Why Thyroid Disease Leads to Hair Loss

Hair growth is regulated by the hormones—and so long as your hormones are kept in check, your hair will probably grow properly. When something happens that throws your hormones out of whack, though, that’s when hair loss is most likely to occur.

Of course, there are many potential causes of hormone imbalance. For women, simple life changes such as pregnancy, menopause, or taking birth control can cause hormonal irregularities. There are medical conditions that can sabotage hormone levels, too—and thyroid disease is one of the primary causes.

Indeed, thyroid disease has many potential side effects and symptoms, but hair loss is one of the most common, and one of the most immediately noticeable. If you start experiencing hair loss, and you’re able to rule out other potential causes, it may be smart to speak to your physician about the possibility of a thyroid disorder.

Thyroid Disease and Hair Loss

Understand that your hair grows according to a certain rhythm. At any given moment, most of your follicles will be in a growth phase while around 10 percent of them will be in a rest phase. This is a natural balance, but when your hormones are thrown askew, it can cause a higher-than-normal concentration of your follicles to enter the resting stage. When that happens, it can lead to shedding or even to full-on hair loss.

Thyroid diseases of all kinds can lead to hair loss, including both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. And for many people with thyroid disorders, hair loss is only one symptom among many. Some additional symptoms to be on the watch for include:

  • Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety
  • Difficulty tolerating extremes in hot or cold
  • Excessive sleeping
  • Insomnia
  • Sudden and significant weight changes
  • Muscle pains and weakness

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak to your doctor right away. Thyroid disease is treatable, and the good news for those with hair loss is that addressing your thyroid disorder will usually stop the hair loss. If it’s left untreated for long, however, the symptoms can worsen, and the hair loss may eventually become permanent.

Hair Loss Solutions at Mane Image

Whether you are looking for a temporary fix for your hair loss or need to deal with its long-term effects, there are always hair loss solutions available—and at Mane Image, we are proud to provide full scalp examinations, complimentary consultations with each client, and a wide range of effective hair replacement tools. Come see us today to learn more.