Menu
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result

Home > Skin & Beauty > Hair & Scalp > Thyroid and Hair Loss: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Self-Care

Thyroid and Hair Loss: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Self-Care

February 15, 2021 - Updated on April 20, 2022
11 min read
By Akanksha Shah Sanghvi, MD, Clinical Dermatology

In this article:

  • How Does a Thyroid Disorder Cause Hair Loss?
  • The Pattern of Thyroid-Related Hair Loss
  • Treatment for Thyroid-Related Hair Loss
  • Diagnosing the Cause of Hair Loss
  • Thyroid-Related Hair Loss vs. Androgenic Alopecia
  • Natural Home Remedies for Hair Loss
  • Self-Care Measures
  • Final Word

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine organ that lies on the front side of your lower neck and is controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain.

thyroid related hair loss

This gland converts iodine derived from foods into two types of hormones, namely, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Both these thyroid hormones play a critical role in various life-sustaining body functions, such as metabolism, neurological and physical development, and the working of various organs such as the brain, heart, muscles, and liver.

Any problem with this gland can negatively impact the entire body and can lead to several health problems.

There are basically two types of thyroid dysfunction:

Advertisements
  • An overactive thyroid gland secretes excessive hormones, known as hyperthyroidism.
  • An underactive thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones, known as hypothyroidism.

Both these metabolic conditions are characterized by multiple symptoms such as weight loss, weight gain, irregular menstruation, dry skin, anxiety, and hair loss.

This article will discuss the link between thyroid dysfunction and hair loss.

How Does a Thyroid Disorder Cause Hair Loss?

how does thyroid disorder induces hair loss?

Thyroid hormones interact with the hair follicles to affect hair growth. (1) A dysfunctional thyroid gland can hamper the functioning of the papillae, leading to diminished blood supply to the hair bulb.

The lack of nourishment shrinks the hair follicle and pushes it into an early resting phase. As a result, the nutrition-deprived hair becomes progressively weak and thin until it falls out. (2) This kind of premature hair shedding is called telogen effluvium. The good thing is it can be reversed with proper treatment. (3)

Only severe or chronic thyroid dysfunction is associated with hair loss. Mild or short-lived thyroid dysfunction rarely triggers hair loss. 

Autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s disease, lupus, polycystic ovary syndrome, alopecia areata, and Graves’ disease are characterized by thyroid dysfunction and therefore increase the risk for hair loss and balding. (4)(5)

Advertisements

Although thyroid-related hair loss is usually temporary, some of these autoimmune disorders such as lupus can lead to permanent bald patches or hair thinning.

Note: In some cases, the hair loss is not caused by the thyroid dysfunction itself but by the medications used for treating it. Drugs such as levothyroxine, propylthiouracil, and carbimazole are known to trigger hair thinning as a side effect. (6)

Nevertheless, such hair loss only occurs during the first 1–2 months of the treatment and tends to resolve once the hormones balance out. This points to the importance of understanding the root cause of your hair loss before you try to treat it.

The Pattern of Thyroid-Related Hair Loss

Thyroid-related hair loss manifests in the form of gradual hair thinning rather than a sudden appearance of bald patches. This hair thinning is not limited to the scalp but can occur in other areas of hair growth as well, such as the eyebrows (a symptom of hypothyroidism).

If this thyroid-related hair fall is left untreated, the hair volume will decrease over time and eventually will result in bald patches.

Hair loss caused by a thyroid disorder usually occurs in the following patterns: (7)

  1. Eyebrows become sparse on the outer edge.
  2. Hair may become rough, dull, dry, and brittle.
  3. Soft and fine hair sheds easily.
  4. The rate of hair growth is extremely slow.
  5. The legs, arms, and other areas have minimal to no hair growth.

Treatment for Thyroid-Related Hair Loss

treatment options for thyroid-related hair loss

The medical treatment for thyroid-related hair loss involves correcting the underlying thyroid dysfunction.

Hyperthyroidism causes an excess of thyroid hormones, whereas hypothyroidism causes a deficit of thyroid hormones. Both hormonal imbalances can impede hair follicle function and thereby hamper hair growth.

Advertisements

The doctor will first determine the exact thyroid problem and then recommend the appropriate measures to address it.

1. Treatment for an overactive thyroid

Hyperthyroidism is usually treated with internal radiation therapy using radioactive iodine and thyroid suppressors such as methimazole and beta-blockers. Severe cases may require surgical removal of the thyroid gland.

2. Treatment for an underactive thyroid

Hypothyroidism is usually treated with medications such as levothyroxine.

3. Hair loss treatment

The above standard treatments will help control future hair thinning by restoring proper thyroid function, but you’ll need additional medications to recover the hair already lost.

Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved medication for hair growth and is generally available without a prescription. A newer treatment modality called nanoxidil has a similar mechanism to minoxidil, but it is more of a cosmeceutical than a pharmaceutical agent.

Finasteride (prescription medication for male-pattern baldness), platelet-rich plasma therapy, multi-nutritional supplements to boost hair growth, mesotherapy, growth factors and peptide sprays, low-level laser treatment, and hair transplant surgery are also some ways to treat hair loss.

Advertisements

But bear in mind that none of these treatments will provide instantaneous results because hair growth is a long process. It will take several months for your hair to grow back to a full density, but even then it may not be as thick as before. The new hair may also have an uneven texture and color.

No matter how effective the treatment is, it is very difficult to reverse the hair loss completely. However, starting treatment in the early stages of the disease when the hair loss is minimal will make it easier for you to regain most of your hair volume.

Diagnosing the Cause of Hair Loss

To treat hair loss, you must first understand what exactly is causing it. It can be a sign of a wide range of underlying conditions such as thyroid disorders, androgenic alopecia, nutritional deficiencies, and menopause. All these conditions induce hair loss through different mechanisms and therefore require different treatments.  

Advertisements

So, your doctor will properly evaluate your condition, symptoms, medical history, and hair loss pattern to reach a conclusive diagnosis. Thyroid disorders trigger many symptoms, but hair loss is not one of the first ones. It sets in much later, so catching and treating the disorder early can help avoid the hair loss altogether.

Thyroid disorders are usually diagnosed through a blood test that determines the concentration of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the body. (2)

Thyroid-Related Hair Loss vs. Androgenic Alopecia

Thyroid dysfunction is characterized by an excess or lack of thyroid hormones, whereas androgenic alopecia is marked by abnormally high levels of androgens or male sex hormones in the body. Thus, both these conditions are characterized by hormonal imbalance, but different hormones are involved. 

In hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, the resting phase of the hair cycle is prolonged, whereas in androgenic alopecia, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) shortens the growth phase (anagen phase) of the hair cycle.

The hair loss pattern of these two conditions is also starkly different, which makes it easier for the doctor to distinguish between the two.

Hair loss associated with thyroid disorders usually begins from the scalp but can extend to other regions, whereas androgenic alopecia is limited to specific portions of the scalp, such as the vertex.

Natural Home Remedies for Hair Loss

natural remedies for thyroid induced hair loss

Several natural remedies, including hair-stimulating agents, oils, and supplements, can help fight hair loss by strengthening the hair follicles and promoting hair regrowth. These remedies can be incorporated into your hair care regimen.

But bear in mind that these remedies are not magic bullets that will stop or reverse your hair fall with a few uses. You must use them consistently for months in the correct manner to see good results.

Also, these therapies are typically recommended for general hair loss and may have no effect on the underlying thyroid problem. So there’s a good chance that they might not deliver the expected results or even trigger untoward effects by reacting with your thyroid treatment.

Therefore, it is best to consult your doctor before using any of these remedies, especially before starting any oral supplement.

Caution: Conduct a patch test before using a new topical hair remedy to make sure you are not allergic to any of the following ingredients used.

  • Biotin
  • Peppermint (8)
  • Geranium oil (9)
  • Lavender oil (10)  
  • Rosemary oil (11)
  • Palmetto
  • Ginseng (12)
  • Indian gooseberry (13)
  • Fenugreek seed
  • Green tea (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) (14)
  • Black cohosh
  • Chinese hibiscus (15)
  • Egg yolk hair mask (16)
  • Caffeine (17)

Note: Biotin supplements may influence the concentration of TSH in your blood. So, if you are going for a TSH test, discontinue the supplement a week before the test to avoid an incorrect reading. Besides, you must always inform your doctor about the supplements that you are taking.

