How To Stop Hair Loss Due To Thyroid
The first step to control thyroid hair loss is to treat your thyroid problem itself. You can stop thyroid-related hair loss with the balance of fundamental bio-elements in your body. Ayurveda classifies your body constitution into three doshas.
1. Vata Dosha
2. Pitta Dosha
3. Kapha Dosha
Pitta, the dominant fire element, is energy that directs digestion and enhances metabolism. Agni, the fire principle, or cellular intelligence leads to the body’s physiological and psychological processes. It includes cellular metabolism and the regulation of hormones at the level of neurons.
The objective of Ayurvedic treatments is to address the root of your problem by decreasing inflammation and regulating the immune system. Coating of Kapha dosha and fat tissue prevents Agni at the cellular level, leading to the malfunction of the thyroid gland. The treatment aims to remove the layer and enhance the work of Agni in metabolism.
Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix, says, âHypothyroidism is predominantly a Kapha Vata disorder. The increased dampness of Kapha and the drying action of Vata over this Kapha plugs the channels, affecting the natural flow of hormones and metabolism. To put it simply, diet and lifestyle that is Kapha Vata-reducing, helps.â
Put a stop to your hair loss while trying to balance your thyroid hormones in four possible ways:
How Long Does It Take To Reverse Thyroid Hair Loss
Hair loss is one of the most frustrating symptoms many of my patients with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions experience. This is a problem with both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid conditions, and sometimes the hair loss can be very severe. In fact, its not uncommon for the patient to be most concerned about the hair loss, even if they are experiencing numerous other symptoms. As a result, many people who experience hair loss want to know what they can do to quickly stop this, and of course get their hair to grow back.
The good news is that most cases of thyroid hair loss are reversible. In other words, the hair loss will usually stop and eventually grow back. The bad news is that it can take a good amount of time for this to happen. When hair loss is a result of a thyroid hormone imbalance you would figure that the hair would stop falling out once the thyroid hormone levels have normalized. But unfortunately this usually isnt the case, as while everyone is different, it commonly takes a number of months after the thyroid hormones have normalized for the hair loss to stop.
Other Factors Which Can Cause Hair Loss In Thyroid Patients
Although in most people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions the hair loss is a result of the thyroid hormone imbalance, there can be other factors which cause hair loss. So lets go ahead and look at some of these other causes.
How Can One Determine The Cause Of The Hair Loss?
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Treatment For Thyroid Hair Loss Regrowth
HairMD is a team of some of the best dermatologists in Pune. We treat various hair loss conditions through proper diagnosis. Our dermatologists engage in a thorough discussion with the patient, underlying condition, and its causes. They then prescribe the correct treatment for thyroid hair loss. Connect with our dermatologists through .
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Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis And Hair Loss: Everything You Need To Know
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1% to 2% of the U.S. population has Hashimotoâs thyroiditis. It occurs more often in women than in men and is the most common cause of underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, in the U.S. Hair loss is, for many, one of the most distressing symptoms of thyroid disorders and may be challenging to treat if you have Hashimotoâs thyroiditis.
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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What Are The Various Thyroid Hair Loss Symptoms
The thyroid isnt the only condition to be blamed for hair loss. Hair loss could be the result of many other conditions as well. However, when you notice hair loss, coupled with any or some of the below symptoms, it may signify thyroid.
- Hair or skin dryness
- Intolerance toward extreme hot and cold temperatures
- Abnormal menstruation
- Cognitive impairment
Who Should Not Take Finasteride
Do not take finasteride if you:
- are pregnant or may become pregnant. Finasteride may harm your unborn baby. Females who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not come in contact with broken or crushed finasteride tablets. If a pregnant woman comes in contact with crushed or broken finasteride tablets, wash the contact area right away with soap and water. If a woman who is pregnant comes into contact with the active ingredient in finasteride, a healthcare provider should be consulted. o If a woman who is pregnant with a male baby swallows or comes in contact with the medicine in finasteride, the male baby may be born with sex organs that are not normal.
- are allergic to any of the ingredients in finasteride.
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Common Thyroid Conditions & Hair Fall Issues
The thyroid gland is located along the windpipe and is responsible for producing a hormone that helps with cell reproduction, maintains energy levels, and influences metabolism.
When thyroid levels become imbalanced, the following thyroid diseases can occur
- Hypothyroidism is a condition with an under-active thyroid gland which can directly be attributed to hair thinning and hair loss if left untreated. An insufficient amount of thyroid hormone is produced which, in turn, compromises the chemical reactions required in the body. It results in a low cell regeneration factor. Low levels of iron and nutritional deficiencies are common factors for hypothyroidism.
- Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of the thyroid hormone. The bodys metabolism rate increases leading to hair loss, weight loss, irregular heartbeat, sweating, anxiety, and mood swings. This condition is not easily diagnosed due to the generic nature of its symptoms but can eventually be isolated by checking thyroid hormone levels.
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Check For Low Stomach Acid
Im sure youre familiar with the saying you are what you eat. However, I prefer to say, you are what you digest and absorb! If you have a chronic illness such as thyroid dysfunction or an autoimmune condition, you may not be fully digesting and absorbing all of the nutrients that are vital for thyroid function and healthy hair. A primary reason for this is low stomach acid, which breaks down your food once it reaches your gut.
Some telltale signs of low stomach acid include acid reflux, gas, and bloating, particularly after heavy meals high in protein. There is a simple test you can do to find out if you are low in stomach acid. You can take one capsule of HCL with water before a meal, and then see how you feel after about 30 minutes. If you feel a burning sensation, your HCL levels are fine. But, if you feel nothing, you probably need to add an HCL supplement. For more information on how to test your stomach acid levels and how to figure out how much HCL to take, see this video.
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What Is Hashimotos Thyroiditis
Hashimotoâs thyroiditis, also known as autoimmune thyroid disease, can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors. According to the American Thyroid Association, it is an autoimmune disorder that causes long-term inflammation of the thyroid. Over time, the thyroid gland struggles to produce enough thyroid hormones, which leads to a slow or underactive thyroid . Hashimotoâs thyroiditis occurs most commonly in middle-aged women, but it can appear at any age and sometimes affects men and children.
Unpleasant Side Effects Of Medications Used To Reverse Thyroid Hair Loss
Ask Dr. Google what to do about your disappearing hair, and you may get advice for topical treatments like Rogaine. However, even as Americans spend $3.5 billion a year on hair loss products, it is reported that 99 percent of these dont work. Plus, the long term effects of minoxidil-containing hair treatments are unknown.
Also, when hair does grow back, watch out! It could be different in color and may even appear in unwanted areas of your face. Remember those three little piggies and the hairs on their chinny-chin-chins?
The natural approach to hair loss is to support the body, bringing it back into alignment. Heres a few ways you can give it all the tools needed to do its job.
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How To Grow Your Hair Back
Okay, so let’s get into the specifics.
I mentioned previously that it can be difficult to figure out what is actually causing your hair loss and that’s because there are several things that matter to thyroid patients and no one else.
Let’s get into each of those:
#1. Thyroid hormone status.
The first and most obvious source of hair loss stems from the status of thyroid hormone in your body.
For most people, this will mean that you are NOT getting enough thyroid hormone.
If you don’t get enough then the hair in your hair follicles won’t grow, it’s quite simple.
This is also true for people who are taking thyroid medication.
The key to fixing this problem is to simply adjust your dose .
Taking a higher dose of thyroid medication will increase thyroid hormone status and improve hair growth.
You should also be aware that an excessively HIGH dose of thyroid hormone can also cause hair loss as well.
This is unusual, but it does happen from time to time.
Both a hyperthyroid and a hypothyroid state, induced by thyroid medication, can trigger hair loss.
But as I mentioned, probably 98% of you reading this are not taking enough thyroid medication so you will need to increase your dose.
#2. Thyroid medications.
The next source of hair loss can stem from the very medication that you are taking to try and fix thyroid hormone status.
That’s right! Thyroid medication ITSELF can cause hair loss regardless of the dose that you are taking.
There’s a big difference between those two.
How?
Make Sure Youre On The Right Type And Dose Of Supplemental Thyroid Hormone
Once you know all of your thyroid levels, you can work with your doctor to make sure that youre on the right type and dose of supplemental thyroid hormone. Free T3, the active form of thyroid hormone, plays a big role in the health of your hair, yet the most commonly prescribed supplemental thyroid hormone is a T4-only hormone, such as Synthroid® or Levoxyl®. Many thyroid patients have difficulty converting T4, the storage form of the hormone, to Free T32, and do better on natural desiccated thyroid hormone, such as Armour® or Naturethroid®, which includes both T4 and T3, or by adding in a T3-only form of supplemental thyroid hormone, such as Cytomel® or a compounded time-release T3 formula. I discuss in detail all of the different forms of supplemental thyroid hormone in my book, The Thyroid Connection. Determining which supplemental hormone is right for you is a crucial step in reversing thyroid hair loss.
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Why Eyebrow Health Is Important
Investigating eyebrow hair loss isnt a vanity. Those sparse brows are reflective of a deeper issue. Getting to the root of why youre losing hair means getting to the bottom of your underlying health condition.
