Can thyroid problems cause hair loss? Have you been feeling tired lately? Sluggish perhaps, or weak? Are you having difficulty concentrating or are you gaining weight? Are you becoming prone to constipation and muscle aches? Is your skin becoming dry and brittle? Perhaps most crucially, are you suffering from thyroid related hair loss?
These are all signs you might have an undiagnosed thyroid disorder! Thyroid problems can cause hair loss.
There are, as you probably know, a thousand and one reasons behind excessive hair loss: stress, environmental factors, genetics, underlying medical conditions, medications, hormonal changes…the list goes on. Hormonal changes, in particular, are extremely common and quite complex to diagnose and treat.
While their mechanism is still obscure, their effects can still very much be observed. So if you’ve noticed that your hair is thinning out, and you don’t know why. This happens especially if your hair loss is accompanied with the plethora of other lovely problems highlighted above - ruling out a thyroid imbalance is definitely on your TO-DO list.
So let's look at what your thyroid is, how thyroid imbalances can lead to hair loss, and what to do about them!
Understanding Relationship Between Thyroid Problems and Hair Loss
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck. It produces two key hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones regulate all of your metabolic functions, including hair growth!
If you’re healthy, most of your hair follicles at any given time are in their growing phase (anagen), while a minority are in the resting phase– telogen. However, the slightest variation in your thyroid hormone levels will throw off your normal hair cycle. And not in a good way! Your hair follicles won’t remain in anagen, will transition to the telogen phase and fall out far too quickly.
Symptoms of Thyroid Related Hair Loss
Hair loss because of thyroid, also known as thyroid alopecia, is caused by imbalances in thyroid hormones. Two main types of thyroid conditions can lead to hair loss: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Here are the symptoms of thyroid-related hair loss:
Increased Hair Shedding
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause excessive amounts of hair shedding. You might notice more hair shedding than usual when combing, brushing, or washing your hair.
Thinning Hair
Thyroid-related hair loss often leads to hair thinning, especially on the scalp. You may notice your hair less dense and lack its usual volume.
Changes in Hair Texture
The imbalances in thyroid hormones can lead to changes in hair texture. It might become dry, coarse, and brittle.
Hair Breakage
Thyroid dysfunction may cause a weakened state of the hair, and you might experience increased hair breakage. This can make your hair appear frizzy and difficult to manage.
Receding Hairline
In some cases, thyroid-related hair loss can cause a receding hairline, especially around the temples.
Eyebrow and Body Hair Changes
Thyroid issues can also affect the hair on the eyebrows and the body. You may notice thinning or loss of eyebrow hair, as well as changes in body hair growth.
Delayed Hair Growth
If you have experienced hair loss due to thyroid problems, the new hair growth might be slower than usual, contributing to the overall thinning appearance of your hair.
Hypothyroidism Hair Loss
There are two main types of thyroid disorders, both of which can lead to hair loss. Your thyroid will either secrete too many hormones (a condition called hyperthyroidism) or not enough (known as hypothyroidism). Hair loss and thinning most commonly occurs with hypothyroidism, although it can occur with either.
Why? Hypo, not to be confused with hippo, comes from the Greek preposition hypo– meaning “under” or “below”. In other words, your metabolic rate slows down, and your hair follicles don't have enough energy to function optimally.
In many cases, an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's is the cause of hypothyroidism. This means your immune system is attacking your thyroid tissue, leading to symptoms such as hair thinning and hair loss.
Unfortunately, some physicians will not test for the antibodies that determine if your thyroid condition is autoimmune. This is why it’s always important to do thorough research before consulting physicians and choosing to take a course of action. The last thing you want to do is suppress a condition rather than try to treat the root of its cause.
However, as you work to treat the root cause of your hypothyroidism hair loss, you may want to protect your hair in the meantime so that you can restore that has been lost and prevent further damage.
How to Treat Thyroid Related Hair Loss
Treating thyroid-related hair loss involves addressing the underlying thyroid condition, which is the reason for hair loss. Here are the treatment approaches for hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid):
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is often treated with synthetic thyroid hormone replacement therapy, typically in the form of levothyroxine. The therapy aims to bring thyroid hormone levels back to normal. As the hormone levels stabilize, hair loss-related hypothyroidism can gradually improve over time. But it's important to remain patient as it may take several months to notice improvements in hair growth.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is treated by treating the underlying cause. Treatments include antithyroid medications (like methimazole or propylthiouracil) to reduce thyroid hormone production, radioactive iodine therapy to shrink the thyroid gland, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy). Once hyperthyroidism is brought under control, hair loss can improve. But it might take some time for the hair to regrow.
While treating the thyroid is a way to promote hair growth, there are also some additional considerations:
Nutrition: A balanced diet of essential nutrients, including iron, zinc, biotin, and other vitamins and minerals, can support healthy hair growth.
Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate hair loss. That's why managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and mindfulness can be beneficial.
Topical Treatments: Some individuals might also opt for topical treatments like minoxidil (Rogaine) to help stimulate hair growth.
Hair Care Practices: Be gentle with your hair to minimize breakage. Avoid heavy styling, tight hairstyles, and harsh hair products.
Treating Naturally
However, you can naturally treat your hair loss without suffering from ill side effects. You just have to pick the right solution. Many patients diagnosed with thyroid disorders and hair loss end up following a regimen of laser hair therapy precisely because it has no side effects and is clinically proven to be effective. A technologically advanced laser hair therapy device, such as the Theradome LH80 PRO and EVO, ensures that the mitochondria of hair cells get treated with the perfect dosage of energy to reverse hair loss at a cellular level. And no need to tighten your belt and schedule expensive and inconvenient visits to laser hair therapy clinics. The FDA-cleared Theradome is affordable, convenient and delivers clinical strength results for thyroid hair loss from the comfort of your own home.
Ready to unveil your potential for hair regrowth? Theradome's laser helmet is your answer. Embrace a future with thicker, healthier hair by acting now. Take the first step towards transformation!
FAQs
What does thyroid hair loss look like?
Thyroid hair loss looks typically as diffuse thinning all over the scalp, rather than in specific patches. You might notice increase in hair shedding, brittle or dry hair, changes in hair texture, and slower in hair growth.
