THYROID AND HAIR LOSS
Hair loss is a problem for everyone, regardless of their age or sex. Three prevalent types of hair loss, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and androgenetic alopecia, have been associated with various factors. Evidence links thyroid hormones to hair loss. Thyroid hormones control the growth, distinctness and metabolism of body cells. The skin is a significant target organ for THs; however, the cellular and molecular causes of thyroid dysfunction-related skin diseases remain unknown. Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and drug-induced hypothyroidism can induce widespread hair shedding.
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, can cause many symptoms, from weight gain to fatigue. People don’t develop symptoms of hypothyroidism until months or years have passed because it develops slowly. An overactive thyroid may cause anything from weight loss to nervousness. Both conditions can cause dry, brittle hair or thinning hair on your scalp and body. When hormone production is disrupted, specifically of hormones T3 and T4 , it affects other processes in the body. This includes the development of hair at the root. Hair falls out and may not be replaced by new growth, resulting in thinning across your scalp and other areas such as your eyebrows.
Hair loss may develop slowly with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. You won’t necessarily notice patches missing or bald spots. Instead, your hair may seem thinner all over. You lose between 50 and 150 hairs from your head each day. If normal hair growth is interrupted, hairs aren’t being replenished, and a uniform hair loss may occur. Hair loss caused by thyroid conditions is typically temporary. You may experience hair loss even after starting drugs to help with your condition. Some people worry the drugs are causing hair loss, but in fact it may have more to do with the life cycle of hair.
Mild forms of thyroid conditions don’t generally lead to thinning hair. Working with your doctor to keep your condition under control with medication may keep your hair thicker or regenerate growth. Results will likely not be immediate because hair takes some time to develop and then grow.
Some typical medications include levothyroxine, propylthiouracil, methimazole and/or beta blockers. Your doctor will monitor your thyroid levels while you’re on medication. In some cases surgery may be necessary. With treatment, hair growth may be noticeable within several months. Be aware that the new hair growth may differ in color or texture from your original hair.
Natural treatments and home remedies
Along with medication, there are different home remedies you may try to slow thyroid related hair loss or regenerate hair growth. BOOST IRON. Ferritin levels are associated with your iron inventory. Low ferritin may contribute to pattern hair loss. TREAT NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES . B-7 Biotin and B complex along with zinc, iron, vitamin C E and A are all helpful in slowing down hair loss. Coenzyme q10 which is also broadly available off the shelf. CoQ10 may help with heart-related conditions, because it can improve energy production in cells that intern aids in circulation. Blood supply to the root is imperative in hair maintenance.
Ginger and turmeric are anti-inflammatory foods that may improve endocrine function. Your thyroid is part of the endocrine system, so supporting it may help with symptoms of thyroid disorders.
Try incorporating fresh ginger or turmeric root into cooking. They taste great in anything from stir-fries to smoothies. Watch iodine intake. People with autoimmune thyroid disorders should watch their iodine intake. The body uses iodine to make thyroid hormone, so too much may lead to imbalances. Kelp and other kinds of seaweed are high in iodine and may worsen symptoms, including hair loss. Certain multivitamins and cough syrups may also contain iodine, so read labels carefully.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR 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 will also order blood tests that measure levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and the thyroid hormone thyroxine. Whether these hormone levels are high or low determines whether a person has an overactive or under active thyroid. Without medical attention, the problem and its symptoms will usually get worse.