Q. Does dysfunction and stopping thyroid medication cause baldness?

Hello,

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As per the history provided, frontal hair thinning with hair loss and widening of the scalp are signs of FPHL (female pattern hair loss), primarily due to genetic reasons, including a family history of FPHL. Other factors that can cause balding are hormonal fluctuations, thyroid conditions, dietary changes, dandruff issues, vitamin deficiencies, underlying medical conditions, use of hair products or coloring, stress, postpartum hair loss, during pregnancy or after delivery, due to gynecological disorders, and climate factors.

I would suggest-

1. Blood tests such as CBC (complete blood count), Hb (hemoglobin), serum vitamin B12, serum vitamin D3, serum ferritin, serum Iron, serum zinc, TFT (thyroid function test), and FAI (free androgen index) to rule out vitamin deficiencies and other fluctuations in blood parameters. As you have mentioned, a history of thyroid conditions and being under medication may be one of the main causes of hair loss. Thyroid hormones within normal limits are usually advised to be continued unless your doctor has advised discontinuing the medication. In case your doctor has not advised the same, kindly consult your doctor for advice on the same.

2. Apply Minoxidil 2 % solution on the scalp, 1 ml quantity to be applied on the hair loss area at night only after cleaning and drying the scalp well. The solution increases the blood flow to the hair roots and promotes growth. It usually shows results with usage for at least a year. The medication being strong, it should not be abruptly stopped as it may result in a sudden loss of already-grown hair. The dosage needs to be tapered down each year. For example, first-year once daily at night, the second year once daily for six days per week, third-year once daily for five days per week, and so on. It requires usage for many years without abrupt stopping. The medication should be avoided in case of a history of migraine and any other serious underlying medical conditions.

3. Tablet Follihair [Biotin (10 mg), Iron (8 mg), l-cysteine (5 mg), Manganese (5 mg), Copper (2 mg), Selenium (50 mcg), L-lysine (20 mg), Zinc (25 mg), DL-methionine (40 mg), Calcium Pantothenate (50 mg), and Niacinamide (50 mg)] once daily after food at night for two months. These are vitamins for hair growth. Consult your specialist doctor discuss with them, and take medications with their consent.

4. In case of dandruff, Kz plus lotion (Ketoconazole and Zinc pyrithione) is to be applied twice a week. Use two teaspoons mixed with water in a ratio of 1:1 and massage on the scalp for one minute, leave for three to five minutes and wash off. This lotion helps reduce dandruff and prevents dryness, thereby reducing further hair loss.

5. Consume more fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Avoid dairy products, fried, oily food, and sweets. Consume at least ten glasses of water in a day.

6. In case of menstrual irregularities or changes in hormonal levels, you may require consultation with a gynecologist to rule out PCOS (polycystic ovarian disease) or other hormonal fluctuations, which are common conditions among women lately.

7. PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and mesotherapy may be done on the scalp to enhance hair growth. They are superficially injected onto the scalp and done in sessions for at least six months to promote hair growth. For further details of the procedure, please consult a dermatologist in person.

8. In case of severe FPHL, hair transplant procedures may also be done where follicles would be implanted in the frontal area where there is hair loss to help with a fuller look. Hair transplant procedures are ideal under the circumstances of normalization of thyroid hormones. I would also like to request you provide an image via a follow-up query, if possible, to assess the severity of the hair loss. Kindly give the image for further assessment and management. Kindly follow up with the blood reports for other treatment advice. I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty

Experience: 8 + Yrs

Venereology

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