Hypothyroid or not?

[marysolomon7]

Hello Doctor,
I've been experiencing hair loss for almost 7 months now.  I have no other symptoms except I am occassionally contipated, this happened ever since I gave birth to my two kids, but it is not bad.  I got my thyroid checked and here are my numbers:
TSH 4.57
T3, Free 2.7
T4, Free 1.0
My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant, and I got pregnant after about 3 months.  I am 33 yrs. old.  Also about 7 months ago, I was able to lose 4.5 lbs no problem.  The dermatologist I saw started my on .25 Levothyroxine, I took it for 3 days and felt so strange.  I felt like my body was running ahead of me, and for instances in the middle of the day, I felt like I couldn't concentrate.  I am losing hair, I also am pretty sure I have sebhorric dermatitis, I had dandruff for along time and ignored it and my hair loss also started after this as well.  Am I hypothyroid?  Are my numbers leaning that way.  I lose about 20 hairs after washing it, about 11 hairs after brushing it in the morning.  It was more before but has lessened for sure (used to be 20-30 after brushing 40-50 after washing and combing it).  that is my story, please help me.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

TSH of 4.57 is borderline - would test TPO and Tg antibodies, if positive, then a diagnosis of mild hypothyroid due to Hashimoto's can be made and treatment would often be reasonable (although not mandatory with TSH <10)

[marysolomon7]

Thank you Dr.  Isn't hair loss an advanced symptom of hypothyroidism?  Also, I am extremely nervous abot this whole thing..how do I calm myself down.  No one in my family has any thyroid issues, diabetes yes.  I am afraid of the medication, because I know that the medication ITSELF can cause hair loss.. and will I ultimately have to remove my thyroid?