Is There a Connection between Levothyroxine and Hair Loss?

The condition known as hypothyroidism is caused by underactive levels of the thyroid gland and a lack of adequate thyroid hormone in the body. This may lead to consequences such as hair loss, weight gain, muscle cramps, and fatigue. Levothyroxine is a medication that treats this condition, and it serves as a man-made version of the thyroid horomone meant to exert identical effects on the body.

Like any medication, there are certain side effects associated with levothyroxine. In many cases, these side effects are similar to the effects of a condition called hyperthyroidism, which is caused by overproduction of thyroid hormone. One side effect that occurs more frequently than others is hair loss.

Levothyroxine and hair loss have an association that is not fully understood. For many individuals, the link between taking levothyroxine and hair loss only occurs for a short period of time, within the initial few months of using the medication. Any hair lost by these individuals usually grows back somewhat quickly. There have not been, as of early 2011, any comprehensive studies that have recorded hair loss incidence rates on a large scale, and it does not appear to be a widespread issue.

In other individuals, the link between levothyroxine and hair loss can indicate problems with the dosage of the medication. A potential symptom of hyperthyroidism also happens to be hair loss. This means that doses of this drug that are too high for a patient's needs, which can mimic hyperthyroidism symptoms, can often lead to the same problem.

Doses of levothyroxin that are not low enough to adequately treat the patient may also cause the loss of hair. There is solid medical evidence to show that hypothyroidism can cause alopecia, or hair loss. In the event of this occurring, a doctor may need to evaluate the patient taking the medication to ensure that the dosage is at appropriate levels. Patients should not attempt to alter the dosages of this medication on their own to stop hair loss.

Compared to some other potential side effects, such as chest pains and heart problems, the connection between taking levothyroxine and hair loss is not quite as serious. Should it persist longer than a month after starting this medication, however, most medical professionals recommend contacting the prescribing doctor. They can perform tests to determine whether this should be considered a normal side effect, or whether it indicates the need for a potential change in dosage.