Introduction
If you’re struggling with hair loss and think it may be due to hypothyroidism, you’re not alone. Many people with this condition experience thinning hair or hair loss. While there is no cure for hypothyroidism, there are treatments that can help manage the condition and improve your symptoms, including hair loss. If you think your hair loss may be due to hypothyroidism, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
Your hair grows from the follicles on the scalp. Therefore, with the massage of the scalp, blood circulation increases and hair growth improves. Hair growth is a cycle and it includes hair growth as well as the resting phase. The thyroid gland is present in the lower part of your neck and it produces thyroid hormones. These hormones control your mood, weight as well as your ability to think.
Thyroid hormones also affect your hair growth cycle. According to experts, it is common to lose 50 – 100 hair strands per day. These hormones affect the formation and development of hair follicles. Thyroid problems caused due to T3 and T4 can cause hair loss. These thyroid problems in turn are caused due to several autoimmune conditions.
According to a study published in the British journal of dermatology, loss of scalp, eyebrows, and body hair are characteristic signs of thyroid deficiency. Hair loss is a common effect of thyroid problems but the good thing is that it is not permanent.
Does hypothyroidism cause hair loss?
Hair loss is a common side effect of thyroid hormonal imbalance. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism cause can cause hair loss problems. As discussed earlier, hair growth is a cycle. But if the cycle stays in the resting phase for a long time it can cause thinning of hair or even baldness.
This kind of hair loss is known as telogen. In this condition, more than normal hair fall occurs, or the growth of hair is reduced. The hair that is in the growth stage enters the shedding stage. The use of the hormone ‘levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, or Unithroid)’ to treat hypothyroidism can also cause hair loss. So, one should avoid self-medication regarding thyroid hormone imbalance as an overactive thyroid can also be a cause of hair loss.
Is hair loss a symptom of hypothyroidism?
Hair fall occurs in handfuls Regrowth of hair is reducedEyebrows, and eyelashes and body hair are also affected Abnormal hair loss causes more than 50 – 100 strands loss per day Hair fall occurs in clumps as well as in strands Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Unusual weight gain
- Dryness of skin
- Constipation
- Feeling of tiredness
- Depressed or stressed mood
- Inability to withstand cold
Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Brittle and weak hair
- Faster than normal heartbeats
- Feeling of tiredness
- Irritability
- More than usual sweating
- Increased bowel movements
- Disturbance in peaceful sleep
- Abnormal menstrual cycle
If you have some or all of these above-mentioned symptoms you should have a blood test to check the level of hormones T3 and T4 and then use medication according to the prescription of your doctor.
Treatment of Hormonal hair loss:
To have healthy hair growth, you can:
- Try to reduce your depression and stress levels
- Include good quality protein in your diet
- Increase your iron intake
- Take biotin multivitamin
- Include fish and dark green vegetables in your diet
- Have calcium-rich foods
- Treatment of dermatologic scalp problems
Treatment of Thyroid Imbalance:
Experts say that healthy hair growth comes from healthy hormone levels. Hair regrowth starts after 6 to 8 months of treating hormonal imbalance. A study confirms that hair regrowth can be attained by the replacement therapy of thyroid hormone. Consult an endocrinologist to rebalance your thyroid hormones. While using the medication, you should keep an eye on the symptoms and have checkups regularly. The underactive thyroid gland can be treated using synthetic hormones. To treat an overactive thyroid gland, you can:
- Have surgery on the thyroid gland
- Use antithyroid drugs
Conclusion:
Hair loss due to hormonal imbalance can be reversed. Rather than relying on self-medication, you should consult an endocrinologist. Have a healthy and balanced diet. While you wait for the results after using the medications, you can use a hair wig or get a new hairstyle.
