Lost hair on legs and under arms. Age or thyroid?

[Shiveringinthecountry]

Hi,

I've recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and have started on Levothyroxine.

I'm reading up on it a bit and I see that loss of hair can be a symptom. I noticed a few years ago that I don't really grow hair on legs or under arms any more. I might use an epilator a couple of times a year now, whereas previously I had to do it regularly.

I assumed it was my age - I'm now 62 - but could it be a thyroid issue? I'm very happy to be without it, btw, but I'm curious because I'm trying to identify my thyroid symptoms.

All mine fell out before I took levo!

Yes it's a hypothyroid symptom! I have it too. Big patches of hair missing from my legs.

Thyroid

Is it just a thyroid thing or can it happen because of age?

Generally hair gets thinner with age but disappearing entirely is generally thyroid.

My Mum (in her 70s) was saying the other day that she has no armpit hair now and rarely needs to shave her legs so also age related I think.

My head hair and brows recovered after I started taking liothyronine as well as levothyroxine but leg hair almost disappeared around menopause. Armpits still going strong for some reason 🤷🏻‍♀️

Thanks all 👍 Well, I’m on HRT now so I hope it won’t grow back 😂