DR. IZABELLA WENTZ, PHARM D

Thyroid Pharmacist

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Hair Loss & Your Thyroid

Hair Loss and Your Thyroid

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For many of us women, hair loss can be a distressing symptom that we experience with Hashimoto’s. In many ways, our hair represents our femininity. When we experience hair loss, we feel that we are losing some of our sense of self. Every time we brush our hair or look in the mirror, we are met with a constant reminder that something is off in our bodies and we are not well.

Hair loss was one of the symptoms I experienced on my journey with Hashimoto’s, and one of the early clues I had that something was not right inside my body. I know first-hand how distressing it can be to wash your hair in the shower and watch huge clumps of hair clog the drain!

The good news is that there are many different strategies that have worked for me and many of the people I have worked with to overcome hair loss, by addressing the following questions:

  • What causes hair loss?
  • How can adjusting thyroid medications improve hair loss?
  • What supplements are helpful for hair growth?
  • Can hair growth be promoted by dietary changes?
  • Can topical treatments be beneficial to reduce hair loss?

In the case of Hashimoto’s, hair loss usually occurs when the body is shunting resources, such as nutrients, to be used elsewhere in the body.

But, just as there are many triggers, or root causes, for Hashimoto’s in the first place, there could be many different reasons why you are experiencing hair loss.

What Causes Hair Loss?

There are several types of hair loss, with a wide variety of causes, from inheritance, to stress, to autoimmune disease.

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss. Usually, we see this as “male pattern baldness or even “female pattern baldness”, with thinning primarily at the front and top of the scalp. This type of hair loss affects an estimated 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States. Many patients with androgenetic alopecia have a family history of this condition. It can begin as early as during a person’s teen years, though risk does increase with age. In women, most hair loss of this form begins after menopause.

Alopecia areata is acute, patchy hair loss that is thought to occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. It occurs in about 2.1 percent of the population and affects both men and women alike. Its cause is likely autoimmune, and it can have a single episode or remission and recurrence.

Telogen effluvium is the most common type of hair loss we see with Hashimoto’s. Its primary causes include high fevers, childbirth, severe infections, chronic illness, severe mental stress, surgery, an over or under active thyroid gland, protein deficiency, nutritional deficiencies, and some medications. It’s characterized by large clumps of hair falling out, usually while showering or brushing. It usually causes hair loss in a diffuse pattern, over the entire scalp.

Is Your Hair Thinning?

Have you experienced hair loss on your journey with Hashimoto’s? If so, there are so many things we can address to stop the hair loss and restore a sense of confidence and femininity. Sometimes, just one of these solutions will be effective in restoring hair growth; for others, it may be a multi-faceted approach. But be assured that there are options and hope for you. You can get your hair back!

Adaptive physiology is a concept that suggests that our bodies develop autoimmune conditions as a protective measure to conserve energy when resources are low. One example would be the body not getting the nutrition it needs, either from a compromised digestive tract or restricted calorie or nutrient intake, causing the thyroid gland to sense danger and down regulate the body’s metabolism to conserve resources.

You can read more about my safety theory in this article, but I think it’s a reasonable conclusion that addressing the nutrient deficiencies in the body and restoring a sense of “safety” that the body has all the resources it needs can have a huge effect on preventing hair loss.

1. Adjust Your Thyroid Medication

A primary root cause of hair loss is a deficiency in thyroid hormone. This could be because you’re not getting a high enough dose of thyroid medications, or because you’re not getting the right kind of thyroid medication.

When your TSH is on the outskirts of the normal range, you can continue to lose hair, and your hair may lack luster and shine. If your hair tangles easily, this is a sign that you may not be getting enough thyroid hormone.

In 2015, I conducted a survey of 2232 people with Hashimoto’s that resulted in as many as 36 percent of patients reporting that optimizing their TSH helped with improving their hair. Optimizing the type of thyroid medications they were taking also helped many people restore hair growth. As many as 38 percent of people surveyed reported that Nature-Thyroid helped to improve their hair; however, it is important that you find the thyroid medication that is right for you.

If you’re on thyroid medications and experiencing hair loss, the general rule of thumb is to check that you are on a T3 containing medication like WP Thyroid, Nature-Throid or Armour Thyroid and that your TSH is between 0.5 and 2  IU/L. While most thyroid medications contain the T4 hormone, it’s the abundance and availability of T3 hormones that help your hair grow and keep it from falling out. On paper, T4 medications convert to T3, but this doesn’t always happen effectively in the body. Many people have reported finally getting their hair back after T3 levels were optimized.

To learn more about how to optimize your thyroid medications, download my free eBook on Optimizing Thyroid Medications.

2. Consider Nutrient Depletions

A nutritional deficiency is often at the root of thyroid related hair loss. One of the most common culprits is a lack of iron, but a few other supplements may also prove effective in restoring hair growth.

Iron

Iron deficiency is the primary cause of hair loss in premenopausal women and is often the reason women with Hashimoto’s continue to lose hair despite taking thyroid medications. A study conducted in Iran of adolescent girls studied the effect of low iron on young women by collecting urine and serum samples of iron deficient girls. The results concluded that there was a significant correlation between the T4, TSH and ferritin levels studied in the subjects and an indication that iron deficiency may affect thyroid hormone status in adolescent girls.

In our survey of people with Hashimoto’s, 21 percent saw improvement in their hair condition by increasing their intake of iron or ferritin, so it’s definitely worth investigating.

Your doctor may test for anemia (low iron levels) by running a panel for red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and iron levels, and all of them may come up normal. However, you may still be low in iron. If not enough iron is available, the body may pull the iron from less important physiological processes, such as hair growth, to keep enough iron circulating in the blood.

Ferritin, the name given to the body’s iron reserve protein, is required for the transport of T3 to cell nuclei and the utilization of the T3 hormone. A decrease in ferritin can present as increased hair loss during shampooing and brushing, as well as overall thinning of hair without a specific pattern or bald spots.

Ferritin levels can also be measured and will be a better predictor of how much iron you have stored in your body and that are available for use. Ferritin should be checked in all women with Hashimoto’s and for anyone experiencing hair loss.

Normal ferritin levels for women are between 20 and 200 ng/mL. According to some experts, ferritin levels of at least 40 ng/ml are required to stop hair loss, while levels of at least 70 ng/ml are needed for hair regrowth. The optimal ferritin level for thyroid function is between 90-110 ng/ml.

You can check your ferritin levels easily with Ulta Lab Tests.

What causes iron depletion?

In addition to poor intake of dietary iron rich foods and a lack of hydrochloric acid which helps us absorb iron from foods, pregnancy (due to an increased need for iron) and heavy menstruation increase the risk of iron/ferritin deficiency. During each menstruation, a woman will lose 1-6 mg of iron while a pregnancy may cause a loss of 600–1000 mg of iron! Any bleeding, such as that present in nosebleeds, bleeding from the gut, as well as gut infections could also cause iron loss. Furthermore, malabsorption of iron can occur due to certain medications, dietary factors, SIBO, Celiac disease and food sensitivities.

A gluten free diet or elimination diet can help with addressing your iron levels and resolving many symptoms.

As iron needs an acid present to be absorbed, antacids and calcium supplements that are taken around mealtimes may reduce the absorption of iron from foods and supplements. Anyone with hair loss and taking PPI’s or acid-suppressing medications should immediately get their ferritin levels checked.

Dietary factors can also impact iron levels. Tannins in tea and coffee can inhibit iron absorption and should be spaced out by an hour from iron-containing meals. Phytic acid found in nuts, legumes, and grains, is known to be a food inhibitor and can prevent micronutrients, such as iron, from being absorbed by the human body. Even egg whites may also affect iron absorption.

Sometimes the simple act of eliminating these problematic foods can help restore iron levels, and thereby hair growth!

So, how can I increase iron levels?

If you are mildly iron deficient, or not consuming enough iron rich foods, food as medicine may be a key to increasing your iron levels.

Iron is present in both heme and non-heme versions in different foods. The heme version is the better-absorbed version and is found primarily in animal products.

The highest levels of iron are found in organ meats. I know what you may be thinking: Mmmm, liver! Beef, turkey, and chicken are the next best choices. In contrast, non-heme iron is found in nuts, beans, and spinach and is not usually absorbed as well.

To restore your iron and ferritin levels with food you can:

  • Eat cooked liver twice per week
  • Eat beef a few times per week

What if food isn’t enough?

If you continue to struggle with low ferritin levels, despite eating adequate red meat and liver, or if you just can’t look at liver without wanting to cry, supplements may help.

Here are some options for getting your iron levels up:

1. Digestive Enzymes and High-Dose Probiotics

We are what we absorb… absorption is dependent on digestion. Iron is best absorbed in an acidic environment, and if you’re not making enough stomach acid, you can boost your iron absorption by doing one of the following along with eating an iron-rich food: taking a vitamin C tablet, eating a vitamin C rich food such as cooked broccoli, or creating an acidic stomach environment by taking a Betaine with Pepsin supplement with meals. Here’s a comprehensive article on Betaine with Pepsin and low stomach acid, which commonly co-occurs with thyroid disease.

We often absorb nutrients from our food because of the type of bacteria we have within our digestive tract. Probiotics can increase our absorption of iron from foods. Lactobacillus Plantarum can help to increase iron absorption by 50 percent! Probiotic 50B contains L. Plantarum. For more information on probiotics, you can read this article on the best probiotics for Hashimoto’s.

2. “Liver Pills”

Taking encapsulated liver can be a fantastic option for boosting ferritin levels in people who are not liver lovers. 🙂 Paleovalley makes an encapsulated liver supplement that can help. Please note, liver is also high in other nutrients such as copper, so people with copper toxicity should avoid liver supplements.

3. Iron Supplements

Most iron supplements are in the non-heme form and may not be absorbed as well. Additionally, many people find that they get terrible stomach aches from the supplements, and they find them extremely constipating! Here are a few more gentle and effective ferritin boosting options to consider:

OptiFerin C contains ferritin and has helped numerous of my clients boost their ferritin levels. Ester-C, a natural, water soluble version of Vitamin C, is added to increase intestinal absorption.

Thorne Iron Bisglycinate is an iron supplement that is more gentle on the stomach and less likely to cause constipation.

If choosing to take iron supplements, do so with much caution as they are one of the leading causes of overdose for children and adults. An iron overdose can be deadly, so make sure you keep the iron out of reach of children and speak to your physician or pharmacist about a dose appropriate for you. Please note, I don’t recommend supplementing with iron unless you test positive for iron deficiency.

4. IV Iron

Another option, especially for those who have tried EVERYTHING, is to work with a functional medicine practitioner to obtain intravenous iron. Intravenous iron can restore your ferritin levels with a few IV’s that can be done in two weeks time, won’t give you constipation, and won’t require you to take a daily pill.

This is a great option for people who are not absorbing iron orally. While any doctors can prescribe or order iron IV’s, most clinics are not set up to offer it. The iron is usually infused over time in saline. Look for integrative, functional and naturopathic clinics that offer this service, or a medical specialist that is known as a hematologist.

Additional Nutrient Deficiencies

If you don’t have an iron deficiency or if you’re already addressing it, there are additional nutrient deficiencies that can lead to hair loss that you may consider testing for. While I always recommend testing for iron deficiency, most people can take the remaining supplements safely.

Biotin

Hashimoto’s always co-occurs with inflammation in the body. The inflammation puts the adrenals on overdrive, depleting our biotin stores. Biotin is an important vitamin for many bodily functions, and deficiencies have been found to cause hair loss.

Supplementing with Biotin at a dose of 5000 mcg-10,000 mcg (5-10mg per day) per day can help with hair loss. Biotin can also help with adrenal fatigue and Candida.

Please note, new reports are surfacing that 5-10 mg of Biotin per day can interfere with some thyroid labs, making it appear as though the person has Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism, when they do not. Case reports of people taking Biotin and having a low TSH test, high T4, high T3 and elevated TSH-receptor antibodies (in the absence of hyperthyroid or Graves’ symptoms) have been reported. The lab values do normalize after 7 days of being off Biotin.  While Biotin doesn’t actually cause hyperthyroidism, it interacts with the lab reporting in a way that can cause a false appearance of hyperthyroidism. If you’re going in for a thyroid lab draw, please be sure to skip the Biotin for 1-7 days before your lab test to ensure that the supplement doesn’t interfere with the results.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential element to our well-being. It acts as a catalyst in about 100 different enzyme reactions required by our body, and is involved in DNA synthesis, immune function, protein synthesis, and cell division. It is required for proper sense of taste and smell, detoxification, wound healing, and thyroid function. And it’s critical for hair growth!

An analysis by the World Health Organization concluded that an estimated 17.4 percent of the world’s population may be zinc deficient, and most people with hypothyroidism are in fact zinc deficient. Thyroid hormones are essential for zinc to be absorbed, and a deficiency of thyroid hormones can result in zinc deficiency.

Zinc deficiency prevents the conversion of T4 into the active T3 version. This results in a slowed metabolism of proteins. Zinc is also needed to form TSH, and may become depleted in those with hypothyroidism who are constantly producing more TSH.

Where does zinc come from?

Zinc is not stored in the body, so a daily intake of zinc is required to maintain sufficient levels. Unfortunately, there are many problems with relying on food sources to give us the proper intake of zinc.

Oysters have the highest concentration of zinc, but they are not practical for most of us to eat every day. Beef, liver, pork, lobster, and chicken are the next best sources of zinc, as it is easiest to extract zinc from meat compared with non-meat sources. This means that vegetarians are also at an increased risk of developing a zinc deficiency.

Absorption of zinc may be impaired by damage from intestinal disease such as celiac disease and other malabsorption syndromes – common conditions for those with thyroid disorders. Additionally, phytates found in grains, legumes, nuts and seeds can bind zinc and prevent its absorption when eaten alongside zinc containing foods.

What about zinc supplements?

Zinc supplementation is often the best way to address a deficiency. In my survey of people with Hashimoto’s, 18 percent did report that adding a zinc supplement to their diet improved their hair growth. The recommended dose is no more than 30 mg per day. A word of caution: zinc doses over 40 mg may cause a depletion of copper, necessitating the use of a copper supplement.

