What Causes Severe Hair Loss And Depression While Treating For Hyperthyroidism?

Posted on Fri, 23 Oct 2015

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

Fri, 23 Oct 2015 Answered on

Fri, 13 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I just saw a new doctor. Not sure she heard everything I said. I apparently had a high thyroid hormone three years ago and high on follow up but nothing done after that. My new doc did get blood for that. I'm tired a lot and seems like I'm losing more hair than I used to. Get slightly short of breath with cleaning (like vacuuming) and really short of breath with swimming--my main activity. I'm 62, controlled asthma and controlled depression. Could these symptoms be related to thyroid?

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes indeed your symptoms are related to the thyroid (hypothyroidism)

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I am guessing you were diagnosed with hypothyroidism and your symptoms include:

+Tiredness
+Increased sensitivity to cold
+Impaired memory
+Depression
+Thinning of hair
+Slowed heart rate
+Heavier than normal menstrual bleeding
+Puffy face
+Muscle weakness
+Hoarseness of voice
+Unexplained weight loss
+Dry skin
+Constipation
+Muscle aches, stiffness or tenderness
+Stiffness in joints

I do strongly feel your symptoms are indeed related to the thyroid and this also proves that your thyroid levels have not been under control, requiring the attention of your doctor who will have to revisit your treatment regimen.

I hope you find my response helpful. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help.

Best wishes.

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