Levothyroxine and Hair Loss: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Mic...
• April 11, 2015

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "My Hashimoto's with a benign nodule was found after losing my twins to early delivery. Endo believes this was a missed factor in my loss. My TSH was over 4. Started on levothyroxine 100 mcg was great for 2 months, but by the third month, my blood sugars dropped, heart was racing (palpitations), body itching like the burn you feel after a workout, my hair was falling out, severe anxiety, and I was losing 2 lbs every few days (that part I didn't mind). I was insistent to check my TSH and it was 0.27, adjusted down to 88 mcg with an extra half tab once a week. My TSH is now 2.2, but I feel the depression and fatigue. Adjusting back up to 100 since it's been 3 years. At least now I know what to watch for. I no longer experience PCOS or DM 2."

• Kri...
• April 6, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I also had a terrible experience with this drug, my hair has been falling out so badly and also feeling lethargic and not sleeping. I went to Walmart, and they changed me back to Levothyroxine and were great about it. I was on the Euthyrox for months before I figured out what was happening."

• Bin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2018

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was excited to switch from Synthroid to Tirosint because my doctor told me that it was gluten-free compared to other medications. I have been on it for a little over a month after switching from Synthroid, and I feel so terrible: anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, lots of hair loss, and weight is stuck, and my goiter in my neck is enlarged again. I called my doctor because I want to go back on my Synthroid. I did read that some people do better on it than others, and I believe it is just not for me."

• Cam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Was a terrible experience dispensed by Walmart. This form of a generic of a generic is the worst. My hair was falling to the point that I was afraid to even brush my hair. Then there were the terrible skin issues that itched something terrible. It was on my face and lower front of my legs. Tried everything to try and clear it up, but nothing worked."

• AAa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 1, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have had an underactive thyroid for 8 years. I could not handle Synthroid and was always going off. I like Tirosint, at first, I am only on a small dosage of 13, but my hair was falling out so badly that I started taking 2 pills during Corona because of no doctor. It stopped hair breakage, but if I take too much, I get headaches and have trouble sleeping. But now if I take 13 only, I get bad depression and my hair falls out again. Overall, I like the meds. I am diagnosed with Hashimoto's, and this is just my life-my own thyroid not being regulated. I have a bad headache today, so I can't take 2 tomorrow, so I guess I can prep for severe depression. Oy vey!"

• ful...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2012

Levothyroxine "LOVE this Levoxyl. I am 55 and in menopause. Have had several blood works and told doctors how crappy I felt, no energy, in a fog, hair loss, all the symptoms of menopause and then some. I go to Mexico, tell a doc the SAME symptoms and suggested I take this medicine and I would feel better, get out of the fog and frumpy slump I was feeling, have more energy, AND MAN, after 3 weeks I feel fantastic. I don't even crave sweets or want to eat as much. I have that ZAZAZOO back in me. I feel more alive and sexy. I am single and I don't want to live my life without having FUN. This medication has brought some life back in ME!"

• Ran...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 3, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "I loved it when I first started. Felt more energized, lost weight, felt good. Now, 8 months in and with a dosage of 100 mcg, my levels are normal, but I feel worse off. Sore throats, mouth ulcers, painful diarrhea after mildly acidic foods, insomnia, weight gain, joint pain, hair thinning. Requested a full panel of all 4 and TSH, but doctors won't adjust anything since my levels are in the normal range. I feel worse on this medicine long term than I did before taking it. Hoping to try the desiccated hormone if I can find someone who can prescribe it."

• Ver...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 25, 2017

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been taking this drug for more than two years, 0.75 mg. It has not helped me with anything but keep my levels normal. My hair still falls out, I can't lose weight, my heart still flutters. I still don't sleep well, my nails are brittle. What does this drug do for you? I have yet to find out... Think I will try another brand."

• Bon...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 8, 2015

For Underactive Thyroid "Diagnosed nearly six years ago. Took 50 mg right off, told my doctor I feel any different and haven't lost any weight as expected. He said, well take 100 then! Still no difference, joint pain, weight gain, thinning hair. Numbers are within normal limits. What to do?"

• hwu...
• November 25, 2013

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "One month after being on levothyroxine (only 25 mcg), my hair started to fall out like crazy. (Did not have hair loss problem before). I lost 40% of my hair volume in the 4-month period. I took my courage to stop taking it. Two days after stopping, my hair loss has gradually subsided. Three weeks after I stopped the medicine, my hair loss has started to go back to normal. I am hoping my hair will grow back. Another side effect I suggest from the medicine is that I have a 'burning & dry mouth.' That made me very uncomfortable. I feel like a normal person without the medicine. I still have issues with the dry mouth sensation, but a lot better. I hope it will go away."

• Anonymous
• April 14, 2012

For Underactive Thyroid "Levothyroxine - 0.50 mg for 1 year. Aged 54. I have had many side effects from this medication: severe fatigue, extreme weight loss, heat intolerance, fever, excessive sweating, depression, headache, insomnia, muscle weakness, extreme hair loss, skin rash, and decreased bone mineral density. I have been prescribed sleeping tablets and Prozac to no avail. I have also been recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Having done some research, I have found that levothyroxine makes you deficient in iron, multivitamins, and calcium - hence the hair loss and weak bones. My GP said she's unable to change my medication as this is the only one available."

• SPA...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 16, 2020

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "Total thyroidectomy following Graves' substernal goiter 8 months ago. On 175 mg Levothyroxine. Felt good, but as the months go by, a host of symptoms: intense moods/anger, depression, spinning thoughts; hair loss, brittle, no curl, dry; diminished eyesight, dry, irritated; bone pain; hot poker nerve pain in feet; muscle cramps; tendon disturbances; Charlie horses in legs/rib cage!!; hot/cold flashes; itchy skin; swollen, itchy neck; diarrhea; joint pain swelling; and now shoulder blade hot poker pains. Insurance forced Levothyroxine first... I want to switch. Would love to have recommendations. I'm 70 but have always felt pretty good until now. Supplements of calcium and D3 have helped some. Also taking zinc, magnesium, and potassium - helping? Hurting?"

• Kee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 9, 2024

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Tirosint gave me my life back! I was suffering for 17 years while on Synthroid. I had Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism so bad that I had to have my thyroid removed. I feel it was due to Synthroid not working. All of the poison they put in Synthroid and all other thyroid medications should be illegal! My levels were NEVER stable. I felt like I was losing my mind, and doctors would not listen to me. My new doctor put me on Tirosint because my levels were so bad that I was on my way to myxedema coma. My body was not absorbing all of the Synthroid tablets. Tirosint immediately brought me back to normal, and ALL of my crappy symptoms, stomach pain and hair loss, etc., were gone! My levels have been steady for over two years now. I honestly thought my life was going to be miserable forever! Thanks to Tirosint, I am happy again and will forever be grateful! The only issue I have is the very high cost, and now my new insurance is not wanting to approve it."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2012

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I've been on this medicine for more than 4 months. Not feeling any better at all. More tired, and more hair loss is what I've been experiencing. Still feeling no motivation, lethargy, and depressed/isolated."

• Lal...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 4, 2014

For Underactive Thyroid "I've been taking this drug since I was born, every single morning. I originally had an autoimmune disease, but the endocrinologists fixed it, and now I'm stuck forever with hypothyroidism. It's hard waking up at 5:00 in the morning just to take the medication, especially if I have to wake up at six for track in school at 7. It gets hard, long, and boring, but I feel good. I've had thinning of hair and a couple of other symptoms and side effects, but it gets better. The medication is really small, and you get used to it, so that is why I gave it 7 stars."

• ejm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2015

For Underactive Thyroid "I'm currently 16 years old, about 4 months ago, I was told I had hypothyroidism. Before starting the levothyroxine, I gained 80 pounds over a span of 6 months. Before this, I weighed 117. I was then put on levothyroxine at 197 pounds. It has done nothing but worsen the side effects I already had: shaky hands, hair loss, irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, dry skin, sensitivity to heat, extreme lack of energy, insomnia. I've also gained 20 more pounds since being on it. Though I work out 2 hours a day and have a 1000-calorie diet, I still gain 2 pounds a week. My doctor doesn't think the weight gain is associated with the disease and blew it off. I don't know what else to do - not much more I can take."

• Dre...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 27, 2017

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I've had my thyroid removed for over ten years now. I've taken generic thyroid medicine, Synthroid, and now Tirosint. The dye in my Synthroid kept me from getting regulated. My body responded well to Tirosint for about 5 consecutive years. Due to insurance changes, I got off of it last year and got back on this year when my physician made a few calls to assist me. To my dismay, Tirosint is not working for me, even with me taking Cytomel to help me digest and absorb it. I'm tired, have thinning hair, levels are at 8.999, and I'm sweating with every movement. I'm quite disappointed that I can't get regulated."

• fir...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 2, 2016

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I was 1st diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism. The doctor said it wasn't bad to just watch it. After a couple of years, it got worse - I saw another doctor, and he did 6 biopsies - found that I had papillary cancer. Following month, I had my thyroid and 2 parathyroids removed. The surgeon put me on 100 mcg of generic Synthroid - seemed to be doing okay until I had the RAI, twice, then everything messed up. I was still having hair loss, ears ringing, teeth getting bad, bathroom habits were never the same, cramps, affected my salivary glands permanently, so I'm dry all the time. Plus, I've put on 25 lbs. I eat, I don't eat, it doesn't matter, the weight will not come off. The endocrinologist changed my dosage to 112 mcg, and I seemed to be doing better. I am back to 100 mcg with previous symptoms."

