What Causes Fatigue And Thinning Of Hair From The Eyebrows?

Posted on Tue, 5 Jul 2016

Question: Hi. After suffering from fatigue, I have recently been diagnosed with an under active thyroid (mild) and put on a medication. At the same time, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. My eyelashes and eyebrows are thinning and my teeth are starting to break down (have had 2 root canals and several new crowns just in the last 2-3 months). I'm wondering if this is all related because it kind of happened quickly. It just seems strange they're all at once. Also - I have what feels like a lump where my esophagus is but the dr said I'm probably just inflamed there b/c of the sleep apnea. I'm usually really healthy but have been suffering from lots of stress the last year while we tried to get a mystery diagnosis for our daughter's chronic illness (now we know it's Lyme) but I kept writing off my fatigue to being stressed out. I've had my blood work taken. I'm low on creatinine and alkaline phosphatase, as well as B vitamins. Just curious if you have any other ideas or tests you think might be helpful. Autoimmune diseases run rampant in my family but not with thyroid (although my grandma had a hiatal hernia) and I have osteopenia.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thyroid hormone supplementations essential.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone very carefully through your query. The fatigue and the falling off of the hair from eyebrows and other parts is directly related to your low thyroid status. The thyroid hormone regulates our metabolism. Hence, other than thyroid supplementation you also need to actively exercise everyday. That will help in getting the energy machinery running properly.

The dental issues are seemingly unrelated. I would insist you to use fluoridated toothpaste.

The feeling of lump in esophagus is probably due to gastroesophageal reflux. Our gastrointestinal tract has a forward propulsive movement (peristalsis) that moves the food material forward as it is digested, absorbed and finally expelled as feces. If somehow this movement gets hampered, food along with the digestive juices would stagnate, stomach acid will reflux into the food pipe and on the other hand the bowel habits would not be proper.

In order to relieve yourself, you need to do the following:
* Avoid spicy food. Take small but frequent meals. Avoid long gaps between meals.
* Avoid alcohol intake (if it a part of your habit).
* Take Prilosec (omeprazole) once daily before breakfast.
* Take plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as other sources of dietary fibers. Take fiber supplements like isabgol/psyllium husk or senna. I would insist you to increase your dietary fibre intake.
* Regular morning walk and exercise to keep the bowel movements as well as to keep the metabolism proper.
* Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help.

Hope that helps.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee