Thyroid disorders occur once the thyroid gland does non produce enough—or produces an excess—of a specific hormone.
Hypothyroidism, or an hypoactive thyroid, can cause a diversity of symptoms, ranging from weight gain to fatigue. Since this condition develops gradually, many people do not experience symptoms until months or even years have passed.
Hyperthyroidism, or an overexcited thyroid, can cause symptoms ranging from weight loss to nervousness. Both conditions can cause hair to become dry and brittle, or lead to hair thinning on both the scalp and the rest of the body. Continue interpretation to discover what you can do if your thyroid disorder is affecting your hair.
What is the connection between the thyroid and hair?
Thyroid situations can lead to hair loss if they are severe and left untreated. To understand how these conditions cause hair loss, it is necessary to understand how hair grows.
- Hair begins to grow from the root, located beneath the hair follicle in the scalp.
- Blood vessels in the scalp nourish the root, generating new cells and promoting hair growth.
- The hair grows upward and emerges through the skin. On its way, it passes through the sebaceous glands, which help keep it soft and shiny.
- Hair grows for a period of time, but eventually falls out as each new regeneration cycle begins.
When hormone production is disrupted—specifically that of T3 and T4—it affects other bodily processes. These include hair development at the root. The hair falls out and may not be replaced by new growth, leading to hair thinning across the entire scalp and in other areas, such as the eyebrows.
For example, alopecia is an autoimmune condition that often occurs alongside thyroid disorders. It causes hair loss in patches—in more localised areas—which can eventually lead to baldness. Other autoimmune diseases that can cause hair loss—and are frequently associated with thyroid problems—include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and lupus erythematosus.
Certain medications used to treat thyroid situations may also contribute to hair thinning. These include antithyroid drugs, such as carbimazole (Neo-Mercazole, Anti-Thyrox, and others) and propylthiouracil (Propycil). Due to hair’s long life cycle, it can be difficult to determine whether hair thinning is caused by the medication or by the thyroid condition itself.
How do I know if my thyroid is causing my hair loss?
Hair loss can develop slowly in cases of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. You may not notice thinning hair or the appearance of bald patches; instead, your hair might appear thinner all over your body.
Typically, we lose between 50 and 100 strands of hair from our heads each day. If the normal hair growth cycle is disrupted, the lost hairs are not replaced, leading to persistent hair loss.
The good update is that hair loss caused by thyroid conditions is usually temporary. You may continue to experience hair loss even after you have started taking medication to treat your condition. Some people worry that the medication itself is causing the hair loss, but this may be more closely related to the hair’s own life cycle.
How can I stop hair loss produced by thyroid problems?
Generally, mild thyroid conditions do not cause hair thinning. Consequently, working with your doctor to keep your condition under control through medication can help preserve your hair density or promote regrowth. Results may not be immediately apparent, as hair requires time to grow and develop.
Possible medications include:
- levothyroxine (hypothyroidism)
- propylthiouracil and methimazole (hyperthyroidism)
- beta-blockers (hyperthyroidism)
Your doctor will display your thyroid levels while you are taking the medication. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
With treatment, hair regrowth may become visible within a few months. Keep in mind that the new hair that grows in may have a different colour or texture from your original hair.
Natural Treatments and Home Remedies
In addition to medication, you can try a variety of home remedies to slow hair loss or stimulate hair growth.
Treating Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies can pay to hair loss, even in the absence of a thyroid condition. Specifically, researchers explicate that levels of the following elements may play a role in maintaining hair health and in hair loss:
- Vitamin B-7 (biotin) and B-complex vitamins
- Zinc
- Copper
- Iron
- Vitamins C, E, and A
- Coenzyme Q10
- Iron
Eat Well
Consuming whole foods is essential for your health.
If you consume calcium-rich foods and are undergoing treatment for hypothyroidism, try to consume them at least 4 hours after taking levothyroxine to improve absorption.
Processed foods—such as sugars, red meats, and fried foods—can cause inflammation. Caffeine and alcohol may also contribute to this. Inflammation can aggravate your thyroid symptoms, including hair loss.
Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Ginger and turmeric are anti-inflammatory foods that can improve endocrine function. Your thyroid is part of the endocrinal system, so supporting it can help alleviate the symptoms of thyroid disorders.
Try incorporating fresh ginger root or turmeric into your cooking. They are delicious in all kinds of dishes, from stir-fries to smoothies. Consult your doctor about the possibility of taking supplements.
Consider Herbal Remedies
Some branches of another medicine use specific herbs to treat hair loss produced by conditions such as alopecia. These herbs are taken orally and include:
- saw palmetto
- black cohosh
- dong quai
- false unicorn
- chaste tree
- red clover
Consult with your doctor before trying these herbal therapies on your own, especially since none of these herbs is approved for the treatment of hair loss, and there is no research definitively demonstrating their effectiveness.
Try Essential Oils
Although research in this area is limited, studies have found that eucalyptus oil and other plant extracts can reduce hair loss and increase hair density.
Other oils you can try include:
- Arnica montana
- Cedrus atlantica
- Lavandula angustifolia
- Ocimum sanctum
- Pilocarpus jaborandi
- Rosmarinus officinalis
- Thymus vulgaris
Monitor Your Iodine Intake
People with autoimmune thyroid disorders should monitor their iodine intake. The body uses iodine to harvest thyroid hormones so an excess can lead to imbalances.
Kelp and other seaweeds are high in iodine and can aggravate symptoms, including hair loss. Some multivitamins and cough syrups may also contain iodine, so you should read labels carefully.
Treat Your Hair with Care
You can slow down hair loss by caring for it properly:
- Avoid tying your hair back too tightly in braids, buns, or ponytails.
- Avoid twisting or pulling on your hair.
- Use a wide-toothed comb instead of stiffer brushes when detangling.
Slightly modifying your routine can help you avoid pulling out hair before it falls out naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will hair that has dropped out due to thyroid problems grow back?
It may take several months before you notice any new growth. While this can be frustrating, consider wearing a wig or another head covering. Emotional support is also important; therefore, ask your doctor about counselling services or support groups where you can meet people going finished similar situations.
How does the body feel when you have thyroid problems?
In addition to affecting the hair, hyperthyroidism can reason symptoms such as weight loss and increased appetite, rapid or irregular heartbeats, nervousness, fatigue, hand tremors, and frequent bowel movements. On the other hand, hypothyroidism can cause fatigue, weight gain, sense cold, weakness, hair loss, dry skin, depression, difficulty concentrating, constipation, and irregular menstrual periods.
Points to Consider
Before treating hair loss at home, consult your doctor first. Generally, thyroid conditions do not cause hair loss unless they become severe.
Hair loss can too be a symptom of another underlying medical issue. You may need both medication and home remedies to achieve hair regrowth and treat other symptoms.