my mind. Logical worked better than all of them, including the Armui."

• Gen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 1, 2022

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "Tirosint has changed my life. I have been sick and tired for more than a decade. I had both Hashimoto’s and Graves. Along with hyperparathyroidism that caused me to have constant kidney stones. All of this made life so miserable, I almost gave up. Eventually, I had a TT with parathyroidectomy. For 2 years, I fought with generic Levo and other thyroid replacement meds. I was so exhausted that I would fall asleep everywhere. My muscles ached like I had the flu, my breasts hurt like I was pregnant. I had migraines, constipation, my hair fell out, and I eventually filed for disability. I couldn’t take the correct dose because the meds made me feel worse. Then my PA suggested Tirosint. Within 2 weeks, I felt 15 years younger. The symptoms were all gone. I slept normally, could do things I hadn’t done in 15 years, and I got a job! I haven’t felt this good in so long that I want to tell everyone about Tirosint. If you feel even slightly icky on something else, try it! It is worth every penny!"

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2010

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I was on this medicine for about 6 months, and in that time, I felt worse than when I wasn't taking it. It took the migraines away, but I still had muscle aches, fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, brittle nails, and more. The huge symptom I had on this medicine that bothered me was the depression. I felt dread and doom every day. I couldn't take it anymore, so I stopped taking it, then I went to a different doctor who prescribed me Armour."

• Bab...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 7, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "I was on 100 mcg levothyroxine for quite a while. I changed doctors and told her that I’m unable to lose weight. Without doing any blood work, she increased my dosage to 125. After using it for a few months, I realized that my hair was coming out more, it was harder to go to sleep, and I still wasn’t losing any weight. I recently stopped taking any levothyroxine."

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Started this at the new year. My hair is falling out like crazy. It's been very distressing to see. It says it can cause hair loss, but in time will correct itself. I really hope it stops soon! My numbers look good (or at least that is what my doctor thinks)."

• Jb7...
• August 14, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "I've been on levothyroxine for a week. I feel great! No depression, no chills, no flaky, scaly skin, and tons of energy! I was extremely tired throughout the day. Freezing, even though it's summer in Seattle. Severe dry skin to the point of embarrassment. My hair recently started to thin in my crown area. My legs had extreme cramping to the point I couldn't sleep at night. The most traumatic experience is my recent heart palpitations and dizziness, feeling fatal during each episode. Now, with all these symptoms... I decided medicine that causes hair loss outweighs the thought of dying young (39). I will post another update, seeing how it's only a week into it. So far, the most energy I've felt in years, not cold at all, and no irregular palpitations."

• nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "First of all, there are coupons for this, and I pick it up from Walmart for 28.30. Search coupons free for Tirosint. I first tried a company that is a scam company. They charged me 50 dollars, saying my medication was going to be 60 a month. Too late, I gave the scumbags my credit card and forget this bogus company out of Florida. The medication doesn't work for me, my hair falls out, I'm tired, and I'm gaining weight, so I'm going back to a compound which worked for me in the past. Good luck everyone with this. Uggh."

• Ros...
• October 23, 2013

For Underactive Thyroid "I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism about six years ago. I had gained a lot of weight and couldn't lose it, and I had almost all symptoms (thinning hair and eyebrows, low body temp, lethargy, etc.). During my first year on thyroxine, I lost 50 pounds. It just came off. I was ecstatic. Slowly, my weight went up. I gained 20 pounds, which was okay because I was still a normal weight. About 3 months ago, my doctor upped my dosage. Suddenly, KABOOM - I gained 12 pounds within two months - five of those pounds were gained between last night and this morning. That's when I knew something was wrong. I haven't been overeating, and I'm active. But the pounds I've gained will NOT come off. No more."

• smg...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 6, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "I've been on this medicine for almost, but not quite, 10 years. It is night and day comparing how I am now to how I was before I was diagnosed and treated for hypothyroidism. My hair loss has stopped, my skin and nails aren't as dry and brittle, I can think clearly most of the time, and I have energy again. It took a while to get to the right dose, I've been both too low and too high. But I'm stable and feeling pretty decently now."

• Mrs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "Today is my third day on this medication, and so far I haven't had any adverse reactions. I have had a goiter for over twelve years. For years my doctors have been telling me my blood tests are normal. Last year I pushed and had a thyroid scan. They found three nodules, with one having its own blood supply. For years I've been silently suffering, dealing with low sex drive, weight gain, chronic constipation (enema, laxatives), brain fog, tiredness, body aches, depression (meds), hair shedding, and now I'm noticing my extremities are always cold. And so once again I told my doctor something is wrong. She started me on 25 mg levothyroxine. I'm nervous because I don't want more hair loss. Today I'm wearing a wig, ashamed of my hair."