Posted by Patient on March 14, 2004, at 14:51:57
In reply to Re: Hair loss » Sooshi, posted by katia on March 13, 2004, at 19:53:21
Hi,
I worried about the possibility of hair loss/and or hair changes when I considered taking the mood stabiliser Depakote. I've been taking 500mg for over a month now, along with 40mg Celexa. So far no hair or weight problems. From what I understand, drugs such as Topomax and Depakote, as well as others, can create hormonal imbalances, resulting in dry skin, hair loss, weight gain, lethargy,and disruption of menstrual cycle, hoarse voice and slow speech, tingling in hands, and constipation.
So, wary that this could happen, I decided to take a supplement called Thyroid Caps from Solaray-a thyroxin-free supplement which contains iodine, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum, thyroid substance (thyroxin free), and L-tyrosine amino acid. I take this product about three times a week, not daily as suggested. I take this hopefully to counterbalance any possible disruption of thyroid function. I also take a vitamin B-complex 50mg ratio-important for health and growth of hair. Also, extra biotin, inositol, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which aids in the manufacture of keratin protein. And, vitamin C with biofavinoids, vitamin E, and zinc. Essential fatty acids are important as well, such as flaxseed, primrose, or salmon oil. I try to eat more vegatables and fruits, though this isn't difficult for I enjoy these, especially homegrown produce.
You might consider having your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) tested, and for a more accurate picture of thyroid function-a test measuring the level of free thyroxine (T4)-the latter test is especially helpful if the pituitary gland isn't functioning normally, which in turn affects thyroid function. I think anyone taking Topomax or Depakote should have at least a TSH test done annually, or try the treatment options mentioned and if improvement is seen (can take a few months), then this could indicate thryoid disfunction.
I agree with the information found in the following link about taking an oral preparation to replace the deficient thyroid hormone-avoid synthetic thyroid hormone such as Synthroid--dessicated (dried) thyroid glandular is the better choice (such as Armour).
poster:Patient
thread:50878
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040313/msgs/324316.html