Thyroid hair loss is a medical condition that has become increasingly common among teenagers, young adults, and older adults. It arises due to severe hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Most people aren’t even aware that they have thyroid-related issues that need treatment. The problem only becomes visible when hair grows slowly, or they experience thyroid-related hair loss. However, some subtle signs like the following can give it away.
Symptoms of thyroid-related hair loss
The main symptom of thyroid hair loss is thinning hair that affects the entire scalp; the existing hair becomes uniformly scanty. If left alone, this condition can lead to total baldness.
Another symptom is hair loss on the body and around the eyebrows and lashes. Thyroid hair loss also manifests when people with thyroid problems start taking thyroid medications.
However, since thyroid problems are the underlying cause of hair loss, it’s essential to know the symptoms of thyroid disease. These symptoms will hint that hair loss may be imminent.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disease
An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can give up subtle signs/symptoms:
- Weight loss or gain
- Changes in heart rate
- Abnormal body temperature
- Abnormal menstrual periods
- Dry skin and brittle nails
- Muscle weakness
- Vision problems
- Foggy brain
- Mood changes
- Hair loss
Causes of thyroid hair loss
Thyroid hair loss is caused by prolonged, untreated hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones.
On the other hand, hyperthyroidism is the excess production of thyroid hormones. These two conditions can trigger an autoimmune thyroid disease and further escalate into other autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata.
Causes of hyperthyroidism
- Graves disease: This is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune condition that attacks the thyroid gland triggering the release of excess thyroid hormones. A common symptom of this disease is a visible swelling of the eyes.
- Thyroid nodules: Large nodules or lumps in the thyroid gland cause excess thyroid hormone production and may create a visible goiter.
Causes of hypothyroidism
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: This is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. It is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid, preventing it from producing hormones. This disease is usually genetic.
- Pituitary gland disorders: If there is a problem with the pituitary gland, it won’t produce enough Thyroid Stimulating Hormones (TSH). Once this happens, the level of thyroid hormones produced in the body will drop.
How to prevent thyroid hair loss
Thyroid hair loss always comes as a result of underlying thyroid complications. To prevent hair loss due to thyroid issues, you should do everything possible to ensure you don’t get hypo- or hyperthyroidism.
This includes getting adequate sleep and going for thyroid tests (like the thyroid neck check). If you do get a thyroid disorder, then take these extra measures to ensure that it doesn’t result in hair loss:
- Eat food with enough protein. Protein is the building block for hair. Eating protein-rich foods will produce strong, healthy hair.
- Increase your iron intake. Low iron intake can cause low ferritin levels. Keep your iron levels on the high side, especially if you have thyroid issues.
- Take multivitamin supplements, especially biotin. Several vitamins like vitamins A, B, C, and E play vital roles in hair growth. In particular, biotin (vitamin B7) increases the rate of hair follicle growth. Other supplements like copper and zinc are also vital for healthy hair.
- Reduce your stress level. Besides irregular sleep, increased stress levels can lead to unbalanced body hormones, affecting your hair.
- Take your thyroid medications as prescribed.
Will my hair grow back after treating the thyroid problem?
Your hair will grow back after treating the thyroid condition. However, the amount of time it will take for complete restoration is unpredictable.
Treatment for thyroid hair loss may take several months for some people and less for others. What is important is that you take your medications correctly until the thyroid disease is completely cured.
What are the treatments for this condition?
To treat thyroid conditions, you have to visit a doctor so that they can carry out the necessary blood tests and thyroid tests. This will help your doctor decide what kind of thyroid medication you need.
Once you have your meds, you need to take them correctly, go for regular check-ups, and eat well and rest.
Note that treatment for thyroid hair loss condition may take a while. Most likely, you’ll see improvements after a few weeks of taking the necessary medications; Complete restoration may take several months.
However, remember that severe hair loss is a possible side effect of thyroid medication. You may experience it during the first few months of treatment, but it always resolves after complete treatment.
Hair transplant at Cosmedica
Medications are the primary solution for thyroid conditions, but getting a hair transplant in Turkey is a suitable treatment for thyroid hair loss.
Restoring your body’s thyroid function to normal takes a long time, and complete hair growth may take even longer. A quicker solution is to opt for a hair transplant.
At Cosmedica, you can undergo a hair transplant with medically reviewed techniques to have your hair follicles grow back in no time. This way, you can worry less about your hair loss problem and focus on treating your thyroid problems.
