What Are The Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism?

Posted on Thu, 23 Apr 2015

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

Thu, 23 Apr 2015 Answered on

Thu, 14 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been loosing excessive amounts of hair suddenly. At night I will wake myself up scratching my scalp although in the day time it isnt that itchy. (I dont have lice) I have gotten my thyroid tsh levels looked at and it came back normal. It also showed i wasnt anemic however i have alot of hypothyroid like symptoms such as heart palpations i didnt have before, high colestoral (im not over weight), low libido, and fatigue. My mom also has hypothyroidism. Im going in to another doctor to look at my t4 and t3 to make sure it isnt my thyroid. I havent had a pregnancy or any tramatic events happen although i am under a lot of general stress. The loss doesnt really seem too patchy it looks more like thinning. And hair loss doesnt run in my family. Its so strange. It could be that i wasnt taking in enough calories for a while but that wouldnt explain the itching would it? Im only a 20 yr old female can anyone help?

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hair loss evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern. Most symptoms of hypothyroidism including hair loss are not specefic to hypothyroidism. This means that, many other disorders can mimic symptoms of hypothyroidism. Apart from hypothyroidism, Hairloss can occur in vitamin deficiencies, stress, dandruff as well as anemia. You had mentioned that you do not have anemia. TSH is normal. So causes other than hypothroidism and anemia to be rule out . In most cases, TSH is sufficient to dianose hypothyroidism, but it is better to check FT4 ( free T4) as well. STRESS and depression are major causes of hair loss.
What is your weight and height? How are your periods?
Did you meet a dermatologist ever ?

Regards
Binu

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

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (1 hour later)

I do have alot of stress and i have anxiety issues but im not currently on any medications for it. Im 5'10 and 120 pounds. I know im considered underweight for my height but i havent ever dramtically dropped weight, its just my body type. However I had been eating lean cusienes at school for a couple months and I probably was not taking in enough calories for a while, so Im wondering if that could be the case. I am not eating those anymore and i upped my protien intake. I rarley have my period but im on birth control (minastrin 24) and that is a common side effect. Ive considered that it could be my birth control causing the loss because of the androgins but ive been onit for about 2 years now and this is just now happening. But i just dont understand why my scalp would be itching due to any of these things. Im going in to see a dermatologist in a week.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
scalp examination

Detailed Answer:
Undernutrition cam cause hairloss. Apart from proteins, you also need micronutrients. Vitamins and minerals are important for skin and hair follicle growth. Borth control pill is unlikely to cause hairloss. Dermatologist should be able to come to a diagnosis after examining hair and scalp. Scalp should be examined for dermatitis or dandruff which can cause itching and hair loss.

Beat the srress/anxiety with meditation or yoga

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