Thyroid Problems and Hair Loss: The Direct Connection

Do you know thyroid hormones are involved directly with the functioning of follicles? So, an underactive or overactive thyroid will affect your hair health. It may cause hair loss.

The good thing is that hair loss induced by imbalance in thyroid hormones is temporary. Once you treat the root cause(in this case your hormone imbalance), your hair loss stops, suggests a doctor.

Thyroid problems and hair loss due to them are common. Many people fail to realize it’s their thyroid causing hair loss.

How thyroid hormone wreaks havoc on your hair

An overactive thyroid induces your follicles to produce finer hair. It can also lead to thinning of hair.

An underactive thyroid induces your follicles to become dormant. This can lead to profuse hair shedding with no new hair to replace them. You may also experience hair loss across the body, not just on the scalp.

Ironically, the hormone levothyroxine, which doctors prescribe as a treatment for underactive thyroid, can also induce hair loss. However, in this case, the hair loss is only for the first month of starting the hormone treatment. Also, the hormone causes hair loss usually in kids. As the level of thyroid hormone stabilizes with the treatment, hair loss stops.

So, if you are suffering from unexplained hair loss, it could be your thyroid.

Now, how do you know whether it is your thyroid?

Watch out for the following symptoms, as per doctors.

Symptoms of thyroid disorder

Hair loss is one symptom that must make you sit up and take notice of your thyroid.

Other symptoms are:

• Frequent mood swings, anxiety, nervousness, irritability, and depression
• Insomnia
• Lethargy
• Sleeping too much
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Less tolerance to cold or hot temperatures
• Weakness in muscles or achy muscles
• Skin or hair dryness
• Abnormal periods
• Difficulty in concentrating and remembering things, and having confusion

Suffering from any one or more of the above symptoms? If yes, you must consult a doctor and undergo a blood test.

The reason your hair loss treatment does not work

No amount of hair loss products would work unless you address the root cause of the problem. So, if your thyroid is not working well, your hair will continue to fall in spite of using the best hair loss shampoos or hair growth treatment.

First, you must treat your hormone imbalance. Once the doctor prescribes you the appropriate treatment, you can start your hair loss treatment.

Meanwhile, you can also use hair volumizing shampoos and conditioners. They make your hair appear fuller. Invest in gentle, sulfate-free nourishing shampoos that add shine and bounce to hair.

You can also try minoxidil-infused hair regrowth treatment. Please consult your doctor before using minoxidil, in case you have some medical condition. Also, stay away from minoxidil, if you are pregnant or lactating.

In case you suspect some nutritional deficiency, consult your doctor regarding vitamin and mineral supplements. Undernourished scalp discourages healthy hair growth.

Conclusion

Once you have gripped the root cause of your hair loss, you can easily work towards addressing the cause and your hair loss. Thyroid problems and hair loss are directly related.