subclinical hypothyroid cause hair loss?

[trc1962]

My TSH was at 9 something last spring and dr. said lets watch it as it might be temporary. Unfortunately I flared with neuropathy and muscle weakness so started on 50 mg of prednisone. I had been dealing with flushing and scalp pain last spring but the pred stopped all of that, plus it made my TSH normal. I have been tapering for months on the pred and am now on 4 mg and the face and scalp problems have returned accompanied by hair loss (a real bummer). My TSH is at 7.8 and I am wondering could it be causing the scalp pain and hair loss? My hair is also limp and kind of oily, not dry as I read about hypo. I didn't shed like this when my TSH was at 9 so I just wonder. My GP said synthroid and he doesn't prescribe armour, but lots of people have hair loss on synthroid. If only it weren't so complex.

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

I'm not a medic but I am hypothyroid and I reckon your TSH is way too high. I feel ill if mine runs above 2. In the UK the range is usually 0.4 - 4 but in the US my understanding is that its 0.3-3. Either way - 7 or over is too high and should probably be medicated.

There is a good thyroid forum at About.com in their health section.

Yes it can make your hair thin. It can also make your nails flake and it makes the brain fog 10 times worse!

I think you should see your doctor again or ask to be referred to an endocrinologist because if you ARE hypo - you will feel ever so much better if you get balanced.

Take care - Scottie 

[trc1962]

Thanks for the reply. I saw an endo last August and he said the high dose of prednisone would bring my TSH down and I didn't need meds. When my dose was lower in March (about 11mg) I had bloodwork and the endo said TSH 1.9 and my GP could test me annually. Yesterday I stopped at the lab and asked for copies of the lab and yes my TSH was 1.9 but my free t4 was low (0.73 and usual was 0.96-110). Now my TSH is up so seeing an endo in a week. Thanks for info.

[irish]

Your TSH is too high as Scottie says. I would not be surprised if you have Hashimotos which is autoimmune thyroid disease. Yes, this causes hair loss. But, I do not understand why your doc doesn't give you medication. If he doesn't get the picture soon, I would advise finding a different doctor. Also, an endocrinologist would be a good choice. These doctors specialize in diseases of secreting glands such as thyroid, pituitary, pancreas, etc. Good luck. Irish

P.S. The treatment for elevated TSH is thyroid medication and the treatment for Hashimotos (which can cause up and down TSH) is also Synthroid, etc. It is very hard on ones body to walk around with an elevated TSH or low thyroid hormone.