paintedsky Posted November 2, 2016 Share Posted November 2, 2016 (edited) I am wondering if anyone can relate. I was on lithium for three years 2011-2014. My doctor took me off it because it caused hypothyroidism. I got thyroid replacement and felt somewhat better. Now my thyroid is normal and I don't need the replacement therapy. Which is awesome. Except some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism seem to be sticking around. I had hair loss, for one. Thinning hair on top and a bald patch in front. Not great. I'm curious to hear if anyone has input about lithium induced hypothyroidism. Will my hair ever grow back?( or at least stop falling out) How long after your thyroid returns to normal does your body recover? Edited November 2, 2016 by paintedsky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted November 2, 2016 Share Posted November 2, 2016 I'm glad your thyroid is back to normal! I know you are talking about hypOthyroidism, but FWIW ... Lithium gave me hypERthyroidism, (started taking lithium in 1998, until around 2003 or so) and once off of lithium it took about 8 or 9 years to go back to normal. I was on methimazole back then to regulate my thyroid. My current endo said it was most likely lithium-induced, and now it has regulated itself for over a year, which means I do not have it at all, and if asked if I could say that to people who asked, he said I could say 'no,' I do not have hyperthyroidism. In terms of side effects and them leaving ... the only thing I got was nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, which a rare kidney problem. Oh and so damn thirsty! I don't remember my hair thinning or falling out though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paintedsky Posted November 2, 2016 Author Share Posted November 2, 2016 I noticed you have commented about lithium. Thank you for responding It's wonderful your thyroid level is normal now. We are some of the lucky ones because I have read many people need thyroid treatment indefinitely after taking lithium. It does help to know that your numbers have been good for more than a year. That gives me hope that mine will stay okay too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted November 2, 2016 Share Posted November 2, 2016 6 hours ago, paintedsky said: We are some of the lucky ones because I have read many people need thyroid treatment indefinitely after taking lithium. I completely agree ... we are lucky. I didn't realize this until much much later when off of the lithium, and started hearing more about it. Now I don't take my thyroid for granted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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