What's your life like after a thyroidectomy?

I had a total thyroidectomy 5 weeks ago. I am now on 100mcg of Levoxyl and my labs look great. The problem is my hair is falling out by the handful. I know that it is "usually temporary" but I need some reassurance so I'm coming here. Here's my question to you:



How long ago did you have your TT or RAI to ablate your thyroid?



How long did it take to stabilize your meds?



Did you lose your hair? If so, has it stopped and how long did it take? Did you do anything to help it?



Here's my response:

I am 5 weeks out from TT surgery

My meds look to be right already so I got lucky.

My hair started falling out exactly 7 days after starting Levoxyl and it has not stopped.

I am taking Evening Primrose, Omega 3, Biotin and a B Complex.



I'm really getting scared that this hairloss thing is NOT transient. Again... looking for reassurance and a little detail on your experience.



Thanks SO much!

What's your life like after a thyroidectomy?
Had a thyroidectomy after they found thyroid cancer. This was 3 1/2 years ago. I was started on 100 mcg, which was below the 200 mcg I eventually needed. It took almost a year to get me at the correct dose, I switched endocrinologist after that.



I never lost my hair, when my dose was low, my skin became dry, I was forgetful, moody, depressed, and tired. Getting to the right dose mostly fixed these problems.



I feel 90%. Recently I had my doctor add 5 mcg of cytomel, its been about 2 weeks so far. Its too early to see if it makes a difference.



Your thyroid makes both T4 and T3, you are just on T4. T4 can be converted to T3 in the body, but some people have problems with the conversion. If you do not get better you may wish to add cytomel (T3), or even try armour thyroid which is natural and contains both.
Reply:I had a partial thyroidectomy in 1996 and was fine until 6 months later when the remaining tissue became over active again. Within 1 year post op I was med free. In April of 2000 my thyroid was overactive again and 1 year later I had radioactive iodine to destroy the remaining tissue. It took about 5 months to find the correct dosage of Synthryoid and I have been on that since late 2001. I do not remember if I had significant hair loss after being placed on hormone replacement therapy but the texture of my hair is definitely different. I have thick, curly hair that is now dry and brittle all the time and I have to use a ton of conditioner now. Hair loss from this particular med is a side affect for children usually not adults. You are only 5 weeks post op -- give yourself some time. I believe that the hair loss you are experiencing is temporary. I would check with your MD about the nutritional supplements you are taking. Some do interfere with thyroid medications. Hope this helps and good luck.

evening shoes