Hair loss is a common problem that affects both men and women, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, age, stress, and medical conditions. One medical condition that can cause hair loss is thyroid disease.
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism, and when the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it can lead to hair loss.
In this blog post, we will discuss thyroid-related hair loss, its causes, and treatment options.
What is the thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism, growth, and development.
The thyroid gland produces two types of hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
What is thyroid-related hair loss?
Thyroid-related hair loss is a type of hair loss that is caused by an overactive or underactive thyroid gland. When the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it can affect the body’s metabolism, leading to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss.
Thyroid-related hair loss can be temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying cause.
Causes of thyroid-related hair loss:
There are two main types of thyroid disease that can cause hair loss: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss. Hair loss in hypothyroidism is usually diffuse, which means that it occurs all over the scalp rather than in specific areas. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism may include dry skin, constipation, and sensitivity to cold.
Hyperthyroidism:
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including weight loss, anxiety, and hair loss. Hair loss in hyperthyroidism is usually patchy, which means that it occurs in specific areas rather than all over the scalp. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include rapid heartbeat, sweating, and sensitivity to heat.
Treatment options for thyroid-related hair loss:
The treatment options for thyroid-related hair loss depend on the underlying cause of the thyroid disease. In some cases, treating the underlying thyroid disease may be enough to reverse the hair loss. In other cases, additional treatments may be necessary.
Treating hypothyroidism:
The most common treatment for hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This involves taking synthetic thyroid hormones, usually in the form of a pill, to replace the hormones that the thyroid gland is not producing. In most cases, this treatment is very effective at reversing hair loss and other symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Treating hyperthyroidism:
The treatment options for hyperthyroidism depend on the severity of the condition. In some cases, medication may be enough to control the production of thyroid hormones. In other cases, surgery or radioactive iodine treatment may be necessary to remove or destroy the thyroid gland. Once the hyperthyroidism is under control, hair loss may begin to reverse.
In addition to treating the underlying thyroid condition, there are also several lifestyle changes that can help promote healthy hair growth. These include:
- Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, iron, and other nutrients that are essential for hair health
- Managing stress through exercise, meditation, or other relaxation techniques
- Avoiding harsh hair treatments or styling products that can damage the hair follicles
- Using gentle shampoos and conditioners that are formulated for your hair type
You may also want to consider ways to speed up hair growth and stop further hair loss, these include:
- Topical treatments- Studies show that minoxidil and tretinoin can speed up hair growth ( speak to your dermatologist or health care proffesional before considering these)
- PRP or PRF for Hair Loss
- Laser therapy.
- Microneedling for Hair Loss- Check this post on Microneedling for Hair loss
Other Causes
Hair loss can have many different causes, including:
- Genetics: Hair loss can be hereditary and passed down through family members.
- Hormonal changes: Changes in hormones, such as during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can cause hair loss.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions apart from thyroid disorders. These include autoimmune diseases, and scalp infections.
- Medications: Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and blood thinners, can cause hair loss as a side effect.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of certain vitamins and minerals, such as iron and vitamin D, can lead to hair loss.
- Physical or emotional stress: Physical or emotional stress can cause hair to enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss.
- Hairstyles and treatments: Certain hairstyles that pull on the hair, as well as chemical treatments like perms and hair coloring, can damage the hair and lead to hair loss.
- Aging: Hair naturally thins and becomes less dense as people age.
It’s important to determine the underlying cause of hair loss in order to determine the appropriate treatment. A doctor or dermatologist can help diagnose the cause of hair loss and recommend treatment options.
For more treatment options check this post : HOW TO STOP HAIR LOSS| 5 WAYS TO STOP HAIR LOSS AND BOOST GROWTH FROM HOME
