Can Thyroid Problems Cause Hair Loss
Its well established that problems with the thyroid can cause hair loss. The thyroid plays a crucial role in hair growth. When the thyroid isnt functioning correctly, it can cause hair loss on the scalp, face, and other areas of the body.
Common thyroid issues that cause hair loss include hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism . A number of conditions can lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Parathyroid disorders can also cause hair loss. Parathyroid glands are four little glands near your thyroid. They produce hormones that control the amount of calcium in the blood. When their hormone production is imbalanced, it can cause health issues, including hair loss.
Pregnancy can sometimes lead to thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid issues in pregnancy are mostly caused by an autoimmune reaction. Autoimmune thyroid problems include conditions like Graves disease and Hashimotos thyroiditis.
Postpartum thyroiditis is a condition occurring after pregnancy, causing inflammation of the thyroid gland. This issue can cause either high or low levels of thyroid hormones, which can contribute to hair loss.
Many different thyroid cancers can also lead to hair loss. And of course, the cancer treatment itself can cause or worsen hair loss. Hormone replacement therapies, among other treatments, may be needed to facilitate regrowth.
Other Causes Of Hair Loss
Hair loss can develop for several reasons besides your thyroid health. Other possible causes of hair loss include:
- Genetics: A family history of male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness can increase your risk for hair loss.
- Alopecia areata: This is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, endocrine disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome , or other hormonal changes can result in hair loss.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Poor nutrition can lead to hair loss, including not getting enough fatty acids, iron, zinc, protein, or B-vitamins.
- Anemia: This is a condition where you dont have enough red blood cells to deliver adequate oxygen to the cells.
- Scalp damage: Trauma to the scalp and hair follicles, like burns or scarring, can lead to hair loss and prevent that area from being able to regrow hair.
Is There A Better Option For Thinning Hair
Treatment for thinning hair begins with identifying the reason for the problem in the first place. If a medication is causing the issue, it is possible that stopping the medication will cause the problem to end. If thinning hair is due to hereditary causes, or male pattern baldness, it’s time to take a closer look at scalp micropigmentation.
At Scalpmasters LLC, we work with clients who have thinning hair using the process of scalp micropigmentation. This is a high-tech solution to hair loss, and makes it look as if you have the full head of hair you once had. Using the computerized technology, our practitioners create a hairline on your scalp using pigments. This makes the hairline pigmentation look three-dimensional, and is an excellent option for thinning hair.
The process of scalp micropigmentation is not painful, and it can be done in a series of two appointments in two days. Each session takes about three or four hours, and you will see results immediately. When you have scalp micropigmenation done to appear as if you have a fuller head of hair, you will have the confidence you want from the treatment.
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Treatments For Hair Loss
If you have thyroid-related hair loss, youll likely see hair regrowth after treating the underlying thyroid disease. In some cases, though, your hair loss could also be from one of the other causes of hair loss.
Here are some common ways to treat hair loss from other causes:
- Minoxidil is a topical solution applied directly to the scalp, which may help stimulate hair growth.
- Finasteride is an oral prescription medication to treat male pattern baldness.
- Nutrition supplementsIf your hair loss is caused by a nutrient deficiency, like a lack of biotin, taking a supplement may resolve the hair loss. Speak with your healthcare provider about getting tested before starting a supplement regimen since only a small subset of people dont get enough of their daily vitamins from the food they eat.
Will My Hair Grow Back After Thyroid Treatment
While most cases of hair loss due to hypothyroidism are reversible, it will take some time for the hair to grow back.
1. Billoni N et al. Thyroid hormone receptor beta1 is expressed in the human hair follicle. Br J Dermatol 2000 142: 645-52.
2. Chapman RS and Main RA. Diffuse thinning of hair in iodide-induced hypothyroidism. Br J Dermatol 1967 79: 103-105.
3. Freinkel R and Kreinkel N. Hair growth and alopecia in hypothyroidism. Arch Dermatol 1972 106: 349-352.
4. Mayo Clinic Staff. MayoClinic.org. Hypothyroidism . . Published December 6, 2017. Accessed December 13, 2017.
5. Myers, Amy. AmyMyersMD.com. 10 Tips to Reverse Thyroid Hair Loss. . Published October 10, 2016. Accessed December 13, 2017.
