Graves' Disease Support Group
Graves-Basedow disease is a medical disorder that may manifest several different conditions including hyperthyroidism (over activity of thyroid hormone production), infiltrative exophthalmos (protruberance of one or both eyes and associated problems) and infiltrative dermopathy (a skin condition usually of the lower extremities). This disorder is the most common cause of...
Hello to everyone. Here are my latest labs to start:
11/04/2009
T3, Free 473 (range 230-420)
T4, Free 1.1 (range 0.8-1.8)
Endo decided to keep me at PTU 50 mg, daily in divided doses and taken off Propranolol completely. However, I have lowered my PTU to 37.5 mg daily in divided doses. Energy level almost feels normal again. My concern is that my hair seems to be falling out in clumps, in the shower, in my hairbrush, in my hair ties.... it seems that I have to clean my hairbrush out every morning. I'm a little worried I might be bald here by Christmas at this rate. Any advice? and any idea why my hair could be falling out? Also, acne has struck me as if I was 16 again... and nothing seems to be working to keep it under control. Any suggestions on that? and also, any ideas as to why I'm getting this acne?
Thanks in advance for the advice.
11/04/2009
T3, Free 473 (range 230-420)
T4, Free 1.1 (range 0.8-1.8)
Endo decided to keep me at PTU 50 mg, daily in divided doses and taken off Propranolol completely. However, I have lowered my PTU to 37.5 mg daily in divided doses. Energy level almost feels normal again. My concern is that my hair seems to be falling out in clumps, in the shower, in my hairbrush, in my hair ties.... it seems that I have to clean my hairbrush out every morning. I'm a little worried I might be bald here by Christmas at this rate. Any advice? and any idea why my hair could be falling out? Also, acne has struck me as if I was 16 again... and nothing seems to be working to keep it under control. Any suggestions on that? and also, any ideas as to why I'm getting this acne?
Thanks in advance for the advice.
Likely the reason why your hair is falling out because your Free T4 is still too low. Since you are now taking it in 37.5 mg and seem to be feeling better, I would guess that at your next lab will show both Free Ts closer to mid ranges.
It will take several months for your hair to stop falling out in clumps. We cannot make it get better any quicker once this happens.
Same thing with acne.
Sorry...! :-(
{{{hugs}}}
Not sure about the acne, maybe someone else can help on that.
I know it's hard to get regulated. Hang in there and keep us posted.
Not sure about the acne. I have had trouble with it ever since I have had GD. SO I am no help there, sorry.
Angel
I have the same problem with the hair and skin. My derm has recently prescribed Differin. I use it once a day at bedtime. It is a topical ointment. It does get a bit worse before it gets better. I was so glad that my doctor told me that because it did get a lot worse and I would have quit it she hadn't told me what to expect. I have been using it for about 2 months and it seems to be working. I do get the occasional breakout but it's gone within 24 hours now.
I hope this helps!
Alex