Sudden hair loss

[dania]

I'm been experiencing hair loss over the last couple of months that seemed to start out of nowhere. I've been gluten-free for 13 months so I don't know what's happening now??

I've had hair loss due to low iron in the past but my most recent ferritin was 69 (in Dec 2015).

I thought it could be my thyroid because I have high TPO antibodies, but my last few TSH readings were good: 1.7 in Jan 2016, 1.9 in Apr 2016. (Although in Dec my TSH was 4.7)

Maybe it's to do with a B vitamin deficiency? I used to take several supplements that had vitamin B12, B6, folate, etc. in them, and I've noticed that since I haven't been taking them, my B12 has dropped from 1100 to 500. So maybe other B vitamins are low?

I also have been eating way fewer carbs since Dec to stabilize my blood sugar and insulin. But some people experience hair loss on low carb diets? And I'm finding it difficult to get enough to eat while keeping blood sugar balanced...

Could my hair loss be from any of these? Or something else I haven't thought of? Any advice would be appreciated

[MissyBB]

How old are you?

[dania]

I'm 24.

[icelandgirl]

Hi Dania,

I'm so sorry to hear that you are having this issue.  If you have thyroid antibodies you likely have Hashimotos...this can certainly lead to hair loss.  You mention your TSH, but no other values.  You would benefit from a full thyroid panel as TSH doesn't give the full picture of your thyroid function.  Ask for TSH, Free T3, Free T4, TPOAb and TgAb.  You might be in need of thyroid replacement medication.

I hope you get the answers you need!

[etbtbfs]

5 hours ago, dania said:

I'm been experiencing hair loss over the last couple of months that seemed to start out of nowhere. I've been gluten-free for 13 months so I don't know what's happening now??

I've had hair loss due to low iron in the past but my most recent ferritin was 69 (in Dec 2015).

I thought it could be my thyroid because I have high TPO antibodies, but my last few TSH readings were good: 1.7 in Jan 2016, 1.9 in Apr 2016. (Although in Dec my TSH was 4.7)

Maybe it's to do with a B vitamin deficiency? I used to take several supplements that had vitamin B12, B6, folate, etc. in them, and I've noticed that since I haven't been taking them, my B12 has dropped from 1100 to 500. So maybe other B vitamins are low?

I also have been eating way fewer carbs since Dec to stabilize my blood sugar and insulin. But some people experience hair loss on low carb diets? And I'm finding it difficult to get enough to eat while keeping blood sugar balanced...

Could my hair loss be from any of these? Or something else I haven't thought of? Any advice would be appreciated

TSH is not sufficient to diagnose thyroid.  Your doctor is ignorant.  Find a doc who does all these tests and knows what they mean: TSH FT3 FT4 rT3 TPOab TGab.

[Teachme]

I was having serious hair loss but it was due to scratching. If I take medication like Motrin or aleve I get hives on my head and itch til my hair falls out. 

[MissyBB]

I asked how old you were because hair loss is a big indicator of estrogen deficiency which is seen, often, in middle-aged (35 and older) women. But you are only 24 so I highly doubt that is your issue.

I agree that your thyroid is likely the culprit. But if you are going to get blood work done then test your other hormones as well.