6. Northrup, Christiane. What is Thyroid Disease? Common Thyroid Disease Symptoms To Look For. Christiane Northrup, Christiane Northrup, M.D.
7. Osansky, Eric. Natural Endocrine Solutions. . Published January 28, 2016. Accessed December 13, 2017.
8. Rajapet, Meenal. StyleCraze.com. . 8 Simple Ways to Combat Thyroid-Induced Hair Loss Naturally. Published September 19, 2017. Accessed December 13, 2017.
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What Types Of Hair Loss Can A Thyroid Disorder Cause
The thyroid hormone is essential in the development of a healthy hair life cycle. It helps maintain the hair follicles from which your hair grows. And when the body has an excessive amount of the thyroid hormone or not enough of it, it can shock the body into a telogen phase. Telogen effluvium is a condition that occurs when the hair follicle enters the resting stage of the hair regrowth cycle too early. When this happens, you could experience more hair loss and alopecia patterns in a short space of time.
Alopecia areata differs from the shedding effect of telogen effluvium because it’s more patchy. It can be triggered by a thyroid disorder. This is because many people who have a thyroid disorder also have autoimmune thyroid disease. And when you have one autoimmune disease, you are more likely to develop another one, like alopecia areata.
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What Is A Thyroid Disorder
A thyroid disease generally refers to a medical condition that stops your thyroid from producing the necessary amount of hormones your body needs. If the thyroid function goes awry, you could start experiencing an unusual symptom or two including hair loss, weight gain, brain fog and in some cases, excess body hair. Of course, symptoms can vary, and some people experience different things, depending on the type of thyroid issues they’re experiencing.
If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid concern, then you’re certainly not alone. Thyroid problems are pretty common, and you might be at a higher risk if there’s a family history of the condition. Those who live with type 1 diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, excessive iodine and primary adrenal insufficiency might also experience symptoms.
Australian-based surgeon Dr. Robert Goldman explained, “Having an overactive or underactive thyroid gland may cause baldness in certain individuals. Immune system conditions are the most well-known reasons for strange thyroid chemical levels. For instance, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis regularly causes hypothyroidism, while Graves’ illness is usually liable for hyperthyroidism.”
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How To Treat Thyroid
If your healthcare provider diagnoses you with a thyroid condition, youll likely be prescribed medication to treat your condition.
For hypothyroidism, your healthcare provider may prescribe a synthetic thyroid hormone such as Levo-T® or Synthroid®. These medications work by bringing your thyroid hormones up to a normal level.
For hyperthyroidism, your healthcare provider may prescribe an anti-thyroid medication such as Tapazole® or propylthiouracil. These medications stop your thyroid gland from producing overly high levels of thyroid hormones.
Depending on your symptoms, treatment for hyperthyroidism may include radioactive iodine and/or beta-blockers. Severe cases of hyperthyroidism are occasionally treated by removing some or all of the thyroid gland in a procedure known as thyroidectomy.
Most of the time, thyroid-related hair loss resolves on its own after you successfully treat the underlying condition. After treating your thyroid condition, it can take several months for your hair to start growing again.
You might be able to speed up this growth using minoxidil, a topical medication that improves blood flow to the scalp. Because thyroid-related hair loss isnt caused by DHT, finasteride isnt effective at treating or preventing this form of hair loss.
Cosmedica Team
Thyroid Conditions And Hair Loss: What You Need To Know
Medically reviewed by Kristin Hall, FNP
Is your hair starting to look thinner than usual? Its common for men to experience some degree of hair loss at some point in our lives. In fact, one form of hair loss called androgenetic alopecia is thought to affect 50 million men in the United States alone.
While androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss men experience, hair loss can also occur as a result of certain medical conditions.