Gelatin/Collagen

Hair grows out of follicles, which are essentially tiny sheaths formed out of collagen. The papilla, also made of collagen, is what links the follicle to the rest of the body.

Collagen is a protein that consists primarily of the amino acids glycine and proline. Gelatin is formed when collagen has been boiled-down, dried and pulverized into a powder.

People used to naturally eat a lot more collagen by consuming the bones and other parts of animals that are rich in collagen. These days, we mostly just eat muscle meat, which is high in amino acids, but low in collagen. This is not only bad news for our hair, but for our health in general.

By increasing the amount of collagen in your diet, you can support your hair follicles and papilla – the longer the and stronger they are, the healthier your hair will be!

There are many collagen and gelatin supplements on the market today. You can try the Pure Prescriptions Perfect Collagen or  Bulletproof Collagen. Or, you can make your own cheap and easy bone broth that is also delicious! You can find a video with simple instructions for making your own bone broth HERE.

Biosil

Biosil is a supplement designed to improve hair, skin, nail and joint strength. Its primary ingredients are choline and silicon. Choline likely improves the appearance of hair by improving fat absorption into the body. A higher silicon content in the hair results in a lower rate of hair loss and increased brightness. Studies have suggested that silicon has an effect on the tensile strength of hair, making it more resistant to breakage.

3. Use Food to Boost Hair Growth

Blood Sugar

Blood sugar swings brought on by eating too many carbohydrates and not enough quality proteins and fats can wreak havoc on your health and hair! Blood sugar swings encourage the conversion of T4 to reverse T3. Reverse T3 is an inactive hormone that blocks the body’s utilization of T3, resulting in increased hair shedding.

For some, a Paleo style diet that emphasizes high quality proteins and fats and limits grains, processed sugar and starchy carbohydrates can keep blood sugars lowered and stable. My Hashimoto’s survey resulted in 27 percent reporting an increase in hair growth when following a Paleo diet, with 32.6 percent noticing improvement with a strict autoimmune Paleo diet! But any diet that reduces sugar and keeps carbohydrates at a moderate level can help bring blood sugar back into balance and reduce the likelihood of hair loss.

Healthy Fats

I first noticed the role of fats in hair when I was studying the effects of low fat and high fat diets on lab rats (this volunteer research assistant position sounded much better on paper). I’ll spare you the lab rat research stories for another time, but you should know that the rats fed a high fat diet had beautiful long and shiny rat hair. The low fat diet ones, not so much. This is because fatty acid deficiencies result in dry, dull, lifeless hair.

Another six-month long study conducted on 120 healthy women evaluated the changes in hair density after being given Omega-3 and -6 supplements. At the end of the treatment, superior hair growth improvement was demonstrated in the supplemented group, with 89.9 percent reporting a reduction in hair loss, 86.1 percent an improvement in hair diameter, and 87.3 percent an improvement in hair density.

Eating Omega-3 containing fish or taking a supplement can also help bring back the shine to your hair. As many as 26 percent of the people with Hashimoto’s that I surveyed concluded that adding an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement brought noticeable improvement to their hair!

Green Vegetables

There is some indication that increasing the amount of green vegetables in your diet could lead to improvements in hair growth. My survey indicated that 19 percent of participants reported increased hair growth by adding green smoothies into their diets, while further improvements were seen by adding in green juices and increasing vegetable intake. While I don’t recommend a vegan or vegetarian diet to people with Hashimoto’s disease, upping the number of vegetables, particularly greens, in your diet can certainly improve hair growth and lustre.

4. Explore Topical Treatments

If you’ve addressed your thyroid medication, adjusted your supplement intake and looked for any deficiencies in your diet but you’re still experiencing hair loss, there are several topical treatment options that you may find effective. Although I believe that healthy hair comes from within, external factors, such as the shampoo that you are using, might be exacerbating your hair loss.

Hair Products

Shampoos that contain toxic chemicals and gluten can be detrimental to your scalp, resulting in inflamed hair follicles. There are also a host of endocrine disrupting chemicals in most commercial hair care products that can wreak havoc on your thyroid. Opt instead for for an organic shampoo and conditioner that are free of toxic chemicals. I use the Acure Organics line, which I’ve found to be both safe and effective in giving me beautiful and shiny hair.

For people with tangled hair (often a first symptom of an underactive thyroid), I recommend Acure Leave In Conditioner and the Tangle Teezer brush. These two together did wonders for me when my hair was tangled, and I still like to keep my brush with me at all times, especially when I travel.

Because fatty acids are so important for healthy hair growth, another topical treatment option is to massage olive oil into the scalp itself. The rich fat will nourish the hair right at the roots and can help to stimulate hair growth in dormant hair follicles.

Scalp Mites

Demodex hair mites – sounds gross right? But there are tiny mites that live in the hair follicles of 96 to 98 percent of people that may be responsible for your hair loss, and could cause your hair to be more greasy. You can wash your hair with a sulfur and tea tree oil containing shampoo like Ovante’s Demodex to kill the mites – just remember to let the shampoo sit on your scalp for 3-5 minutes to effectively kill the mites.

Growth Lasers

Recently, the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has shown promise as a treatment for hair loss and to stimulate hair regrowth. Laser combs and laser helmets, such as the Theradome, emit a low level of laser light that can stimulate hair growth. They can be purchased without a prescription and used in the comfort of your own home.

PRP

The latest in hair growth research is focused on stem cell therapies and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. Some dermatologists and anti-aging doctors are using PRP to inject a concentration of the patient’s own blood platelets into the scalp to help retain and regrow hair.

In a recent study, eleven patients suffering from androgenic alopecia hair loss who hadn’t responded to drug treatments were injected in the scalp with PRP four times over a period of 3 months. Results showed a significant reduction in hair loss, and their hair count increased from 71 hair follicular units to 93 hair follicular units.

A Final Word About Hair Loss…

Stress can make you shed hair like crazy. I’m speaking from personal experience, as well as the experiences of hundreds of my clients. What can you do to reduce the stress in your own life that might be contributing to hair loss? Taking time to care for yourself with yoga, meditation, journaling, or light exercise are all great options to help reduce your stress load. You might also consider supporting your stress hormones with adaptogenic herbs, such as those in Rootcology Adrenal Support.

I want you to know that there is help for your hair loss! I know how crushing it can be to deal with a symptom as difficult to disguise as hair loss, but there are so many avenues for you to explore that can lead to a huge shift in your current hair growth. As I began to get to the root cause of my own thyroid condition and make changes that restored health and balance to my body, the hair loss I was experiencing stopped. Start with the solutions that resonate the most with you and are easiest to implement, and note that it may take several weeks to see noticeable changes with any supplement, medication, dietary, or topical changes that you make.

I wish you all the best on your journey toward recovering a healthy head of hair!

P.S. Be sure to sign up to receive my Thyroid Symptom Hacker for more tips on overcoming hair loss!

References

  1. Hoppe M, Önning G, Berggren A, Hulthén L. Probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v increases iron absorption from an iron-supplemented fruit drink: a double-isotope cross-over single-blind study in women of reproductive age. Br J Nutr. 2015;114(8):1195-202.
  2. Phillips T, Slomiany W, Allison R. Hair loss: Common causes and treatment. DO Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(6):371­378.
  3. Androgenetic alopecia. National Institutes of Health. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/androgenetic-alopecia#statistics. Published January 23, 2018. Accessed January 29, 2018.
  4. What you need to know about alopecia areata. National Alopecia Areata Association. https://www.naaf.org/alopecia-areata. Published 2018. Accessed January 29, 2018.
  5. Telogen effluvium hair loss. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. http://www.aocd.org/?page=TelogenEffluviumHA. Accessed January 29, 2018.
  6. Bodó E, Kromminga A, Bíró T. Borbíró I, Gáspár E, Zmijewski MA, Paus R. Human female hair follicles are a direct, nonclassical target for thyroid-stimulating hormone. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2009;129(5), 1126-1139.
  7. Eftekhari MH, Keshavarz SA, Jalali M, Elguero E, Eshraghian MR, Simondon KB. The relationship between iron status and thyroid hormone concentration in iron-deficient adolescent Iranian girls. Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition, 2006; 15(1), 50.
  8. Hair loss? It may be iron deficiency. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/news/20060516/hair-loss-may-be-iron-deficiency#1. Published May 17, 2018. Accessed January 30, 2018.
  9. Ferritin test. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ferritin-test/about/pac-20384928. Published February 10, 2017. Accessed on January 30, 2018.
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  12. Ferritin test. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ferritin-test/about/pac-20384928. Published February 10, 2017. Accessed on January 30, 2018.
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  14. Gupta RK, Gangoliya SS, Singh NK. Reduction of phytic acid and enhancement of bioavailable micronutrients in food grains. Journal of food science and technology. 2015;52(2), 676-684.
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  16. Zinc Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/. Published February 11, 2016. Accessed January 30, 2018.
  17. Wessells KR, Brown KH. Estimating the global prevalence of zinc deficiency: results based on zinc availability in national food supplies and the prevalence of stunting. PloS one. 2012;7(11), e50568.
  18. Betsy A, Binitha MP, Sarita S. Zinc deficiency associated with hypothyroidism: an overlooked cause of severe alopecia. International journal of trichology. 2013;5(1), 40.
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  22. It’s Enough To Make Your Skin Crawl: Microscopic Mites May Be Linked To Acne, Thinning Hair And Other Skin Disorders. UF/IFAS News Release http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/pestalert/acne.htm. Published April 23, 2003. Accessed on January 30, 2018.
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Note: Originally published in February 2015, this article has been revised and updated for accuracy and thoroughness.

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  3. Pure Encapsulations brand: S boulardii, Probiotic 50B (gluten and dairy free)
    VSL#3 (may contain traces of gluten/dairy; I have not had a problem but not recommended for celiac/anaphylactic reactions)
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    Reply

  4. Doctor says my thyroid levels are level and I am still having hair loss!! It falls out really bad when I take a bath and brush it. I am taking Armour at 30 mg a day. I was on 60 but started with heart palps. Ferritin is normal, actually a little high from IV iron. I started taking Vit D 4000mg a day because my level was low and also Evening Primrose oil. Don’t know what else to do. My iodine level was high via a urine test and blood test was 50 and normal levels are 40-92. Blood test says I do not have celiac. I also have periods of itching and get these fluid filled bumps on my head, face and body. I have been to so many different doctors and still no help!!!!! If anyone has any info PLEASE comment!!! I also have horrible constipation!!!
    Reply

    • Tonia- Most conventional physicians use the TSH test to determine if one has a thyroid disorder and to dose thyroid medications.

      However, this test can often times be misleading, as levels of circulating hormones may fluctuate at different times, such as in Hashimoto’s, the person affected may fluctuate between highs and lows.

      Additionally, when scientists first set the “normal” ranges of TSH for healthy individuals, they inadvertently included elderly patients and others with compromised thyroid function in the calculations leading to an overly lax reference range.

      This resulted in people with underactive thyroid hormones being told that their thyroid tests were “normal,” based on this skewed reference range.

      WHAT TO DO IF YOUR TSH IS NORMAL AND YOU ARE ANYTHING BUT
      https://thyroidphramacist.com/blog/what-to-do-if-your-tsh-is-normal-and-you-are-anything-but

      Here are the tests you need for diagnosis. Most endocrinologists don’t run them all so you will have to request them. Make sure to request a copy of your labs as well.

      TOP 6 THYROID TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS
      https://thyroidphramacist.com/blog/top-6-thyroid-tests

      Reply

  6. Hi Tonia,
    Have you tried going gluten free, and using gluten free shampoo? I would say majority of people if not all have an issue with gluten. There is new research that suggests that gluten sensitivity is a spectrum, with Celiac being at the end of the spectrum and most severe. You can try excluding it from your diet and trying it again in 2-4 weeks to watch for a reaction. Google dermatitis herpetiformis, to see if your bumps look anything like that. This is a rash associated with gluten sensitivity.
    Reply

  8. Tonia, even if you do not have celiac, you are probably sensitive to gluten. Go GF, and see if your symptoms improve. You may feel worse before you feel better. My breakouts stopped once I was GF for three months. This weekend I ate a little, and guess who had a breakout?!? Me!!!
    Reply

  9. I am a 63 year-old woman with Hashimotos. I take Levoxyl 100 mcg M-F and 112 mcg on weekends. I also have Type 2 diabetes that is being controlled with diet and exercise. I have chronic hives and angioedema so must take 10 mg Zyrtec daily. I have had GI issues in the past…I have occasional bouts of severe nausea, diarrhea and vomiting (happens 1x per year or sometimes I go a couple of years) …when that happens I also have uncontrollable shaking and I end up in the ER from the pain, nausea and dehydration. I have seen a GI specialist and an allergist and they have no clue as to why this happens. Now, I also have a low ferritin level 5.5 and because I have not been able to tolerate oral iron they want to infuse Iron 1x per week for 5 weeks to get my level up. I am reluctant to do this as I have always been anemic and have had an infusion in the past which caused so many side effects, My last T4 was 1.01. My TSH was 0.118. I just ordered your book, but would like your thoughts. Thank you!
    Reply

    • Cindie- Thank you so much for your support. I’m looking forward to hearing your progress on this page. Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes. You may be interested in my 12 week online program called Hacking Hashimoto’s that covers all of the strategies that I go through with my one-on-one clients, in a self-paced format, so that participants have access to all of the things I’ve learned about Hashimoto’s without having to schedule costly consults with me or another practitioner. There are a few requirements that you should pay attention to, such as my book is a required read.