• sfe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I had radioactive iodine (RAI) 29 years ago and have been on Synthroid all that time. The side effects I had got worse as the years went by. I had rapid heartbeat (overmedicated) and just felt awful as the years went. I just switched to Levoxyl 6 weeks ago, and most of the adverse side effects I had on Synthroid have subsided. However, I am listless, loss of hair is bad, terrible brain fog, and just as weak as can be. Increased the dose two weeks ago and still no response. Sorry I cannot rate this a 10 yet. Will stay on it for another 6 weeks and then rerate it. Right now not responding properly."

• Djm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2022

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Do not take it! I was switched from Levo when I moved states. I was miserable for the 2 months I was taking Euthyrox. I had extreme exhaustion, I would take the meds in the AM and be back in bed for hours after. I would get exhausted doing laundry. More exhaustion than when I was pregnant. Extreme depression, and my hair was falling out. Also, the weight gain. I found this website, and it made me not feel crazy, but it was, in fact, the medication. My family doctor told me my numbers are in range, that it couldn’t possibly be the medication causing all this, and that I needed a “happy pill.” This is as I’m crying in his office, begging for something different. He then agreed to put me on Synthroid. It was more expensive, but it is what it is. He had told me my mono came back… Listen here, 2 days being on Synthroid and I got my life back! 2 weeks on, and I was running around Disney not needing a nap! Do not take this crap!"

• OBA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2012

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been on for 5 months. Male, age 55. No medicines or hospital visits until colonoscopy. Hate to now have to take medicine, but I religiously follow. Overshot and cut back to lower dosage to right level. Symptoms include dry mouth and now muscle spasm along the right upper cheek of the face. Weird. Perhaps a minor case of thinner hair. Has helped with sluggishness in the early evening, but at times can cause insomnia. Also lower muscle mass, as I am also on a doctor's prescribed weight loss medicine, Phentermine. Six months now for both, went from 219 lbs to 197 with a goal of 185. Feel good overall and have gone from 41 to a comfortable 38 with a goal of 36. Look thinner!"

• MNe...
• August 15, 2009

For Underactive Thyroid "I've used this medicine for over a year now, and I've had it adjusted only one other time. Though, when I've had my blood work done after the adjustment, the doctor says that I am in the 'normal' range. But from my own experience, it doesn't 'cure' all of the symptoms. I still have hair loss, insomnia, and some of the other symptoms that occur when you have an underactive thyroid. But despite what my doctor says, I'm hoping to see an endocrinologist about it."

• SMa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 2, 2022

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Walmart switched me from Levo to Euthyrox. I trusted that the medications were the same..... THEY ARE NOT!! I've been suffering for almost a year on this Euthyrox garbage. I've been sick, hair falling out, joint pains, migraines, diarrhea, fatigue, depression, heart palpitations, etc. TSH skyrocketed. I just got my new script and noticed it was Levo again..... after 5 days on it, I feel like a new person! Euthyrox is garbage! And I didn't connect the dots at all. I will NEVER take this AGAIN! I've been suffering for a year! Take this OFF THE MARKET!!!"

• Tuc...
• January 28, 2011

For Underactive Thyroid "Age 47: Female: Long ago hysterectomy; prior symptoms - unable to sleep at night, extreme tiredness, some notable hair loss, weight gain of 25 lbs., notable vision issues, mood changes, lump in throat, and somewhat difficult to swallow. Blood test shows elevated TSH at 4.69, so the doctor put me on this medication at .05 mg to be taken in the morning with a full glass of water. I saw Dr. Oz say you are to take it at night so it works better. I took it yesterday at noon for the first time and this morning, and will take it tonight before going to bed so I can work it into my system for nighttime, like Dr. Oz suggested. I slept through the night for the first time in a long time, but I was up at 5:30 a.m. That's awesome to me. Will check back soon."

• Nis...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 10, 2018

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "This drug does me no good, swells up my face, body, fatigue, no energy, brain fog, more depressed, insomnia, appetite increase, more migraines, dry swollen irritated eyes, sinusitis, blurry vision, anxiety, overnight weight gain, heat intolerance, sweating more, hair falling, heart palpitations, muscle spasms in neck, shoulders, back, legs, acne, just miserable. I've told Drs. I can't take this medicine, it does nothing for me, but they don't listen for over 50 years. I've had a total thyroidectomy, thyroplasty, and as a result of surgical negligence, permanent paralyzed left vocal cord, compromised voice box, permanent laryngeal spasms. So miserable."