If you have a thyroid condition such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, its possible that this could contribute to hair loss. Thyroid conditions can also occur in conjunction with autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata, which can affect the growth of your hair.
Hair loss from thyroid conditions can vary in severity, from mild diffuse thinning to almost total loss of hair on your scalp. Below, weve explained why and how thyroid-related hair loss occurs, as well as what you can do to treat hair loss thats caused by a thyroid condition.
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How Thyroid Disease May Cause Hair Loss
Hair health, fullness, and sheen are often indicators of the bodys internal wellness. Many diseases, conditions, and subsequent treatments trigger hair loss or dull, breaking strands. Two of those conditions are hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism. While they are complete opposite in terms of their issues one is an overproduction while the other is an underproduction of hormones they share a common symptom: hair loss.
If you suffer from a thyroid disorder and are currently experiencing hair loss or balding, knowing why and the steps you can take to combat this unfortunate side effect is important.
Why Hair Loss Occurs In Hypothyroidism
Dr. Beverly Goode-Kanawati, D.O., the director and founder of the Beverly Medical Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, explained, “Hair loss occurs in hypothyroidism because of the overall slowing of cell turnover throughout the body, which means that cells die at a slow to normal rate but grow back very slowly. This means that the hair is lost but does not grow back like it should because the growth of everything is slowed down.” Note that there is a possibility that when your hair does grow back after hypothyroidism, it could be a different texture or color.
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What Can You Do If You’re Experiencing Thinning Hair
It’s not just a thyroid condition that can trigger serious thinning hair. If you’ve noticed your hair’s growth cycle stunting and your doctor or endocrinologist has cleared you of any thyroid disease or other medical concerns, you could try a nourishing diet and some targeted hair products, such as GRO+ Advanced Hair Serum, to promote healthy hair. The CBD terpenes in the formula penetrate the upper layer on the dermis and reach the hair follicles right at the root, giving your locks a glossy boost.
Additionally, consider taking hair supplements, such as GRO+ Advanced Hair Care Gummies. The 100% vegan formula, which is made without artificial flavors, harnesses broad-spectrum hemp’s therapeutic power to help support thicker and fuller-looking hair. Folic acid, biotin, zinc and various other vitamins can help hair maintain a luscious, shiny look and feel.
Does Levothyroxine Cause Hair Loss In Women And Children
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To understand if levothyroxine causes hair loss, we need to dive deep into the relation between thyroid dysfunction and hair loss. Thyroid dysfunctions are known to cause hair loss. Hypothyroidism causes the scalp to become oily. It also makes hair coarse and scanty, and may even lead to baldness. Excess thyroid function, on the other hand, causes hyperthyroidism that also makes hair fine and very scanty. Such thyroid imbalances can cause alopecia areata .
While levothyroxine is used to treat thyroid imbalances , it also may cause hair loss in some cases.
In a study, a 10-month infant diagnosed with hypothyroidism faced sudden diffuse alopecia on the scalp . The cause was found to be an overdose of levothyroxine, leading to an excessive thyroid function, causing hair loss. Hair loss occurred after two weeks of starting levothyroxine and ended a few days after the dosage was reduced. This shows that there needs to be an accuracy in the prescribed dosage. When ingested in the appropriate dosage, levothyroxine only balances the thyroid level without causing hair loss.
In another study conducted with 255 women, thyroxine was shown to cause diffuse hair loss . This shows that anti-thyroid medication can cause drug-induced hair loss.
Hair loss is a common occurrence in pregnancy due to the change in hormone levels. Although it may cause hair loss, levothyroxine is one of the few medications safe for pregnant and nursing women .
