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Show MoreHair loss can occur when the thyroid gland is not working properly. It can be a sign of either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland situated in the lower front part of the neck. It makes thyroid hormones, which the body uses for energy, to stay warm, and to keep the organs and muscles working properly.
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.
Having an overactive or underactive thyroid gland may cause hair loss in some people.
In this article, we examine the link between thyroid function and hair loss. We also look at possible treatment options and home remedies for thyroid-related hair loss.
The thyroid hormone plays an essential role in the development and maintenance of the hair follicles. Follicles are the small pockets under the skin from which hairs grow. Severe or prolonged hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism may result in hair loss.
Hair roots usually rotate the work of making hair. For example, hair roots on the head typically grow hair for a few years and then take a break. When the body has too much or not enough thyroid hormone, it can “shock the system” into a state of telogen effluvium.
Telogen effluvium is a scalp disorder where the hair roots enter the resting stage of the hair cycle too early. As many as 70% of scalp hairs can fall out within about two months during a state of telogen effluvium.
When someone has one type of autoimmune condition, they are more likely than other people to develop another. For example, people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may also develop autoimmune alopecia, which results in diffuse hair loss. Alopecia areata causes hair loss in a more localized pattern.
Hair loss is also a possible side effect of some antithyroid drugs, including methimazole and propylthiouracil (PTU). Doctors prescribe antithyroid drugs to treat an overactive thyroid.
Some hair loss is perfectly natural. People can expect to lose up to 100 hairs from their bodies every day as part of the normal hair growth cycle.
People with telogen effluvium often find that their hair comes out in handfuls. It is usually most noticeable on the scalp but can affect hair on any part of the body.
Someone with autoimmune alopecia may notice that they lose discrete, often circular, patches of hair.
It is unusual for hair loss to be the only symptom of an overactive or underactive thyroid.
Other common symptoms of hypothyroidism
- feeling cold
- unexplained weight gain
- tiredness
- dry skin and hair
- concentration or memory problems
- depression
- constipation
Other common symptoms of hyperthyroidism
- nervousness
- irritability
- increased sweating
- fast heartbeat
- anxiety
- difficulty sleeping
- warm, moist skin
- muscle weakness
- unexplained weight loss
- tiredness
- bulging eyes and vision problems (in the case of Graves’ disease)
People who have underactive or overactive thyroid glands
It is worth noting that hair loss, as well as hyperthyroid and hypothyroid symptoms, are nonspecific and might be due to other conditions as well. Therefore, a person must visit their doctor to have their thyroid levels checked before a doctor can make a diagnosis.
Treating thyroid-related hair loss requires treating the thyroid problem.
A doctor
Treatment for an overactive thyroid varies from person to person. Some of the most common methods
- Antithyroid drugs. Antithyroid medications, such as methimazole (Tapazole) and PTU, work by blocking the gland’s ability to make the thyroid hormone.
- Radioactive iodine. Doctors sometimes recommend internal radiation therapy, known as radioactive iodine treatment. This damages the cells in the thyroid gland and reduces the amount of hormone that the gland produces. The treatment aims to induce hypothyroidism, which a person can then manage with thyroid hormone replacement.
- Surgery. Surgery involves the removal of some or all of the thyroid gland, which may lead to hypothyroidism.
People living with thyroid disorders that can lead to hair loss often require medication to manage their condition.
In general, eating a balanced diet can help to promote growth and improve the condition of hair. A healthy and balanced diet is one that contains:
- protein
- fruits
- vegetables
- whole grains
- a moderate amount of fat
Foods that can increase the chances of having healthy hair include:
- Fish: Oily fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that can help prevent a dry scalp.
- Dark green vegetables: Vegetables such as spinach have high levels of vitamins A and C. These vitamins can improve the condition of hair.
- Protein-rich foods: Eating foods rich in protein can help prevent weak and brittle hair. Dairy foods, legumes, nuts, and lean meats all contain high levels of protein.
- Biotin-rich foods: Biotin deficiency may lead to brittle hair or hair loss. Sources of biotin include whole grains, liver, egg yolk, soy flour, and yeast. However, biotin can affect the results of thyroid blood tests, so anyone having a blood test should stop using or consuming products containing biotin for a few days beforehand.
- Calcium-rich foods: Calcium is key to hair growth. Good sources of calcium include dairy products, such as milk and cheese.
An overactive or underactive thyroid is not the only cause of hair loss. Other reasons for hair loss may include:
- childbirth
- getting older
- stress
- genetic predisposition
- recovering from illness
- having an operation
- having nutritional problems, such as an iron, protein, or zinc deficiency
- having a hormonal imbalance due to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- a scalp infection, such as scalp psoriasis
- wearing tight hairstyles, leading to traction alopecia
- medication side effects
- an untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI)
If a person has symptoms of an overactive or underactive thyroid, they should speak with their doctor.
A doctor may review a person’s medical history and conduct a physical exam.
A doctor
Without medical attention, the problem and its symptoms will usually get worse.
Thyroid-related hair loss will usually improve once a doctor treats the underlying health condition.
According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, hair shedding decreases 6 to 8 months after treatment.
Will hair loss from thyroid problems grow back?
Hair loss caused by thyroid disorders can grow back once the condition is treated and hormone levels are balanced. This may take several months, however, and some people may not experience full regrowth.
How to stop thyroid hair loss?
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are associated with hair loss. A person should talk with their doctor about appropriate medication, treatment, and lifestyle changes to prevent this.
What does thyroid hair look like?
Thyroid hair refers to hair changes caused by thyroid disorders. People with hyperthyroidism may experience thinning hair. Alternatively, people with hypothyroidism may lose their hair or have particularly dry, brittle hair.
Where does thyroid hair loss start?
In general, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism cause hair thinning. However, the latter tends to be more gradual and widespread, while hyperthyroidism tends to be associated with more sudden and noticeable hair loss on the scalp.
When the thyroid gland is not working properly, it can cause hair loss. Indeed, it can be a sign of either hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
With both conditions, treating the underlying thyroid problem with medication usually helps address the hair loss.
Eating a balanced diet may also help to promote growth and improve the condition of hair.
Stress, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances can also cause hair loss. A person should talk with a doctor for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
