Suggest Treatment For Dryness And Thinning Of Hair

Posted on Mon, 13 Jul 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 13 Jul 2015 Answered on

Mon, 3 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been experiencing thinning of hair. My skin texture is also dry. I also have itchy scalp and dandruff. Further, there is also slight increase in my facial hair. However, my periods are regular. Therefore I ruled out PCOS. But, I got my thyroid tests done. My T3 and T4 came out to be in normal range. But TSH was 5.8. The normal range being 1-4.7. Considering my condition, should be I be taking thyronorm. My only concern is if Thyronorm will worsen my hairfall (it has side effects, I read). Further, with this borderline case, I dont want to be dependent on Thyronorm all through my life. I will exercise and try to alter the levels. However, I am really concerned about continous thinning of my hair. I am planning to take thyronorm only to prevent further hairfall and hair thing. Please note that my iron, hemoglobin levels are high (so no iron deficiency). My ferritin is 22. However, my vitamin D is low.
Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Sub clinical Hypothyroidism- treated in selected cases

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HCM. I have gone through the question and understand your concerns.

Your condition is called Subclinical hypothyroidism- a small decrease in thyroid gland function.
The situations in which Subclinical hypothyroidism needs to be treats are:

1. Presence of high cholesterol
2. Presence of thyroid swelling - goiter
3. Pregnancy or planning for pregnancy
4. Increased anti TPO antibodies- a blood tests

If you have any of the following 4 problems. you need to be started on thyroid hormone replacement.

Hair thinning of due to hypothyroidism, will improve after 3 months of thyroid hormone replacement.

Vitamin D supplementations should be taken - which is not of any side effects.

Hope I have answered your questions. If you have any further queries I will be happy to help you

Regards,

Dr Ajish TP [MD,DM]
Consultant Endocrinologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ajish TP (2 hours later)

Please let me know if I should get blood tests done for increase in anti TPO antibodies?. If I do not take thyronorm, considering i have sub clinical level, then why is my hair thinning? There are some of the other hypothyroid symptoms that I am suffering. Plz advise

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Should do the tests

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Welcome back.

You should do anti TPO antibodies and lipid profile to decide on whether to start on medications or not.

There is no problem in treating all cases of sub clinical hypothyroidism, but once started on medications you have to do the blood tests every 3-6 months and follow up with a physician or endocrinologist. The benefits are not much when compared to the cost of treatment/follow up outside the above 4 indications.

Hair thinning can be due to multiple causes like hypothyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, mineral deficiencies, Chronic illness, toxins, auto immune, local causes like dandruff, or without any cause.

Regards

Dr Ajish TP

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar