Liothyronine and Hair Loss: What Users Say

• jil...
• February 25, 2015

Liothyronine for Underactive Thyroid "After being hypothyroid for many years and having good results on Synthroid and natural thyroid, it went on backorder for a few months and I had to switch to Cytomel. I felt immediate changes, more alert and a little more energy. However, after taking it for a few years, about 70% of my hair fell out (in clumps and I tried everything to stop the hair loss), and I've had chronic insomnia, huge appetite increase, higher blood pressure, anxiety attacks, hot flashes, etc."

• Ran...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2019

Liothyronine for Underactive Thyroid "Upon 5 days of taking Cytomel at a dose of 5 mcg per day, I had burning rashes on my chest up to my ears. Was taken to the ER 3x for tachycardia, heart failure, thyroid failure, sweating, confusion, arrhythmia, panic attacks, nausea, pain, twitching on the left side of my body, and more. Thyroid failure continued after stopping the medication, still to today not recovered. It is 10 months after the fact, and I have permanent damage. Tachycardia, nervous system, thyroid dysfunction, hair loss, excessive weight gain, 4 hours of functionality per day at most. I lost the ability to work and function like a normal person at 43 years old. I cannot exercise nor do simple chores without raising my heart rate excessively and blood pressure. I had perfect blood pressure and heart function prior to taking Cytomel."

• Sie...
• July 22, 2021

For Underactive Thyroid "This is a very complex hormone. I started taking it a few years ago, due to the inability to convert T4 into T3 - it seemed like a miracle worker. Although, I was on a very strict diet. I did lose weight, but never could get my body back to what it was pre-Hashimoto's thyroiditis. I also noticed lots of sweating, water retention, mood swings (especially when the dose was incorrect; it changes often due to what you eat, etc.), hair loss; although, I noticed it growing back in after about 7 to 8 months, it was very thick. I also had an increase in appetite throughout the years, with less absorption capabilities when not eating very low carb. It's a tricky situation because the energy people speak of is actually like being in a manic state; that's what I experienced."

• Rai...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 13, 2024

Liothyronine for Underactive Thyroid "Cytomel works, but you have to make sure you are on the correct dose. Some people need a very high amount of T3 in their system, some very little. I’ve heard of a doctor who was on 400 mcg of T3 a day. I was taking 150 mcg per day, splitting it into two doses (while low carb). My hair did not fall out. It can shed for the first 3 to 6 months, but then it grows back in. I’ve always had very thick hair and Cytomel kept it that way. If you take too much or too little, I imagine this may cause your hair to shed. If you do not heal the underlying medical issue and eat poorly, you will need to take more and more over time, and your doctor may not approve the higher dose, so you’re left with hypothyroidism even on T3. You must change your diet. If you’re someone who hasn’t changed your diet (removed wheat gluten, grains, sugar, nightshades, etc.) and you feel well and slim/healthy on T3, that’s very rare, especially if you have Hashimoto's. Eat well (red meat, etc.)"

• Sol...
• May 15, 2021

Liothyronine for Underactive Thyroid "Started Cytomel 5 mg about 8 days ago. As my T3 was low. And just did not feel well. I had hair loss, weight gain, major constipation, and very irritable, dry skin. I am hoping to feel better and be more regulated in many ways. I am curious what everyone’s T3 numbers were before starting. Cytomel may be too soon for me to notice any change yet? Thank you."

• MEa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2021

Liothyronine for Underactive Thyroid "This medication is horrible! I have had severe adverse reactions on both the brand name and generic form. Painful limp knees, tachycardia, palpitations, and all of my hair fell out! Never again will I take this medication. It’s not worth my life."

• Jou...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 23, 2022

Liothyronine for Underactive Thyroid "Taking Synthroid for Hashimoto’s and continued to have fatigue, muscle aches, and cramps. Adding Doctor generic Liothyronine was like taking nothing. Switching to brand name Cytomel 5 mcg 2x daily, I felt normal for the first time in 10 years. Muscle aches/cramping gone, good energy and mental focus returned. I have my heart under control, and I’m still on Cytomel. Hair loss I've also had, and you need to have your selenium levels tested. I had some doctor-prescribed supplements I had to stop because they contained selenium and it built up. Right now the biggest problem is that I can’t get my Cytomel Rx filled because Pfizer has some backorder that’s gone on for two months with no explanation. I have to take generic liothyronine for now; fatigue and muscle cramps are back."

• Esp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2023

For Underactive Thyroid "I have had hypothyroidism for 20 years, and it caused my hair to fall out in clumps and caused swelling, especially my face, which made me feel self-conscious. I am now taking liothyronine (T3) along with levothyroxine. It made a huge difference within a week of taking it. My face is back to normal, and I couldn't be happier just with that alone. My hair stopped falling out from the first day of taking it. If anyone is struggling, just don't give up and keep asking different doctors that are willing to help. It is very expensive even with my insurance, but well worth it in my opinion."