Self-Care Measures

self-care measures to prevent thyroid related hair loss

Adopt the following self-care measures along with the standard treatment to reduce thyroid-related hair loss:

  1. Give yourself a regular head massage with therapeutic hair oil to promote faster and healthier hair growth. The gentle topical stimulation enhances blood circulation in the scalp, which brings more nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. Well-nourished hair follicles will inadvertently produce thick, strong hair. The hair oil also helps hydrate and nourish your scalp and hair. (18) Coconut oil, Jamaican black castor oil, olive oil, and argan oil are some of the most recommended oils for hair growth. You can either use single hair oil or blend it with another. You can even add a few drops of any of the above-listed essential oils to your hair oil. Slightly warm your hair oil or oil blend to facilitate better application and absorption. Oil your hair two to three times every week for a few months to see visible improvement.
  2. You can try wigs, hair extensions, or new hairstyles to cover the areas with sparse hair or bald patches.
  3. Limit the use of hair styling tools as much as possible as they subject your brittle hair to a lot of traction and heat, thus triggering further hair loss. And never use them without first applying a hair protectant, which helps shield your hair from the heat. Excessive use of these devices can burn your hair and destroy the hair follicles.
  4. Be gentle when brushing or combing your hair to avoid breakage. Regular combs and brushes with compact bristles tend to get stuck in your hair knots and pull at your hair roots to cause hair shedding. This can easily be avoided by using a wide-toothed brush or comb, which loosens the knots in your hair without tugging at the roots. Curly, wavy, or unruly hair are more manageable when damp, so it’s best to comb or brush it soon after a hair wash before it dries.
  5. Don’t use hair products that contain harsh, moisture-stripping chemicals, such as sulfates, parabens, alcohols, and formaldehyde, which can dehydrate and weaken your hair in the long run. It’s best to avoid dyes, bleaches, and other chemical hair treatments for the same reason.
  6. Avoid tight hairstyles, such as braids, that put a lot of strain on your hair roots and weaken them over time.
  7. Don’t use hot water for hair washing as it can strip away the natural lipids from your scalp and hair, making them dry. Dry hair is more prone to breakage and shedding. Use lukewarm or room-temperature water instead.
  8. Don’t take any “hair supplement” without running it by your doctor first. Some contain iodine, which can further disrupt your thyroid function and hinder the absorption of thyroid medication such as levothyroxine.
  9. Consume a well-balanced diet with foods rich in vitamin B complex, zinc, iron, coenzyme Q10, vitamins A and C, calcium, and copper as well as anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric. Limit your intake of refined sugars, iodine, and unhealthy fats.
  10. The stress of losing your hair can further interfere with your hair growth cycle to trigger more hair loss and delay hair regrowth.

It is therefore very important to make peace with the problem rather than worrying about it too much. Hair thinning can adversely impact your appearance, but stressing about it will only make things worse.

Instead of fixating on this problem, try to overcome it through the available treatments. Know that many others are having the same struggle, and some may even have it far worse than you.

Make the best of the situation by trying new hairstyles that give volume to your hair and cover the balding areas. Don’t reduce yourself to this problem, and focus on the positive aspects of your personality.

If you are finding it hard to stay positive, talk to your loved ones, friends, and family or join a support group to feel less alone in the struggle.

Final Word

The abundance or lack of thyroid hormones can make your hair thin, brittle, and more likely to fall out. Hair loss is one of the most common symptoms of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, but it only occurs in the advanced stages of the disease.

If you catch and treat your thyroid dysfunction early, hair loss can more or less be avoided. This is why you must educate yourself about the initial signs of thyroid dysfunction and immediately get yourself checked if you experience any of them.

For those who are already diagnosed with severe thyroid disorders, stay committed to your doctor-recommended treatment to keep the condition under control and avoid complications, such as permanent hair loss.

There are alternative remedies and therapies that you can try to promote hair growth, but they are not a replacement for your standard medication.

