Thyroid Conditions and Your Hair

Thinning hair and hair loss can be symptoms of many things, and some hair loss is part of normal life. The production of hormones fluctuates throughout the lives of both men and women, most notably as they age. As well as various medical issues, can cause hormone imbalance and, in turn, trigger and contribute to hair loss. Thinning hair and hair loss are common symptoms of thyroid conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's disease, and Graves' disease.

Hair Loss and Thyroid Disease

Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, as well as excessive thyroid supplementation, can increase hair shedding, and cause loss of hair. The thyroid produces hormones that are directly involved with the hair follicles functioning and maintaining the hair's regular growth cycle. An over or underactive thyroid gland creates a hormone imbalance that affects the hair's growth cycle.

Typically, thyroid conditions cause hair to begin to thin uniformly across the scalp, and regrowth usually occurs when the disorder is successfully treated. Hair loss due to thyroid conditions usually becomes noticeable several months after the disease's onset because of the hair's long growth cycle.

Human hair does not grow continuously but in phases. The first stage is an active period of growth that can last several years, followed by a resting stage that lasts only two to three weeks. During this stage, the hair stops growing and detaches itself before entering the final step, lasting up to three months, where the hair rests in the follicle while new hair begins to grow beneath it.

At any one time, human hair follicles are at various stages of the growth cycle, causing some continuous hair loss, which is offset by new hair growth. Because the human hair growth cycle is so long, hair loss may not be noticeable for several months, by which time the person may be receiving treatment.

Occasionally, the long growth cycle delays hair loss until the treatment of the thyroid disorder has started, leading the medication and therapy to be blamed. In rare cases, some thyroid medications do cause thinning hair and hair loss. Still, any hair loss symptoms that occur during and after treatment are usually symptoms of the hormone imbalance caused by the thyroid disorder.

Most people with thyroid conditions have autoimmune thyroid disease, and a person with one autoimmune disease is more likely to develop some other autoimmune condition than a healthy individual. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that commonly occurs in people with autoimmune thyroid disease. Unlike typical hair loss due to a thyroid condition, alopecia areata starts with one or more circular bald, resulting in unpredictable hair loss and significant baldness.

It's important to note that stress, poor sleep habits, weight loss, and other illnesses can also cause hormone imbalances that can lead to thinning hair and hair loss. Signs of hair loss don't necessarily mean that you have a thyroid condition, but it may be time to consult a professional.

Visit the Professionals at Mane Image

If you are experiencing thinning hair or hair loss and it is enough to cause concern, you should seek professional advice. While it is unusual for hair loss to be the only symptom of a thyroid condition, a simple blood test for thyroid hormone levels can rule out your thyroid and several other causes of hair loss.

Most cases of hair loss caused by thyroid conditions are temporary, with the hair's growth cycle returning to normal. Successful treatment of a thyroid condition and stimulating the growth of new hair with laser hair therapy, topical thickening and regrowth products or tichology may take months, so it is essential to be patient. To learn more about the causes of hair loss, and what treatment options are out there for you, contact us today and schedule your FREE initial consultation.