Thyroid Hair Loss

The thyroid can lead to hair loss if not treated properly when the conditions are severe. When T3 and T4 hormone productions are disturbed it affects the whole body functioning. Development of hair at the root also gets disrupted, hair falls out and maybe regrowth does not take place by new hair and also results in thinning of hair on the scalp and areas on the eyebrows.

Some autoimmune diseases develop if the thyroid is left untreated leading to baldness and hair loss and can also lead to polycystic ovary syndrome. Many drugs and other medications can also lead to hair thinning and hair loss.

What is thyroid?

The thyroid is present at the base of the neck and is a butterfly-shaped gland. It is of two types that is hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland controls the function of hormones affecting various body metabolism, and sleep. When this thyroid gland does abnormal production of the thyroid hormones it leads to Hashimoto's disease or Grave’s disease. One acts as an underactive thyroid gland and the other acts as an overactive thyroid gland.

The thyroid gland when produces a decreased amount of thyroid hormones is known as hypothyroidism is underactive thyroid and when the thyroid gland produces an increased amount of thyroid hormones is known as hyperthyroidism is overactive hypothyroidism.

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism include:

Dry skin
Constipation
Sensitivity to cold
Fatigueness or tiredness
Depression and mood swings
Weight gain or weight loss
Pain in joints
Feeling of anxiety
Getting easily irritated

The thyroid cannot be easily detected as all these symptoms also show other health conditions. So, always take advice from your doctor or healthcare expert who would suggest for a blood test to know the amount of thyroid hormones level.

The thyroid produces thyroid hormones that keep organs and muscles working actively and keep us stay warm. Hair loss is also the other symptom that is caused by an overactive or underactive thyroid.

Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid can lead to weight gain whereas hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid can lead to weight loss. The symptoms of hypothyroidism develop slowly and are unknown for many years. Both overactive and underactive thyroid causes thinning of hair and makes your scalp dry.

Causes of thyroid in female

The causes of thyroid problems in females are as follows:

Autoimmune conditions
Genetics
Hormonal changes
Iodine deficiency
Exposure to radiation
Medication and etc.

Does thyroid cause hair loss?

Yes, the thyroid can cause hair loss, and it’s seen in most cases. Usually, our hair goes through a certain hair growth cycle. And when we get affected by the thyroid, then our body goes through hormonal imbalance, and disruption in their production, mainly the hormones T3 and T4. These hormones are somehow related to the healthy hair growth cycle. So, when these hormones production is disrupted, it ultimately affects the hair growth cycles, leading to hair fall, thinning of hair, and more.

What does thyroid hair loss look like?

Hair loss can be happened due to various factors. And it is not easy to identify whether hair loss is caused by thyroid problems. Yet, there are few symptoms that you can identify, and if you find those symptoms and you are having hair fall then thyroid problem is the reason for your hair loss.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

Fatigue
Feeling cold
Weight gain
Dry skin than before
Mood swings and depression
Constipation
Change in menstrual pattern

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

Feeling of nervousness
More sweating
Faster heartbeat
Sleeplessness
Hair loss or thinning
Fatigue
Lose motions
Weight loss
Swelling areas of the eyes
Change in menstrual pattern

How to stop hair fall due to thyroid?

The hair loss caused by the thyroid will get treated only when the thyroid is treated and hence it becomes important to treat the thyroid. As the symptoms of thyroid are unknown for years it becomes necessary to consult a doctor and have a blood test to confirm the disease based on your symptoms.

Doctors generally prescribe hormones that are chemically made like levothyroxine for the treatment of underactive thyroid.

Treatment for hyperthyroidism includes:

Propylthiouracil and methimazole
Beta-blocker
Surgery
Antithyroid drugs such as methimazole
Radioactive iodine

A severe form of the thyroid causes hair loss and thinning of hair whereas a mild form does not lead to hair thinning. You should take the treatment as per the doctor's control and keep checking the hair growth. Also, keep checking the level of your thyroid every month.

Hair loss may not be the only cause of underactive or overactive thyroid. Hair loss may also be due to other reasons like pregnancy or childbirth, illnesses, nutritional problems, etc.

Some homemade remedies include boosting iron intake if having a deficiency of vitamins and other nutrients treating them, taking supplements, having a healthy diet, check iodine intake.

Some foods that treat hair loss and keep it healthy are:

Fish - It contains omega-3 fatty acids that prevent the scalp from drying.
Green leafy vegetables that are rich in vitamins A and C can help in improving the condition of hair.
Foods in rich protein like lean meats, nuts, legumes, etc help make hair strong and prevent it from getting thinner.
Egg yolk, yeast, and grains are the source of biotin that prevents hair loss and stimulates hair growth.

Take Away

The thyroid is of two types hyperthyroid/overactive and hypothyroid/underactive leads to hair loss and many other symptoms. If the thyroid is severe it can lead to hair loss and thinning of hair. And hence it is important to take precautions and treatment for the loss of hair as it may cause balding on the scalp and thus it becomes necessary to treat the thyroid. Consult your health care professional immediately, if you started noticing drastic hair fall.

FAQs

Does hair loss from the thyroid grow back?

Yes, hair grows back after being lost from thyroid, but that’s only when you take proper treatment, medication, and hair supplements.

Can thyroid be completely cured?

Yes, the thyroid can be completely cured, usually, when the severity is high, through certain surgery the thyroid is removed or destroyed. But if the thyroid is removed you need to take thyroid hormone replacement medications throughout your life.

Can you stop thyroid hair loss?

Yes, most of the time the hair loss caused by thyroid problems is usually temporary and can be restored through certain medications and supplements.

References

A brief on Hyperthyroidism. By Cleveland Clinic, Oct 19, 2021.

How to reverse hair loss related to thyroid conditions. By Healthline, Feb 23, 2023.

Stay Informed, and Stay Healthy!

Get the best of health & wellness with our brands - Mars & Saturn. We believe in providing evidence-based, quality products & services that positively impact your well-being. That's why we've assembled a team of experts to create informative & educational content related to various health topics. From skincare tips & advice on sleep habits to the latest news on sexual performance & personal hygiene, we strive to keep you informed & equipped with the knowledge you need to live your best life.