I know that your hair falling out is a symptom of lyme, but is there anything to help prevent it? I've lost over 1/2 head of hair and it keeps coming out in clumps, especially after showering. I've been off of all antibiotics for over 1 month now (thanks to my insurance company dropping me) and it's still falling out. It has been for many months but I can't afford to lose anymore - please help if you can.
Thanks, Kimberly
Posted by gemofnj (Member # 15551) on :
My hair is falling out too but not as bad as you describe.
You might want to report that to your doctor too.
Have you had a full Thyroid Panel done? Hair fall out is also associated with abnormal thyroid levels. Lots of lyme victims have low/high thyroid levels.
Take a look at the extra supplements you are taking just in case you are deficient in any vitamins.
We also added a bio-identical progesterone cream. That really helped stabilize the hormones, which helped stabilize the thyroid.
Also, check to see if you are treating babesia. I heard it likes the thyroid.
Posted by DoctorLuddite (Member # 13853) on :
Thyroid dysfunction is a common cause of hair loss, but most docs just check TSH, which they overtreat with synthetic thyroid hormone if it is too high, when the first things that should be done are vitamin D and iodine replacement.
[ 13. October 2008, 12:42 PM: Message edited by: DoctorLuddite ]
Posted by gemofnj (Member # 15551) on :
Kelmo,
Can you give me more info on the biodentical progesterone?
Also, can you use this cream if you have problems with ovarian cysts? I am currently on kariva to avoid ovulation for that problem.
PS.. Were you involved in preparing the nutritional list for Dr. B??
Posted by lymie_in_md (Member # 14197) on :
I agree with DoctorLuddite and you might also want to look into supplementing MSM and glutathione.
Glutathione is normally created in the liver, lyme and age reduces our capacity to create it.
When you supplement it, you need to make sure it is given in a form your body can use.
Glutathione can be successfully absorbed via IV or suppository and some companies have glutathione they ensure is bioavailabe.
Another way to increase glutathione into the body is from undenature whey. So do some research.
Reasons for hair loss:
vitamin D deficiency Thyroid mercury toxicity zink deficiency copper toxicity MSM deficiency Glutathione deficiency too many neurotoxins selenium deficiency iodine deficiency
By supplementing glutathione and MSM, you take care of mercury toxicity and too many neurotoxins as well. If zink, iodine, or selenium are low, it affects the performance of your thyroid.
Thyroid helper by NOW foods helps the thyroid/selenium/zink/iodine issues.
The body is a concert of many elements, take out just one of them it is difficult to make healthy music.
Vitamin D is a matter of getting outdoors for direct sunlight and a good vitamin D supplement.
as an aside : good morning america was stating that children should not only supplement vitamin D but should double what they are currently supplementing.
Posted by DoctorLuddite (Member # 13853) on :
If you have ovarian cysts you are iodine deficient, Gem.
Posted by gemofnj (Member # 15551) on :
Thank you Dr. Luddite!
What do you recommend for testing/treatment?
Posted by Angelica (Member # 15601) on :
What is the best way to go about replacing iodine and with what supplement?
I am currently taking Acetyl-Glutathione which I was told was a bio-available form. Does anyone know if it really is?
Posted by lymie_in_md (Member # 14197) on :
Thank you Bob!
Posted by DoctorLuddite (Member # 13853) on :
Iodine testing is tedious, you have to ingest a loading dose of Iodine, say 50 mg of Iodoral, available over the internet, and then collect your urine over the next 24 hours to find out how much iodine is excreted, if the amount of excreted iodine is high, it means your body doesn't need it, if it is low, your body is holding on to it, because you have a deficiency.
Another test is to take Lugol's solution and paint a spot of iodine on your skin and see how long it takes to fade. if it fades quickly, it is supposed to mean your skin is sucking it in because you need it. They call this the "poor man's iodine test".
Iodoral is iodine and potassium iodide, 6.25 mg of each/tablet.
Posted by gemofnj (Member # 15551) on :
Thanks again.
Will try the poor man's test first!
Would low iodine indicate a possible thyroid issue?
Posted by Angelica (Member # 15601) on :
If I paint on iodine at midnight it does not last over night.
I think I need to supplement.
Posted by lymemommy (Member # 12495) on :
ok,
Not to sound like a smarty pants here, but does the fact that I've been shedding like a dog and craving mozzarella cheese in a big way for the past few weeks mean that maybe I have a vitamin D deficiency?
Seriously, I've been eating major quantities of moz, it's like I'm starving for the stuff.
Having a D deficiency would absolutely make sense since I can't stand milk, and couldn't eat anything with fat (including all milk products) in it for most of the summer due to a bad gall bladder (now removed).
So now that I'm able to eat like a normal person again, will this correct on its own, or will I need to supplement?
Thanks, kp
Posted by DoctorLuddite (Member # 13853) on :
The fact that your gall bladder had to come out is a strong indicator of vitamin D deficiency...
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)