Hair loss is a common issue that affects many people around the world, and there are various reasons why it can happen. One possible cause of hair loss is related to the thyroid gland, which is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate various bodily functions. When there is an imbalance in the thyroid hormone levels, it can lead to a condition known as thyroid hair loss.

According to several sources, including Healthline, Medical News Today, and Amy Myers MD, hair loss can develop slowly with both hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid).

However, it’s important to note that not all hair loss is related to thyroid issues. Baldness can occur due to various reasons, including heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or as a natural part of aging.

Thyroid hair loss typically looks like general thinning across the scalp or eyebrows, according to Amy Myers MD. Patients with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism may notice a gradual thinning of their hair, rather than localized bald spots or missing patches.

The thyroid hormone plays an essential role in the development and maintenance of hair follicles, as mentioned by Medical News Today. Follicles are the small cavities in the skin from which hairs grow, and any imbalance in the thyroid hormone levels can affect their functioning, leading to hair loss.

Thyroid hair loss may not be immediately apparent, and it may take some time to reverse. Cleveland Clinic notes that the hair loss is typically reversed after normalizing the thyroid hormone levels, but this may take some time. It’s essential to note that hair loss may not just be caused by the thyroid, and having one autoimmune disorder increases the risk for having others, some of which produce hair loss.

The British Thyroid Foundation notes that it is unusual for mild hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, or short-lived thyroid problems, to cause hair loss. Some forms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism come on abruptly and are diagnosed early, while others may have been present for months or years before diagnosis.

How Do You Know if Hair Loss is from Thyroid?

Hair loss can be a distressing experience for many individuals, and one possible cause of this phenomenon is thyroid-related issues. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s metabolism. Both an underactive (hypothyroidism) and overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid can cause hair loss, but how do you know if your hair loss is due to a thyroid disorder?

There are several signs and symptoms to watch out for that may indicate thyroid-related hair loss. One common symptom of hypothyroidism is general hair loss, including thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows.

In contrast, hyperthyroidism may cause the hair to feel overly fine and brittle. Moreover, it is worth noting that hair loss is often not the only symptom of a thyroid disorder. Other common symptoms of hypothyroidism include feeling cold, unexplained weight gain, and tiredness.

However, it is important to keep in mind that everyone’s experience with thyroid-related hair loss can differ, and not everyone with a thyroid disorder will experience hair loss.

Thyroid hair loss often develops gradually, and patients may notice a general thinning across their scalp or eyebrows rather than localized bald spots or missing patches. Regrowth of hair may be unpredictable and may take several months, but most cases of scalp and eyebrow hair loss caused by thyroid disorders are temporary. New hair may also differ in texture and color, so it is essential to be patient during the regrowth process.

It is worth mentioning that if you suspect that you may have a thyroid disorder, you should seek medical advice from a healthcare professional. A doctor may perform a physical examination, blood tests, and other diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of your hair loss. Moreover, treating the underlying thyroid disorder is key to addressing hair loss in most cases.

If you are experiencing hair loss, and suspect it may be due to a thyroid disorder, look out for common symptoms such as general hair loss and thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows. Hair loss may develop gradually rather than localized bald spots, and regrowth can be unpredictable.

It is essential to seek medical advice if you suspect you have a thyroid disorder, as treating the underlying condition is key to addressing hair loss.

How Can I Control My Hair Fall Due to Thyroid?

Hair fall is a common problem faced by many individuals, and it can be attributed to several factors. One of the main causes of hair loss is thyroid dysfunction, which affects the levels of thyroid hormones in the body. When the thyroid gland produces too little or too much thyroid hormone, it can lead to hair fall.

The thyroid gland produces two main hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), that are responsible for regulating the body’s metabolism. When there is an imbalance of these hormones in the body, it can lead to several symptoms, including hair fall.

According to the sources provided, the first step to controlling hair fall due to thyroid dysfunction is to ensure that there is enough thyroid hormone, including T3, in the body. T3 and T4 prolong the duration of the hair growth cycle by blocking an inhibitory growth factor called TGF-B2.

However, too much thyroid hormone can also lead to hair loss. It is recommended to check that you are on a T3-containing medication, and that your TSH levels are between 0.5 and 2 μIU/mL.