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How Can Adding Supplements To Your Diet Help Reduce Thyroid Hair Loss
Hair loss can take a toll on your physical and mental wellbeing, a position Simone Thomas understands personally. Simone has experienced hair loss from an underactive thyroid before and among other health issues, is what motivated her to start Simone Thomas Wellness as a way to help other women suffering from hair loss.Taking the right thyroid medication for thyroid disorders along with Simone Thomas Wellness recommended supplements can benefit women and men experiencing hair loss by easing symptoms and encouraging fast, strong hair growth. There are effective medications available to level out hormone production in the thyroid and treat hair loss, such as Levothyroxine. Daily hormone replacement tablets may be prescribed for hypothyroidism, increasing the amount of hormones in the blood stream until the correct level is established and stabilised. For hyperthyroidism, hormone production blockers may be prescribed to slow down hormone production and redress your hormone levels.After recovering from her hair loss, Simone spent years studying how our diet and lifestyle affects our hair, focussing on supplementation to boost hair health, and gut health to look after the body.
Should You Discontinue Levothyroxine To Stop Hair Loss
Since treatment with levothyroxine is lifelong, it cannot be discontinued. But depending on your thyroid levels, the dosage may be increased or decreased. Stopping anti-thyroid medication can have severe effects on the body. But there are some other treatment suggestions and lifestyle and dietary changes you can make to prevent hair loss.
Here are some tips you can try to prevent hair loss while taking levothyroxine.
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How To Prevent Hair Loss In Women Who Take Levothyroxine
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Levothyroxine medication is to be taken lifelong. But the dosage may be increased or decreased based on your serum TSH levels. If you take levothyroxine to regulate your thyroid levels but are experiencing hair loss, do not panic. Here are a few tips to help reduce such drug-induced hair loss.
- You can try homemade hair masks made with natural ingredients like eggs, milk, oils, yogurt, and fenugreek seeds. These may stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss.
- Massaging your scalp with warm oil can improve blood circulation and stimulate hair growth. Massaging can also improve hair thickness and length .
- Stress is another cause of hair loss. Improving your lifestyle to mitigate stress factors may help reduce hair loss. Exercise, meditate, and practice yoga or Pilates.
- Consume more fruits and vegetables. These contain vitamins and minerals essential for hair growth .
- Avoid crash diets or overeating.
- Do not color your hair with regular hair dyes that use chemicals. Stop excess use of styling tools. Avoid going for hair chemical treatments too frequently.
- Avoid hairstyles that pull on your hair.
- Stop using shampoos and other hair products that contain chemicals, as they may cause an imbalance of the scalp and hair pH.
There is a specific method to diagnose hair loss caused by drugs. Know more in the next section.
Hair Loss Due To Thyroid Problems
A number of thyroid issues including hypo- or hyperthyroidism can lead to hair loss. Both during and after pregnancy, hormone levels are changing, which can impact endocrine function. Thyroid hair thinning and hair loss are common, along with a number of other symptoms.
Nutrient deficiencies can also impact the thyroids ability to produce thyroid hormones. When thyroid hormones are imbalanced, the body can struggle to absorb certain nutrients that are crucial for healthy hair growth.
Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss that occurs after a physically or emotionally stressful event. It causes diffuse hair loss, which can occur at the same time as thyroid-related hair loss. Thyroid issues caused by nutrient deficiency or over-supplementation can actually be a form of telogen effluvium.
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Thyroid Problems Pregnancy And Hair Loss
Thyroid issues experienced during pregnancy are typically caused by an autoimmune reaction. Graves disease is an autoimmune condition that can lead to hyperthyroidism in pregnancy. It causes the thyroid to produce excess thyroid hormone. This is typically treated by careful monitoring. Sometimes doctors may offer anti-thyroid medicines to reduce the thyroid hormones in the bloodstream.
Hashimotos disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hypothyroidism in pregnancy. It damages the thyroid and stops it from making enough hormones. This occurs in two to three out of every 100 pregnancies. Its usually treated with thyroid replacement medication.
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to changes in hair texture, as well as hair loss. Telogen effluvium, a stress-related form of hair loss, can also occur in pregnancy alongside thyroid issues.
A thyroid condition called postpartum thyroiditis can lead to hair loss after pregnancy, among other symptoms. Postpartum thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid, causing the thyroid hormone to leak out of the gland. Initially, this can cause hyperthyroidism. Later on, it can lead to hypothyroidism.