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What Causes Hair Fall After Taking Lithium?
Question: I started lithium 2 months ago. My hair along the front scalp line has suddenly thinned out dramatically and now there are bald patches all over the front of my head. My lipid panel shows that my TSH is within guidelines but is extremely low regardless. What is going on? My hair has always been extremely thick and now my front hair line is obviously affected with balding patches. Will my hair ever grow back? Is there anything I can do on my end to help myself with situation? I am afraid at what I see.
Brief Answer:
Hello
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Good day
Could you write to me with the actual thyroid test result or attach a copy ?
Regards
Binu
Hello
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Good day
Could you write to me with the actual thyroid test result or attach a copy ?
Regards
Binu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
it was just general lipid metabolic panel. I know nothing else. I believe the number was about .4
Brief Answer:
Hi
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Sorry, i was out on some personal work.
Hair loss can occure in up to 8-10% of patients on lithium treatment. However, it may not be the right thing to stop the drug right away. You will have to discuss with your psychiatrist/GP about swithching over to a sustained release lithium formulation or to switch to a lower dose. You must also discuss about dangers of lithium treatment. The decision will be based on the indication why lithium was started for. Your doctor may also switch over to an alternative drug if hairloss continue to be a problem.
If Lithium dose is reduced or if stopped, it is likely that you hair will grow back.
By the way, TSH of 0.4 is a normal value.
Regards
Binu
Hi
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Sorry, i was out on some personal work.
Hair loss can occure in up to 8-10% of patients on lithium treatment. However, it may not be the right thing to stop the drug right away. You will have to discuss with your psychiatrist/GP about swithching over to a sustained release lithium formulation or to switch to a lower dose. You must also discuss about dangers of lithium treatment. The decision will be based on the indication why lithium was started for. Your doctor may also switch over to an alternative drug if hairloss continue to be a problem.
If Lithium dose is reduced or if stopped, it is likely that you hair will grow back.
By the way, TSH of 0.4 is a normal value.
Regards
Binu
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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