      HACKING HASHIMOTOS
      http://hackinghashimotos.com/

      Reply

  11. Hi, Cindie iam 50 and at 23 had most of large bowel removed, they had just told me prior to this that i had Hashimoto’s and if it would of been diagnosed sooner i might not have had all this troulbe. I was always anemic and shots,pills didn’t do it. So i started iron transfusions. I have to tell u i went every 2 months for 2 years. Really helped and only side affect i had was tired for a few days. So after my ist bowel surgery i was in and out of hospital most of my 30’s. Then we did iron and wow i had energy and all the other things that were wrong. Unfortunatly at 42 i had to have an ileostomy and the first 4 years were a nightmare. Then had to have my rectum removed and i just feel like some days i want to give up. I have been diagnosed with DIGITS by a surgeon who has 200 pattients 2 are men. Diffuse Irritable Gastronal Intestenal Disease and he had named this disease and has been trying to get it into the medical books as it is very rare. It’s like your bowel is a snake and it pushes and pulls on the bowel so it works only when it wants. I hear your problems and i just thought i would tell u give the iron transfusions a try. Love to hear from u . Take care. Lisa
    Reply

  12. Hi. I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism (normal TSH, low T3, low T4) about a year ago and am still struggling with Hairloss all over my head but worse at my temples. Despite supplementation with Iron, my ferritin is in the 30 range. Before supplementing it was 19. I originally tested negative for Hashimoto’s and have never been tested again. Do you have any experience with Iron supplements not working to resolve the problem? Thanks!
    Reply

    • Elizabeth- Some people with Hashimoto’s test negative for thyroid antibodies because their overall immune health is so weak they do not produce enough antibodies. I’ve tested negative for antibodies several times. Now I’ve insisted on a thyroid ultrasound. Given that Hashimoto’s is one of the leading causes of hypothyroidism worldwide, I wouldn’t stop until I know one way or another.

      Here are the tests you need for diagnosis. Most endocrinologists don’t run them all so you will have to request them. Make sure to request a copy of your labs as well. Have you done all these tests?

      TOP 6 THYROID TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests/

      Reply

    • Stephanie- Did you know that reactive foods trigger an inflammatory response in the GI tract, leading to malabsorption of nutrients (gluten sensitivity in particular has been implicated in causing a Selenium deficiency, a well known risk factor for Hashimoto’s), and can also produce intestinal permeability whenever they are eaten?

      Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.

      FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos

      AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet

      Reply

  14. I saw that calcium is in the ingredients of the Opti-Ferin C. I thought that calcium was one of the things that inhibits the absorption of iron?? (how many Opti-Ferin C did you take a day to bring up your Ferritin?)
    Reply

    • Dawn- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.

      I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

    • I had the same question- I got this answer from Pure Encapsulations:
      “The calcium ascorbate form was chosen as the source of vitamin C in Pure Encapsulations OptiFerin-C because it will not have an oxidation reaction with the Ferrochel iron bis-glycinate. Ascorbic acid reacts with the iron in the capsule. The amount of calcium is small enough not to interfere with the absorption of the iron.”

      Reply

  15. What dose of Optiferrin-C do you recommend and how do you divide doses throughout the day? When I was tested, my ferritin level was only 4 ng/mL.
    Reply

    • Ali- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.

      I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  16. I had long frizzy and almost damaged hair, after I had my son I was constantly losing my hair! I was in tears and so upset! I couldn’t take any vitamins since I was breastfeeding so I wanted something natural. I only used the Shielo Volumizing Shampoo 3 times and my hair completely stopped falling! Feels and looks so healthy, shinny and strong! It was so strong that I decided it was ready for some color so I dyed it and it looks awesome! The good thing is the Shielo products are known for also protecting hair color, while not having any harmful chemicals. It will solve all your pregnancy hair problems!
    Reply

  19. Can you go in the heart of the matter with Hashimoto? being the immune system. When a person have Hashimoto for a long time it becomes a chronic issue therefore the immune system would be most likely suppress. The TH17 than come in place. Can you talk about this? You can take all the right supplements in the world but if you do not work on you immune system therefore on infection and inflammation nothing will happen as far as correcting for good the situation.
    Reply

  20. I was looking at the Optiferrin-C and noticed it has calcium in it as well. Since calcium inhibits the absorption of iron why would an iron supliment contain calcium?
    I’m pregnant and hashimotos/celiac and need to bring my iron levels up and am confused by the calcium/iron combination.
    Reply

    • Jolene- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.

      I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  21. You may want to try Nutricology Vitamin C powder (camu-camu and acerola cherry – Pure formula’s carries it). My Dr. put me on it when my iron level was 271! Now it’s 436!!! Yikes! I have stopped taking it, but if you are LOW in iron, this could help. I took it with meals containing meat which may be my big mistake since Vitamin C increases iron levels!!!
    Reply

    • Lynn- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.

      I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  22. I have Hashimoto’s and eat a Paleo diet but not a lot of beef and no organ eats. My iron was 148 in December and Ferritin was 45. How do I raise my Ferritin without raising iron levels
    Reply

    • Laurel- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.

      I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  23. The Thyroid Sessions Kelly Brogan suggested using Liver capsules from Radiant Life (she has a video on her website about using it). I started taking this for my low ferritin and my number DOUBLED in eight weeks. I was only taking one capsule a day! A great way to have liver, without smelling up your home. They also sell a liver powder that you can add to smoothies, or mix into soups. Here’s the description from their website: “All natural grass fed cattle raised free from hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides. Made without introducing excessive heat, solvents, deodorizers, bleach, and refining. No supplemental iron added, just pure beef liver. Regularly tested for purity.” Iron supplements always constipate me, so this is a great solution for those who can’t tolerate it.
    Reply

  25. Is there anything that can be done to improve hair texture. My hair is so frizzy and coarse since having this disease. Its really upsetting how hard it is to manage my hair now. I dread even so much as washing it everyday.
    Reply

  26. I have been diagnosed w/ Hashi’s for 8 years. Recently, I had low iron. I started taking an iron supplement (again.) That is when my hair started thinning and my skin got dry. This has happened to me every time I restart an iron supplement after being told previously to stop taking it. Why do I lose my hair after I start taking the supplement?
    Reply

    • K- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.

      I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  27. If you have thyroid-related hair loss, you may have to settle in and be a bit patient. It’s likely that for most, the hair loss will slow down, and eventually stop, once hormone levels are stabilized and in the normal range. This may take a few months, however. But rest assured, I’ve had many thousands of words from people, and have yet to hear from anyone who lost most of his or her hair, or became bald, due to thyroid disease.
    Reply

  28. Dr Wentz,
    What do you know about liver desiccated pills? Are they safer than iron supplements? Will they help increase ferritin levels?
    Thank you
    Reply

    • Heather- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.

      I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  29. Is Ferritin called Ferremia in spanish? Because I am having this issue and my Ferremia lvls are at 39.
    I have coffe after every meat meal.
    Reply

  31. Why do most of these articles that I read say that the labs such as t3 or t4 or tsh and now an iron lab sometimes come back as normal and symptoms are still present? Why do different labs have different normal levels. Are these test not sensitive enough?
    Reply

  32. The problem with the ranges that say what is “normal” is that unhealthy people are included in the range. As my doctor explained it, to get a range for “normal” ferritin levels, scientists survey all kinds of people, some of whom many have excess iron and some of whom may have low iron. Yes, sick people are factored into the range! In Dr Wentz’s Root Cause book she lists the ideal range for iron. You can also search for this information on other thyroid sites. Hope that makes sense!
    Reply

    • Pam-Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.

