Is my hair loss reversible? What is causing it?

I just took the above test. I thought my iron level was low as compared to different health sites on the internet. I have hypothyroidism for 25 years and was on synthroid for 25, but switched to armour for the last 10 months. I have lost 2/3's of my hair and will probably not get it back. Can synthroid cause hair loss or could it be inherited from my father? My sister does not have it nor my mother or 2 grandmothers. I am devastated. I take biotin and epo. Any suggestions? Thank you. Many blessings to you.

Answer

See the article on treating hair loss for more on this. If it is thinning just in the front, then male pattern baldness is more common and check to be sure your DHEA and testosterone levels are not high. If there are patchy bald spots, then an autoimmune cause is more common. If diffuse thinning, stress (usually occuring ~ 6-9 months before the hair loss and called telogen effluvium) , low iron (I keep the ferritin test for iron over 60 and even over 100 for hair support) and thyroid issues are all common causes. Seeing a dermatologist or your family doctor to look for causes is important as well. Fortunately, with the proper support it usually grows back in.

L&B,
Dr. T