Connect
Biotin, Hair loss, Thyroid and Multivitamins
There has been discussions in this group about Biotin, hair loss and effect on thyroid lab tests. I have ignored because I do not take a Biotin supplement. I just realized that that my Multivitamin contains Biotin.
So, if you’re taking a multivitamin and are being tested for thyroid levels, be aware that it may affect the result of lab results. There is a simple solution, if your multivitamin contains Biotin, stop taking for few days prior to blood work.
Laurie
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.
@rochThat is a good reminder, Laurie!
Thank you for the reminder. I am pretty sure my thyroid is overperforming again, but it tests OK. My vitamins do contain biotin.
Sue
I take bioten every day didnt know it can effect my tests thanks so much
@roch
I discovered this a few years ago when a neurologist was testing me in reaction to what chemo had done to me. When my PCP saw the test results (way above the upper range for thyroid), he immediately referred me to an endocrinologist and for a thyroid ultrasound. For whatever reason, I personally could not believe I was hyperthyroid. I began researching on the net and came across articles from 2016 which noted that biotin had that effect on blood assays; (the oncologist had recommended 50,000 mcg. of biotin to help regrow my lost hair and nails); and that, in the past, endocrinologists unknowingly had been treating biotin-takers for hyperthyroidism. We decided to see if that was the culprit and I was retested after having gone off the biotin for 3-4 days. And, yes, the blood assay came back as normal. Ever since, I have stopped all supplements a few days before blood tests, wondering what else might effect them and just hadn't been discovered, yet. Incidentally, and surprisingly, most doctors are unaware of this until you bring the FDA warning to their attention.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionDid you have any luck with your hair and nails since taking Biotin? Just finished Anastrozole this past Sept and that can contribute to hair loss/thinning. I'm older and don't expect miracles but would love to have a little extra help have some results. Thanks!
I lost a lot of my hair due to Graves disease, and have thin, splitting nails due to medication & RA. A wide-spectrum multivitamin including biotin has helped. Not a miracle cure, but I can tell the difference.
Sue
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@dianechaz49
I'm still on an AI (three years out from chemo) and, yes, the biotin and fish oil have kept my new nails and hair from splitting which at my age (73) has been helpful, and they both grow faster than prior to chemo. Because of the AI, I still don't have hair elsewhere (legs and armpits) nor on two spots on my head where the chemo had caused sores. The hair at the back of my head has come in more thickly (although individual strands remain baby thin everywhere). I also try to remember that age is playing a part in all this, it's just that one cannot tell what is attributable to what. This past year, I reduced the amount of biotin from 50Kmcg in years one and two to 30Kmcg in year three. My new hair came in different colors from my old hair… white, gray, and dark brown at the back of my head, and I have not colored it nor had a permanent as it doesn't appear strong enough to withstand chemical treatments.