Hashimoto Thyroid Disease and Hair Loss

[ProscarRules]

I am dignosed with Hashimoto Thyroid Diesease. This mean my immune system is attacking my thyroid glands as if attacking external viruses or foriegn object. However, my endocrynologist doesn't think my thyroid ailment is causing hair thinning or hair loss as my immune system is attacking my thyroid, not my hair follicles.

I want to go to another endocrynologist for a 2nd opinion before embarking on propecia as I want to be very careful in this kind of health issue that can potentially affect my self image.

Anyone in my shoes in this forum? Any thoughts/advices?

 

[DoctorHouse]

I have the same condition and I thought my hair loss was maybe related to that too. However, my endo says as long as your thyroid levels stay in the normal range, it should not cause hair loss. If anything you would get alopecia areata as that is autoimmune too. The only thing strange that I noticed is my temple points( triangles) are thinning out badly. It almost looks like some type of areata as I notice it on one side more than the other. I was already taking Propecia for over 4 years before this was diagnosed. Thought maybe the Propecia caused the Hashimotos but my endo said it didn't. I still take Propecia regardless because I have the balding gene according to the HairDX test so my family doctor said to stay on it if I want to keep my hair. I also use Proxiphen which helps with all types of hair loss just in case some of my loss is autoimmune related. Minoxidil did help but the sides were not tolerable.

What kind of pattern or thinning do you have? I just have some diffuse thinning and my hairline has slightly receded and became more diffuse as well. I have female pattern thinning and now my temple points are thinning too.

 

[ProscarRules]

Pics on the right shows my thinning on the crown and on the side
At this stage, do I make a good candidate for propecia whether I have Hashimoto Thyroid Disease or not? Blood work showed that my antibody levels are abnormal, but thyrod hormone levels are normal. My hairlines are fine as my derm says I have good preservation of hairs on the front.

The side thinnings are much less noticeable when my hairs are longer and they are combed neat, but I don't want to deny that I have lost it.

 

[DoctorHouse]

From your photos, I would say you might have some autoimmune thinning but its really hard to say. My thinning is less than yours but maybe because I have used more aggressive treatment. I am eating gluten free and dairy free and stay away from processed foods as much as possible. Studies have shown most people with Hashimoto's are sensitive to gluten. I am curious do you have any issues with your stomach like gastritis or digestive problems with Hashimoto's? From what I read, you need to use growth enhancers if you have thyroid related hair loss. Copper peptides and minoxidil should help too. I think its cool to talk to another male with Hashimotos as its mostly found in females. I spoke to a doctor and they believe if you live in a state with a nuclear plant you are more prone for things like this. Have you lived in a state with a nuclear plant?

 

[ProscarRules]

No, I don't have digestive problem nor have I lived in a state with a nuclear plant, but I live in DC metropolitan area where there are nuclear weapons. So you are recommending Minoxdil rather than Propecia?

 

[DoctorHouse]

Propecia is for male pattern baldness. Do you have a family history of balding? Have you been diagnosed with male pattern baldness? If your hair loss is ONLY related to Hashimoto's, then Propecia is not indicated for that type of loss. You can take Propecia if you think your balding or thinning is not just do to Hashimoto's. Remember I tested positive for the gene of male pattern baldness and my dad lost mostly all his hair in his 20's. I have the gene but luckily it did not express itself like it did for my dad.

 

[ProscarRules]

No family history of male pattern baldness, but lucky me I have been dignosed with one from scalp biopsy so I guess I should go on Propecia ASAP and hope for the best?

 

[DoctorHouse]

If its been confirmed you have male pattern baldness, then Propecia is the way to go and cross your figures it will solve your situation.

 

[dezertfox]

No family history of male pattern baldness, but lucky me I have been dignosed with one from scalp biopsy so I guess I should go on Propecia ASAP and hope for the best?

hey man i am in the same boat, could you let me know how it worked out for you??