      I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  34. I had a gastric bypass and I have hypothyroid any suggestions for us?
    My hair is so much thinner and my energy levels are awful
    Reply

  35. For constipation I find that Prune Juice with Pulp is very helpful. Prune Juice w/o pulp does nothing to help me.
    I drink a 4 oz glass at bedtime. Another 4 oz in the morning if no good result. I dont think it has ever taken more then 3 glasses. Sometimes I heat it a little. Then drink 1 glass a day. You will need to listen to uour body.
    Reply

    • Shirley- Did you know that reactive foods trigger an inflammatory response in the GI tract, leading to malabsorption of nutrients (gluten sensitivity in particular has been implicated in causing a Selenium deficiency, a well known risk factor for Hashimoto’s), and can also produce intestinal permeability whenever they are eaten?

      Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.

      FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos

      AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet

      Reply

  36. Dr. I’m on levothyroxin 125mcg,can I swich to armour since everybody says they feel better coz I feel sicky sometimes,why I feel my muscles feel tingling when I wake up
    Reply

  37. I was just diagnosed with hereditary hemochromatosis. My iron is high and my ferritin was at 1390 prior to my most recent phlebotomy. I have been on thyroid meds and have all my levels checked regularly yet my hair still falls out in handfuls and has changed from very thick to thin and whispy. I was told it was due to my low thyroid. Should I be looking for another cause?
    Reply

  38. I have my thyroid removed three years ago. Since than start loosing lots of hair and is getting thinner every day. I am taking sythroid I wonder if the medication making my hair thiner?
    Reply

    • Effie- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

      HASHIMOTO’S ROOT CAUSE BOOK
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      IS HASHIMOTO’S A SURGICAL DISEASE
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-hashimotos-a-surgical-disease

      Reply

    • Jessica- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.

      I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  40. I have hypo, on 137mcgs of synthroid, major hair loss! I take 10.000 biotin, 1000mg evening primrose, and collagen6000mgs. it really helps!!
    Reply

  41. Ive been losing hair on an off……have had to have iv iron…..and about to change thyroid meds…….the drs. No matter what they do my body dont hold iron so nothing works…….and when its does its 6 months at a time then hoes haywire…….im tired…been through tjis since I was eleven……..now 42……..im ready to throw in towel……
    Reply

  42. I have taken lots of different brands of Iron supplementation and I would like to recommend Spatone Liquid Iron Supplement sachets. I buy it over the counter at my local pharmacy. It is so gentle on the stomach, no more nasty gastric upsets!
    Reply

  44. I’m on 60 armour two months and my hair is falling out in handfuls too! I was on raw thyroid bought online at Walmart. No hair loss. My daughter was freaking out that I was not under dr care so I got on armour through my dr. I have had thyroectomy and RAI pill for thyroid cancer. Now that that is over my hair is my main concern. I think I’ll go back to raw thyroid fron Walmart online store recommended by many bloggers. Hope this helps you.
    Reply

    • Sally- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

      HASHIMOTO’S ROOT CAUSE BOOK
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      IS HASHIMOTO’S A SURGICAL DISEASE
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-hashimotos-a-surgical-disease

      Reply

  45. I’m on 60 amour and take biotin and evening of primrose oil as well as b-15. My hair stopped falling out three days ago when I began these supplements to my armour. It’s been three months since my RAI treatment for thyroid cancer. I think THAT RAI pill is the reason for my hair falling or it could be the thyroidectomy pre-RAI pill. I am still mourning the loss of my thyroid. When I think about it , it makes me mad that the medical profession removes organs instead of supplying supplements. ok that was a rant but I AM glad my hair has stopped falling out now. I bought the B-15 on Amazon because it’s not available anywhere else. Read up on it – it provides buco energy.
    Reply

  46. I was on 60 Armour. I’ve switched to raw thyroid bought online at Walmart pharmacy. No itching hair is much better too. No heart palpatations.
    Reply

  47. Sally, what is the amount (dose) of raw thyroid that you take? I have Hashimoto’s my TSH is normal at the moment 3.5 but, my doc went ahead and put me on 25mcg of Synthroid. Unfortunately all it has done is make my hair fall out worse than it already was. I feel lost!
    Reply

  50. Interesting enough, I had phases this year my hair fall out in bunch, I was scared to brush how bad it was. I have started with iron supplements, but also with AMLA OIL applications at the same time, and got good results pretty quickly. My doctor then discouraged me to continue with iron suppl, but I somehow stopped with amla as well (I would oil it up like crazy though, it was hard to wash off with no-poo method). So I found myself in same situation soon later. (my ferritin 18, and just discovered I have Hashimoto) So now I am on iron supplements for one month, and just for the sake of feeling better about hair, I applied AMLA OIL once few days ago – I have already noticed a difference. You just need to take a little bit, oil scalp, and also ends, it has done miracle for my dry/split ends. Bought it in indian store in Little India (Toronto, Canada).
    Reply

  51. Its best not to take calcium and magnesium together as they are antagonistic….leave two hours between and take magnesium just prior to bedtime, calcium at least 2 hours before that. Hashimotos commonly causes raised calcium levels to circulate around the body and soft tissues; this is an abnormal situation, calcium should be in the bones. Taking supplemented calcium will just add to the problem but if your calcium is prescribed discuss this with your Doc. Low thyroid function is likely to see low thyroid hormone including calcitonin. Calcitonin encourages calcium into the bones. Parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone; these glands are within the thyroid gland; parathyroid hormone encourage calcium out of the bones and into circulation. This hormone output is usually unaffected by Hashimoto’s therefore, the normal balance between calcitonin and parathyroid hormone is disrupted leaving parathyroid hormone and its effects dominant. Porcine thyroid hormone such as Armour includes calcitonin whereas other thyroid hormone supplement such as synthetic T4 or synthetic T3, does not include calcitonin.
    Reply

  52. I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism for about 17 years. I was cold all the time,weight gain,and most obvious was the exhaustion and the hair loss. I found out only because I thought I had carpal tunnel syndrome. The doctor said he better check my thyroid. It had just been tested 2 months before and was found normal. This time, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Recently, I have been suffering from severe exhaustion and just constant fog and forgetfulness. I read an article about Hashimotos disease. I went to my doctor and asked for a test specifically for Hashimotos. He told me that the test was negative,but that the antibodies would have been long gone because I’ve suffered from hypothyroidism for over 23 years. (I had sudden weight gain and hair loss during my pregnancy). I take iron supplements for iron because I am unable to eat meat. He said all my levels were fine. I started taking hair skin and nail vitamins as well because my eyebrows are so sparse. What can I do or get tested for to figure out what is truly my problem? I currently am on .125 mg of Levothyroxine.
    Reply

    • Susan- Some people with Hashimoto’s test negative for thyroid antibodies because their overall immune health is so weak they do not produce enough antibodies. I’ve tested negative for antibodies several times. Now I’ve insisted on a thyroid ultrasound. Given that Hashimoto’s is one of the leading causes of hypothyroidism worldwide, I wouldn’t stop until I know one way or another.

