From the Guidelines
Hair loss from methimazole treatment is typically temporary and often resolves even with continued treatment, and ensuring adequate nutrition with sufficient protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins, particularly vitamin D, can support hair health during treatment 1. If you're experiencing hair loss while taking methimazole for hyperthyroidism, don't stop your medication without consulting your doctor first. Your doctor might consider reducing your methimazole dose if your thyroid function tests allow it, as hair loss may be dose-dependent. In some cases, switching to an alternative treatment like propylthiouracil (PTU) might be considered, though PTU has its own side effect profile. It's essential to understand that both untreated hyperthyroidism and rapid normalization of thyroid function can cause temporary hair loss, so the medication may not be the only factor. Some key points to consider:
- Vitamin D levels tend to be lower in patients with alopecia areata, and ensuring adequate vitamin D levels may help support hair health 1.
- A diet rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins can help support hair growth during treatment.
- Most patients see hair regrowth within 3-6 months as the body adjusts to the medication or after the treatment course is completed.
- If hair loss is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms like rash, joint pain, or fever, contact your doctor immediately as these could indicate a more serious reaction. The role of micronutrients, particularly vitamin D, in alopecia areata has been studied, and the evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of alopecia areata 1. However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between vitamin D and hair loss.
From the Research
Hair Loss from Methimazole Treatment
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that links methimazole treatment to hair loss 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies primarily focus on the treatment of hyperthyroidism using methimazole and propylthiouracil, discussing their efficacy, safety, and side effects such as rash, pruritus, agranulocytosis, and hepatotoxicity 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- None of the studies mention hair loss as a side effect of methimazole treatment, suggesting that it may not be a well-documented or common adverse effect of this medication 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Further research would be necessary to determine if there is any association between methimazole treatment and hair loss, as the current evidence does not provide a clear answer to this question 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.