Another solution mentioned in the sources is to switch medications if your current medication is causing hair loss. For instance, if you are taking Armour thyroid and it is causing hair loss, switching to Nature-throid could solve the problem.

Nutrient deficiencies can also be a cause of hair loss in individuals with thyroid dysfunction. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you are not consuming inflammatory foods like processed foods, fried foods, and sugar.

In addition, there are several natural remedies that can help in controlling hair fall due to thyroid dysfunction. Essential oils are known to enhance hair growth, and they can be used to tackle hair loss. Also, caffeine has been found to help prevent hair loss by making hairs grow longer, extending hairs’ growth phase, and promoting keratin production.

Deficiencies in Vitamin B-12 and B-6 can also lead to hair loss. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a healthy diet and ensure that you are getting all the necessary nutrients.

Finally, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment is an advanced treatment for hair loss that can help individuals with thyroid dysfunction. Hyperthyroidism decreases overall blood flow, reducing the supply to the hair follicles and causing hair loss.

PRP treatment involves extracting blood from the patient’s body and putting it into a centrifuge, which separates the platelets from the rest of the blood. The platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the scalp to promote hair growth.

Controlling hair fall due to thyroid dysfunction can be achieved through a combination of medication, natural remedies, and advanced treatments like PRP. It is essential to maintain a healthy diet and ensure that you are getting all the necessary nutrients. If you are experiencing hair fall due to thyroid dysfunction, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

What Are the Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Problems?

Thyroid problems can be difficult to diagnose as they often manifest in subtle ways. Understanding the early warning signs of thyroid problems is important as it allows for early intervention and better management of the condition. It is important to note that different thyroid conditions may present different symptoms, and therefore, diagnosis should be made by a healthcare professional.

The thyroid gland plays an essential role in regulating the body’s metabolism, temperature, and heart rate. It is located in the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. The two most common thyroid problems are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive, and the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:

• fatigue,
• sensitivity to cold,
• constipation,
• dry skin,
• weight gain,
• puffy face,
• hoarseness,
• muscle weakness,
• elevated blood cholesterol level,
• muscle aches,
• tenderness and stiffness,
• pain, stiffness, or swelling in your joints,
• heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods, and
• thinning hair. It is important to note that not everyone with hypothyroidism will experience all of these symptoms.

On the other hand, hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include restlessness, diarrhea, weight loss, increased sweating, anxiety or nervousness, muscle weakness, rapid heartbeat, changes in menstrual cycles, reduced libido, bulging eyes, thick red skin on shins or feet, and an increased appetite.

It is crucial to note that many of these symptoms can be attributed to other medical conditions. Therefore, a proper diagnosis should be made by a healthcare professional through a thorough examination, blood tests, and imaging.

Understanding the early warning signs of thyroid problems is crucial in the management of the condition. While hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have distinct symptoms, diagnosis should be made by a healthcare professional. Early intervention and treatment can help manage the condition and prevent complications.

Conclusion

Thyroid hair loss is a condition that can develop slowly with both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Patients with thyroid-related hair loss may notice a gradual thinning of their hair, and it may take some time to reverse after normalizing the thyroid hormone levels. It’s important to note that not all hair loss is related to thyroid issues, and baldness can occur due to various reasons, including heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or as a natural part of aging.

Sources:

• https://www.healthline.com/health/thyroid-and-hair-loss
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326902
• https://www.amymyersmd.com/article/reverse-thyroid-hair-loss/
• https://www.btf-thyroid.org/hair-loss-and-thyroid-disorders
• https://www.womenshealthnetwork.com/thyroid-health/thyroid-and-hair-loss/
• https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-my-thyroid-condition-to-blame-for-my-hair-loss/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926
• https://www.restartmed.com/thyroid-hair-loss/
• https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hair-loss-and-thyroid/
• https://www.restartmed.com/hair-loss-from-thyroid/
• https://www.healthline.com/health/dht
• https://www.olivaclinic.com/blog/thyroid-hair-loss-treatment/
• https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/thyroid-disease-skin-changes
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20350284
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23188-thyroid
• https://medicalcityhealthcare.com/blog/entry/21-common-signs-and-symptoms-of-a-thyroid-problem