Expert: Peter J. Panagotacos, <B>M.D.</B> - 10/13/2009

Question
hi there, i am hyperthyroid and as a result have Graves Disease, I'm taking tapazole and is under control, however i am still very very tired all the time also my hair is still thinning/falling and i still have very excessive body hair.  In july 2008 i had a cyst that had burst in my left ovaries, but my ovaries were okay just needed to have the 'blood' cleaned up inside.  I have a healthy 18 mnth old son and my periods are regular.  why am i still tired and why is my hair still thinning, coud I have PCO or any other hormonol or other possible diagnosis you can suggest?-Pls help

Answer
Mobina,
  Your hair loss may be due to repeated episodes of Telogen Effluvium. A common condition of shedding hair after something stresses the body, either physical or emotional. I could happen after your thyroid gets a bit out of control, it does happen frequently after delivering a child and after any surgery such as for a ruptured cyst. You may have had high testosterone from the cyst which led to the thinning hair and excessive body hair. That is a classic sign of PCOS. Another possible problem would be a low serum ferritin which would not allow your hairs to grow back properly. Anemia would explain the poor growth and the fatigue. It is time you got a good full check up by an internist.