      Here are the tests you need for diagnosis. Most endocrinologists don’t run them all so you will have to request them. Make sure to request a copy of your labs as well. Have you done all these tests?

      TOP 6 THYROID TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests/

      Reply

  53. Please try switching to Armour. It took me years to find a doctor that would prescribe Amour. My hair did grow back after being on Armour. I’m now on NP Thyroid (Armour equivalent) the doctor also prescribed several supplements: iodine, prengenolone and DHEA to boost energy level. I also take Siberian (ginseng) Eleuthero for energy, and homemade tumeric tea for iron deficiency. Hope this is helpful.
    Reply

  54. I forgot to mention that I was able to loose weight, only after being on Armour. I eat normally now, and do not diet. I use coconut oil, which I read that eating coconut oil promotes healthy thyroid, and weight loss. Of course, I do exercise when I can. Hope you find this helpful.
    Reply

  55. It is good you are taking hose supplements but it is not appropriate to take both Pregnenolone AND DHEA together, take one or the other but not both together. Best wishes.
    Reply

  56. Susan, I have been on the Levothyroxin for almost three months now. Like you, I also suffer from the exhaustion, hair loss and weight gain. YOU are the first one to mention “sparce” eyebrows! I suffer from that also and have for quite a long time. For over 10 years I tested negative for thyroid issues. This past summer my test came back positive and thus, here I am. I just had to reply to your posting because all this time I thought my eyebrows were just hereditary through my Mother. Now, it may be from this disease. I just have to wonder about the medication(s) really working because it doesn’t seem that many have been successful at finding the proper dosage. It is very discouraging. I wish you (and everyone else) the best on this journey to finding their way back to “normal” from this illness.
    Reply

  58. I have had hashimoto over 30 years. And I did loose all my hair. It always fell out after I had children. After the first child it came back after 6 yrs…..then after 2nd child it all fell out ahain and has not come back. I have really read alot lately about it…but when I finally went to a specialists. He blew me off loke it was nothing. He gave me no hope. And he seems impartial to how this has affected over the years. Can anyone send me info that I can give him maybe help me? Very frustrated.
    Reply

  59. I was on synthetic thyroid (synthroid, levothyroxin) for years, and my hair falling out. When I finally switched to Armour, my hair actually grew back. I was always anemic, but once I started drinking homemade tumeric tea, my iron levels were tested normal range for the very first time. Turmeric has many minerals, and iron being one of them.
    Reply

  61. Tanya, how long did it take for your hair to start growing back when you switched to Armor? I started on it just this week after being on 50 mcg Synthroid for about 18 months, and my hair has thinned probably since last winter.
    Reply

  62. I’m 31, Diagnosed with PCOS 6 years ago and have been battling hair loss for almost 5 years now. My thyroid tests are normal every time it gets checked. My Iron is just fine. Since all I’ve seen are lousy endocrinologists, I continue on with hair loss and thinning. No doctor can find out whats going on or if its the PCOS or fails to see it as an issue. I’m at a complete loss for help as my Insecurity about hair keeps growing. I have found that using Nioxin hair products help it to look thicker but does not stop it from falling out. Any suggestions would be appreciated…. wasting my money on seeing more doctors would be my last resort.
    Reply

    • Marie- Most conventional physicians use the TSH test to determine if one has a thyroid disorder and to dose thyroid medications.

      However, this test can often times be misleading, as levels of circulating hormones may fluctuate at different times, such as in Hashimoto’s, the person affected may fluctuate between highs and lows.

      Additionally, when scientists first set the “normal” ranges of TSH for healthy individuals, they inadvertently included elderly patients and others with compromised thyroid function in the calculations leading to an overly lax reference range.

      This resulted in people with underactive thyroid hormones being told that their thyroid tests were “normal,” based on this skewed reference range.

      WHAT TO DO IF YOUR TSH IS NORMAL AND YOU ARE ANYTHING BUT
      https://thyroidphramacist.com/blog/what-to-do-if-your-tsh-is-normal-and-you-are-anything-but

      Here are the tests you need for diagnosis. Most endocrinologists don’t run them all so you will have to request them. Make sure to request a copy of your labs as well.

      TOP 6 THYROID TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS
      https://thyroidphramacist.com/blog/top-6-thyroid-tests

      Reply

  63. Very interested in this “Turmeric Tea”! Anyone have a special one for us HASH/Hair Loss Folks. I have been Gluten and Dairy Free for years–but even with additional B Vits., nothing is helping with the Hair. At age 62 — taking Iron is scary. My range is always 40 to 70 and I keep my D-3 up as well. On Natural Thyroid. Thank you!
    Reply

    • Adrienne- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.

      I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  65. My doctor recently put me on Ferrous Sulfate 324 MGEC Tabs. After reading your thoughts on the OptiFerin-C I ordered a bottle. I am now wondering what would be the equal dose to the Ferrous Sulfate I was prescribed? Right now I am only taking one OptiFerin a day because I’m not sure.
    Reply

    • Julia-Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.

      I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  67. Has anyone heard of high doses of wheatgrass for hair loss due to low ferritin? This is what my NP prescribed for me. I only started 12 days ago, and now have run into constipation. Gave myself a fleet enema, and stopped for a couple of days until my bowels started back themselves. I started back again, but cut the dose in thirds. Just wondered if anyone else has heard or tried this themselves.
    Reply

    • Polly-Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.

      I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  68. Hi, I’ve had my thyroid removed due to “the good cancer” followed by radioactive iodine treatment on synthetic medication for thyroid all blood work is normal however I have lost eyebrows and hair has thinned out so much that I look bald! Also going through menopause doing gel hormone cream. Desperate please help if anybody has some information
    Reply

    • Marina- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

      HASHIMOTO’S ROOT CAUSE BOOK
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      IS HASHIMOTO’S A SURGICAL DISEASE
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-hashimotos-a-surgical-disease

      Reply

  69. I had Graves D., so my thyroid was killed. I now take a high dosage of synthroid. I feel like crap all the time. I tell tell the doctor & he keeps increasing dosage. I have a huge problem with sleep. Can you help me? Cindy
    Reply

  71. My iron and ferritin levels are in the “normal range” (53 and 29 ng/ml), but my transferrin levels are high (318) and my transferrin saturation low (11.8%). My GP recommended an iron supplement (40mg/day), would you recommend the same? I don’t experience extreme hair loss, but extremely dry hair and skin, low energy and weight gain. Thanks so much! Elisabeth

    Reply

  72. Hi, my daughter has Hashimoto’s and is experiencing hair loss even though she is stable on NDT but her ferritin has always been high 260-285, iron saturation between 11-13%, serum iron in low range and hemoglobin in low range. We were referred to a hematologist since her ferritin was elevated over two years since they’ve tested it. She doesn’t have hemochromatosis but an “unspecified inflammation” the doctor said and not to supplement with iron since she is “not too low in my opinion” . Well, we have tried everything as far as all the recommended vitamins and shampoos, and the hair loss is still there and getting worse. Would her low iron serum still be the culprit for the hair loss even though her ferritin is high? Or should we look elsewhere for causes? Thanks in advance!

