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What Causes Low TSH, Hair Loss And Alopecia?
Question: Hello, my dermatologist has told me that eating soy will further my hair loss problem because it blocks my own estrogen and I have alopecia. I am 66 128 lbs and take no pharmaceuticals. I am in great shape except for the thinning hair. My hormone levels are basically normal except the testosterone is on the high side for a woman. I have been told I can take rogaine extra strength but I don't want to take drugs that could affect my blood pressure because it's normal and the side affects of rogaine are disturbing and it's a life long commitment. thanks for your information and expertise. XXXXXXX PS I do eat tofu and miso because Soy does control my hot flashes which I get at night sometimes. Oh, my thyroid levels are a percentage point over the normal mark such as .01 or .02 not very much but definitely not on the low side.
Brief Answer:
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
I follow what you are saying here.
A low TSH is a potential sign of an over-active thyroid ie 'hyperthyroidism'. Hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I order the following tests in addition to a thorough physical examination:
CBC
CMP
TSH
Free T4
Total T3
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
None of these tests require fasting and they can be done at any time of the day.
Rechecking the TSH is helpful to be sure it is abnormally low.
Further testing may be necessary based on the results of the above tests. For example if the TSH is still low, especially with a normal or elevated Free T4 levels then a Radio active iodine 123 Uptake and Scan test is required to know what type of over-active thyroid condition you have.
There is one that gets better on it's own versus another which requires different treatment options.
Thyroid
Detailed Answer:
I follow what you are saying here.
A low TSH is a potential sign of an over-active thyroid ie 'hyperthyroidism'. Hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I order the following tests in addition to a thorough physical examination:
CBC
CMP
TSH
Free T4
Total T3
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
None of these tests require fasting and they can be done at any time of the day.
Rechecking the TSH is helpful to be sure it is abnormally low.
Further testing may be necessary based on the results of the above tests. For example if the TSH is still low, especially with a normal or elevated Free T4 levels then a Radio active iodine 123 Uptake and Scan test is required to know what type of over-active thyroid condition you have.
There is one that gets better on it's own versus another which requires different treatment options.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your response, but my question was should I stop eating soy products because they might contribute to my hair loss? Yes or no
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
No.
To the best of my knowledge of published medical literature, there is no scientific evidence that stopping Soy improves hair loss
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
No.
To the best of my knowledge of published medical literature, there is no scientific evidence that stopping Soy improves hair loss
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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