Thyroid Disorders and Hair Loss: Key Symptoms and Effective Treatments

In other words, let’s see how thyroid hormones cause hair loss. Hair fall is typical. Everyone loses about 100 strands per day. Under normal circumstances, the regrown hair replaces the lost one. But when the loss is over 100 strands a day, and the stray hair doesn’t grow back, it may signify an underlying condition, possibly thyroid.

Irregular functioning of T3 and T4 can disrupt the hair regrowth cycle. It could thin the hair without replacing it. In situations like these, the individual may also lose body hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows. The hair may fall out in strands or clumps.

Hair growth significantly depends on the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Hence, abnormalities in thyroid hormone can lead to hair fall, hair loss, and hair thinning. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause hair loss. While the former can cause hair to fall on the scalp, the latter can lead to hair loss across various other body parts.

Thyroid hair loss is related to consuming the hormone levothyroxine to treat an underactive thyroid. However, it appears as a common side effect within the first month of the treatment. Besides, it is more often in children than adults. Furthermore, hair loss is temporary. It gets cured on its own with continued treatment and stabilized hormone levels, coupled with proper consultation from a dermatologist to prevent further hair loss. 

The thyroid isn’t 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
• Insomnia
• Lethargy
• Excessive sleeping
• Intolerance toward extreme hot and cold temperatures
• Abnormal menstruation
• Cognitive impairment (memory problems, difficulty in concentration, etc.)
• Mood changes (irritability, anxiety, and increased nervousness)

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.