    Reply

  73. What is the PPI’s discussed in the article? What over the counter meds can be taken for low iron to promote hair growth?

    Reply

    • Pam – thank you for following this page.

      You may be interested in my 12 week online program called Hashimoto’s Self-Management Program that covers all of the strategies that I go through with my one-on-one clients, in a self-paced format, so that participants have access to all of the things I’ve learned about Hashimoto’s without having to schedule costly consults with me or another practitioner. In addition, any person that goes through the program will get access to a Quick search Q&A Database of 1000+ questions asked by past program participants, Root Cause Assessment based on 100’s of my clients’ root causes and triggers, 2-week Meal Plans, recipes, and shopping lists to get you started on the following diets: Paleo, Autoimmune Paleo, SIBO, Candida. Also, Discounts on lab tests, high-quality supplements, and consultations and much more to support you in your journey! There are a few requirements that you should pay attention to, such as my book is a required read.

      Hashimoto’s Self-Management Program
      http://hackinghashimotos.com/

      Reply

  74. Hi,
    Thank you so much for all your great advise and information. I was wondering what should I be looking for to slow down hair loss as a postmenopausal women. I am having a Biote pellet (for hormones) inserted every three months and they have me on additional Iodone 12.5mg, which has Zinc 10 mg, Selenium 200mcg, and Potassium 1.2 mg. I take Naturethroid for my hypothyroid, and have started using the Betaine/Pepsin (which has made a huge difference in the way I digest food!) I eat a modified keto diet (usually lower carb morning and lunch with some starch carbs at dinner. Gluten free as well. My hair used to be so thick and is now so much thinner with handfuls coming out every shower. I’d love to hear your advise.

    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Linda – thank you for following this page.

      Hair loss is a distressing symptom experienced by women with Hashimoto’s. For women, our hair represents our femininity, and losing our hair is a constant reminder that something is off and that we are not well. Have you read this article?

      HASHIMOTO’S AND GETTING YOUR HAIR BACK
      https://thyroidpharmacist. com/articles/hashimotos-and- getting-your-hair-back/

      Reply

  75. Izabella, Did your hair ever fully return? If so, how long did it take? I have followed your advice religiously and all my levels are in the optimal range. Antibodies are dropping and I’m close to being in remission, yet my hair has not come back. Is it possible that the hair follicles died and it will never return? I went almost 7 years before I received treatment. I can’t seem to get a direct answer on this. Please, give it to me straight sister. 🙂

    Reply

  76. I switched to Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic Powder after taking Metagenics Ultra Flora Balance for about 8 years. (I had no idea you were supposed to alternate different kinds). The Ther-Biotic was ok at first then created bad blood sugar issues. I felt weak and my arms felt tingly every time I ate like you do before you vomit. The feeling almost completely stopped after I ran out of the Ther-Biotic. Now I am experiencing with that same symptom every single time I try to take any kind of probiotic, so I am not taking any. I also get nauseous if I try to drink lemon water or eat fermented vegetables. Have I damaged my stomach lining? What should I do?

    Reply

  78. Hi, How do you increase your ferritin levels? Mine is low normal 49, however, my hair has gotten extremely thin. I have researched and optimal levels for ferritin for thyroid patients should be 80-90. My doc didn’t do the iron serum test and told me to take a daily w/iron. I did, daily allotted 18%. Now my hemoglobin/hematocrit went into the abnormal range and ferritin really didn’t change much. I now know I should have had an iron/transferrin test b4 supplementing w/iron. Going to test that, however, if my iron levels are NORMAL and my ferritin is still at 49, what do I do to increase . What does that mean? Thank you

    Reply

  79. I started taking Synthroid 9 months ago (0.05g/day). I didn’t really have any hypothyroid symptoms however was diagnosed with hypothyroid based on TSH/T4 results. My T4 has not changed (11-12 pmol/L) but my TSH is down from a high of 8mlU/L to 3.86mlU/L with this dose. My major complaint is that I started losing my hair about 3 months ago. I have lost about 50% of my hair to this point. I was lucky to have started out with a very thick head of hair. I have spoken to my doctor, she says my levels are fine and let’s just wait and see. My ferritin levels are good (100ug/L). Becoming very distressed

    Reply

  80. Hi Izabella,

    I am a big fan of you, I`ve read your books and all your articles! Thank you so much for your work! I`ve a question, could I take OptiFerin with these levels of iron and ferritin?
    Iron *203 (Oct-15); 139 (Aug-2016); 145 (Apr-17); *176 (Sep-2017); 66 (Jan-2018)
    TIBC *409
    Transferrin saturation: 43 (Sep-2017)
    Ferritin : 42 (Oct-15); 49 (Aug-2016); 61 (Apr-2017); 43(Sep-2017); 64 (Jan-2018)
    I have Hashimoto`s for 9 years, take 100 mcg T4 + 55 mcg T3, I have SIBO (I took combination of two antibiotics but I think it came back), T4 to T3 conversion problem, H pylori (didn`t succeed to eradicate it with treatment), and deal with non-stop hair loss for more than two years. I am seeing since last May a functional medicine endocrinologist in UK but haven`t took iron until now.
    I went to see a specialist from a hair clinic and I was told I have female pattern hair loss without even proper testing and I was told to use Minoxidil to which gave me an ugly allergic reaction. Could you please advise me? I am desperate, I am 32 years old and I`ve lost 60-70% of my hair, like you said in one of your books, during shampooing and brushing, without a specific pattern or bald spots.
    Many thanks for your reply!
    Cornelia

    Reply

  81. Iron pills cause esophageal ulcers. This is not a known side effect but it happens. The iron sets up in the esophagus and slowly eats through the tissue. It is the most painful chest issue I have ever had. After 3 different times of getting them, I decided to research all my meds. Iron was the culprit. There has been research on this iron burned esophagus but it is still not listed as a side effect. Everyone who takes this needs to know. It’s a dangerous adverse effect that is ignored.
    Do not take it before bed or laying down. Always take it with a full glass of water. Or take the liquid iron supplement as it does not cause this issue.

    Reply

  82. MSM powder in a glass of water with a squeeze of lemon. Drink each morning young waking. This also helps with restoring thinning hair.

    Reply

  83. Dr. Wentz, A few questions I had for you.

    I am wondering how long I should go off my supplements – there are way too many to list here – before I get my labs for thryoid, and to check cortisol and insulin levels? I see you noted to give up to seven days off from biotin. Any others that I should stop for up to seven days before taking these tests?
    I would also like to know your opinion on calcium d-glucarate for helping rid excess estrogen from the body as my labs show I am estrogen dominant. Is it a good one for detoxifying the liver?
    And I am also interested in a supplement called Relora. Are you at all familiar this? It is an herbal preparation made from magnolia bark. It is supposed to help relieve anxiety and balance cortisol levels. I suffer from anxiety esp. with all the changes of thinning and lost hair, weight gain, etc. and do not want to rely on Xanax as a sole way to manage this.
    I’d love to know what you think. thanks!

    Reply

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