Hair loss may be more common than you think. Around 21 million US woman are estimated to experience some sort of hair loss. So lets cut any renditions of the Youre So Vain song track that may be rolling around in your brain. Take a look at how to optimize the health of that hair on your brow.
How To Treat Hair Loss Due To Thyroid Problems
The most common thyroid-related problems result from an abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, involves insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much hormone. The thyroid gland makes thyroid hormones, which the body uses for energy, to stay warm, and to keep the organs and muscles working properly. Having an overactive or underactive thyroid gland may cause hair loss in some people.
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How To Stop Hair Fall Due To Thyroid
An accurate and prompt diagnosis of thyroid disease can help regulate thyroid hormone levels and resolve the hair loss problem. It can take some time to treat the problem, as doctors first find the correct dosage of thyroid hormone to bring the thyroid under control. Some of the possible options for treating thyroid hair loss include the following.
- Monitoring the thyroid profile regularly. Normalizing the thyroid levels can help bring hair regrowth to normalcy.
- Manage your stress. It would help to engage in healthy activities that destress you. Performing doctor-prescribed exercises regularly can make a steady difference.
- Avoid using hair curlers, straighteners, or heat alternatives to treat or style your hair. These activities can lead to irreparable damage to the hair.
- Follow a balanced diet. Allow the body to recover from the disrupted metabolism. Consume foods rich in nutrition. Avoid eating junk and processed food. Instead, prefer eating leafy green vegetables, fresh fruits, and food rich in calcium and protein.
Home Remedies For Treating Hair Loss Due To Thyroid Disorders
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These home remedies and hair care practices are not backed by scientific evidence. However, anecdotal testimonies suggest they are safe. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
- You can treat adrenal fatigue with a proper diet and yoga.
- You can reduce stress by aromatherapy. Massaging your hair with the essential oils of rosemary, lavender, or eucalyptus may improve hair growth. Remember to dilute the essential oils with carrier oils like that of coconut or jojoba before application. Always perform a patch test before you start using essential oils for hair growth.
- Herbs like chaste berry, palmetto, false unicorn, dong quai, and red clover are known to treat hair loss. However, consult a doctor before you start using them.
- Methods to boost blood flow to hair can improve hair growth. These can include a hot oil massage or inversion method. Consult the respective experts for more details.
- Avoid hairstyles like tight buns or ponytails that tug at your hair and weaken it, making it prone to breakage and loss.
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How Thyroid Hormones Cause Hair Loss
Your hair follicles follow a natural cycle of hair growth and resting phases. At any given time, most of your hair is growing while only a small portion of it is resting. But when changes in the body throw off that cycle, too much hair rests at one time and not enough grows, resulting in excessive hair loss, thinning hair, or balding.
Many medical conditions can cause hair loss, with thyroid disease a common culprit. Thyroid problems include both an underactive thyroid gland and an overactive thyroid gland . Because hair growth depends on the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, abnormal levels of thyroid hormone produced by this gland can result in hair changes, along with many other side effects, if left untreated. When there is too much thyroid hormone, the hair on your head can become fine, with thinning hair all over the scalp. When there is too little of this hormone, there can be hair loss, not just on the scalp, but also anywhere on the body.
Ironically, taking the hormone levothyroxine to treat an underactive thyroid can contribute to some hair loss, among other side effects, but this seems to be more common within the first month of treatment and more often in children than adults. This hair loss is only temporary and will go away as treatment is continued and thyroid hormone levels stabilize.
The Life Cycle Of Hair
To identify the difference between normal hair loss and that related to a thyroid condition, it’s important to understand the three phases of the hair life cycle. These include:
Verywell / Emily Roberts
- Anagen phase: This is the growth phase, meaning your hair is actively growing. The rate of growth and duration depends on the type of hair and where it’s located. At any given time, about 90% of the hair on your scalp is in the anagen phase.
- Catagen phase: Hair then enters this “transition phase” during which hair stops actively growing. This lasts about three weeks and involves less than 1% of the hairs on your scalp at a time.
- Telogen phase: During this last phase, a hair prepares to shed it is then pushed out of the follicle and falls out. Typically, about 50 and 150 telogen hairs are shed per day. These hairs are then replaced by new growth and the cycle begins again.
Thyroid-related hair loss and hair changes have some characteristic patterns, including:
- Diffuse hair loss/thinning across the whole scalp
- Hair loss that occurs in discrete areas of the scalp, resulting in smooth, circular bald patches
- Loss of body hair from areas other than your head: A unique and characteristic symptom of hypothyroidism is the loss of the hair on the outer edges of your eyebrows
- Changes in your hair’s texture: With hypothyroidism, your hair may become dry or coarse with hyperthyroidism, it can become extra soft and fine
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