Thyroid Issues and Hair Shedding: Symptoms, Remedies, and Prognosis
Thyroid disorders can have a significant impact on one's overall health, and this includes hair growth. Both hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone) and hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) can cause hair thinning, although the symptoms may differ.
Hypothyroidism tends to result in a more gradual and widespread thinning of hair across the scalp, while hyperthyroidism is associated with more sudden and noticeable hair loss. In both cases, the hair loss is due to disruptions in the hair growth cycle, leading to diffuse thinning.
One common cause of hair loss due to thyroid disorders is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that causes decreased thyroid function. This condition can lead to hair loss classified as telogen effluvium, affecting the entire head and sometimes the eyebrows.
Another factor contributing to thyroid-related hair loss is an imbalance in thyroid medication, including levothyroxine, or inappropriate dosing. If thyroid hormone levels are too low or too high, hair regrowth is hindered.
To combat thyroid-related hair loss, it is crucial to optimize thyroid hormone levels through medication or natural therapies, ensure normal iron levels, and supplement with essential nutrients like zinc, selenium, vitamin B12, choline, and silica. Addressing underlying autoimmune inflammation, particularly in cases like Hashimoto’s, can also help reduce hair loss.
Regular monitoring and adjustment of thyroid levels and medication dosing are essential to prevent over- or under-treatment, which can cause hair loss. With proper care and management, patients with thyroid-related hair loss can often see improvement in hair density and growth over time.
It is important to note that other factors, such as childbirth, stress, nutritional problems, hormonal imbalances due to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), scalp infections, medication side effects, untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and wearing tight hairstyles, can also contribute to hair loss.
If you suspect that your hair loss might be related to a thyroid disorder, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. They may review your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and perform blood tests to measure levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and the thyroid hormone thyroxine.
In some cases, medications such as antithyroid drugs (e.g., methimazole) may be prescribed to manage thyroid disorders and, in turn, help alleviate hair loss. It is also recommended to maintain a balanced diet rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, a moderate amount of fat, and calcium to promote hair growth and improve its condition.
Lastly, it is essential to be aware that biotin, a vitamin often found in hair, skin, and nail supplements, can affect the results of thyroid blood tests. If you are having a blood test, it is recommended to stop using or consuming products containing biotin for a few days beforehand.
With the right care and treatment, it is possible to manage and even reverse thyroid-related hair loss, leading to healthier and more vibrant hair.
- Beyond affecting one's overall health, thyroid disorders can predict hair loss, particularly due to disruptions in the hair growth cycle.
- Hypothyroidism, causing low thyroid hormone, results in a gradual thinning of hair, while hyperthyroidism, high thyroid hormone, is connected to sudden and noticeable hair loss.
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease causing decreased thyroid function, can lead to hair loss classified as telogen effluvium, impacting the entire head and sometimes the eyebrows.
- Imbalance in thyroid medication, including levothyroxine, or inappropriate dosing can hinder hair regrowth, contributing to thyroid-related hair loss.
- To combat this issue, optimizing thyroid hormone levels, ensuring normal iron levels, and supplementing with essential nutrients like zinc, selenium, vitamin B12, choline, and silica can help reduce hair loss.
- Regular monitoring and adjustment of thyroid levels and medication dosing are crucial to prevent over- or under-treatment that may cause hair loss.
- Other factors, such as PCOS, scalp infections, medication side effects, untreated STIs, and wearing tight hairstyles, can also contribute to hair loss, not just thyroid disorders.
- If you suspect that your hair loss might be related to a thyroid disorder, consult a healthcare professional for a review of your medical history, physical exam, and blood tests to measure TSH and thyroxine levels.
- In some cases, antithyroid drugs may be prescribed to manage thyroid disorders, which in turn can help alleviate hair loss. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and calcium can promote hair growth and improvement in its condition.
