What Causes Bloating, Constipation, Hair Loss From Eyebrows And Eyelashes?

Posted on Tue, 4 Aug 2015

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

Tue, 4 Aug 2015 Answered on

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My eyebrows are falling out and my eyelashes are thining What could be wrong?

Also, I amm having some intestinal issues. Lots of bloating, feeling full with small amounts of food. I run from constipation to very loose stools. My stomach also has a very light burning sensation most of the time including during the night. Sometimes I have burped up food 40-45 minutes after eating.

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thyroid

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your symptoms. They are highly suggestive of the possibility of an under-active thyroid i.e. 'hypothyroidism'.
I strongly suggest you get a blood test for TSH. This does not require fasting and can be done at any time of the day or night.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I order some more tests for a better overall evaluation, in addition to a thorough physical examination:

CBC
CMP
HbA1c
Lipids
25 hydroxy Vitamin D

If the TSH comes back abnormal, there are further tests to determine the complete diagnosis. For example if the TSH is raised above the upper limit of normal, then it would be relevant to order
Free T4
Anti TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies)
Anti Thyroglobulin antibodies

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