References
  1. van Beek N; Bodó E; Kromminga A; Gáspár E; Meyer K; Zmijewski MA; Slominski A; Wenzel BE; Paus R; Thyroid hormones directly alter human hair follicle functions: anagen prolongation and stimulation of both hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation and hair pigmentation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18728176/. Published 2008.
  2. Vincent M, Yogiraj K. A Descriptive Study of Alopecia Patterns and their Relation to Thyroid Dysfunction. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746235/. Published January 2013.
  3. Mysore V, Parthasaradhi A, Kharkar RD, et al. Expert consensus on the management of Telogen Effluvium in India. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6580807/. Published 2019.
  4. Bin Saif GA. Severe subtype of alopecia areata is highly associated with thyroid autoimmunity. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4931647/. Published June 2016.
  5. L; PDLPBAJC-S. Screening Guidelines for Thyroid Function in Children With Alopecia Areata. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28973128/. Published 2017.
  6. Kumar KJ, Kumar MS, Kumar TS, Chavan A. Diffuse scalp hair loss due to levothyroxine overdose. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4738522/. Published December 2015.
  7. Safer JD. Thyroid hormone action on skin. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3219173/. Published July 2011.
  8. Oh JY, Park MA, Kim YC. Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931/. Published December 2014.
  9. Boisvert WA, Yu M, Choi Y, et al. Hair growth-promoting effect of Geranium sibiricum extract in human dermal papilla cells and C57BL/6 mice. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5307826/. Published February 13, 2017.
  10. Lee BH, Lee JS, Kim YC. Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Lavender Oil in C57BL/6 Mice. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4843973/. Published April 2016.
  11. A; PYTMMETS. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/. Published 2015.
  12. Park G-H, Park K-young, Cho H-il, et al. Red ginseng extract promotes the hair growth in cultured human hair follicles. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4350143/. Published March 2015.
  13. Yu JY, Gupta B, Park HG, et al. Preclinical and Clinical Studies Demonstrate That the Proprietary Herbal Extract DA-5512 Effectively Stimulates Hair Growth and Promotes Hair Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5429933/. Published 2017.
  14. Kwon OS; Han JH; Yoo HG; Chung JH; Cho KH; Eun HC; Kim KH; Human hair growth enhancement in vitro by green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17092697/. Published 2007.
  15. Adhirajan N; Ravi Kumar T; Shanmugasundaram N; Babu M; In vivo and in vitro evaluation of hair growth potential of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12963149/. Published 2003.
  16. Nakamura T; Yamamura H; Park K; Pereira C; Uchida Y; Horie N; Kim M; Itami S; Naturally Occurring Hair Growth Peptide: Water-Soluble Chicken Egg Yolk Peptides Stimulate Hair Growth Through Induction of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Production. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29583066/. Published 2018.
  17. Fischer TW; Herczeg-Lisztes E; Funk W; Zillikens D; Bíró T; Paus R; Differential effects of caffeine on hair shaft elongation, matrix and outer root sheath keratinocyte proliferation, and transforming growth factor-β2/insulin-like growth factor-1-mediated regulation of the hair cycle in male and female human hair follicles in vitro. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24836650/. Published 2014.
  18. Koyama T, Kobayashi K, Hama T, Murakami K, Ogawa R. Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740347/. Published January 25, 2016.

 

  • Was this article helpful?
  • YES, THANKS!NOT REALLY
Spread the Love❤️
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements

Newsletter

Get our BEST updates delivered to your inbox:



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Categories

  • Nutrition
  • Wellness
  • Oral Care
  • Eye Care
  • Heart Health
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Women’s Health
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Respiratory Health

Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
eMediHealth

This site provides content for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended for use as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of a medical concern or emergency, please consult your healthcare provider.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation.

Our Network: Little Extra

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Nutrition
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Yoga & Meditation
  • Women’s Health
  • Heart Health
  • Allergy & Immunology
  • Bones & Joints
  • Child Health
  • Digestive
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Eye Care
  • Glands & Hormones
  • Health News
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mental Health
  • Nervous System
  • Oral Care
  • Pain Management
  • Respiratory Health
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Urological Health

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.