Hair Loss could be caused by Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease can cause hair loss

Thyroid disease causes your hormones get out of whack and your whole body can feel off-kilter. Your weight, your mood, and even your thinking, can be affected. Also it can cause a host of other physical symptoms . A common side effect of thyroid disease is Hair Loss  However  it's not a permanent problem as long as you get the treatment you need.

How does Thyroid Hormones Cause Hair Loss?

Your hair follicles has a natural cycle of hair growth and resting phases. Most of your hair is growing while only a small portion of it is resting. But Thyroid disease creates  changes in the body that throw off that cycle.  The changes causes too much hair rests at one time and not enough grows.  This results in excessive hair loss, thinning hair, or balding.

Many medical conditions and some medications can cause hair loss, but thyroid disease is  a common culprit. Thyroid problems include both an under active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Hair growth depends on the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Abnormal levels of thyroid hormone produced by this gland will result in hair changes, along with many other side effects, when left untreated. When there is too much thyroid hormone, the hair on your head can become fine, brittle, dull and  thinning hair all over the scalp. When there is too little of this hormone, there can be hair loss, not just on the scalp but through out  the entire body.

In some cases, taking the hormone levothyroxine to treat an underactive thyroid can contribute to some hair loss, among other side effects. This seems to be more common within the first month of treatment and more often in children than adults. This  hair loss resulting in the medication is only temporary and will go away as treatment is continued and thyroid hormone levels stabilize.

What are some of the symptoms of Thyroid Disease?

• Any type of thyroid disease can cause a number of different symptoms, but they can sometimes be subtle. In addition to hair loss or thinning hair, be aware of these other symptoms:
• Changes in mood, such as anxiety, irritability, and increased nervousness
• Being unable to tolerate hot temperatures or cold temperatures
• Insomnia or lethargy and sleeping too much
• Weight changes — either weight loss or weight gain
• Abnormal menstruation
• Pain or weakness in the muscles
• Dryness in the hair or skin
• Cognitive impairment, such as having trouble paying attention, remembering, and concentrating

Thyroid function can be measured using a simple blood test, so if you notice any symptoms that could signal thyroid disease, see your doctor promptly. 

What are the treatments  for Thyroid Disease and Hair Loss?

Once you get your thyroid disease diagnosed and the right treatment is prescribed to regulate thyroid hormone levels, the hair loss problem should resolve itself. Healthy hormone levels mean healthy hair growth. 

Te right dosage of thyroid hormone will get your thyroid under control. If you're unhappy with the look of your hair while treatment is underway, there are options to consider. Wearing a hair piece or wig or getting a new hairstyle can help camouflage hair loss as you wait for the results of thyroid treatment to begin.  

Thyroid disease affects many body functions besides hair growth, however a tell tale sign is hair loss and hair changes,  so be sure to talk to your doctor if you suspect that a thyroid problem could be the cause of your of it.   Getting the proper treatment will improve how you feel as well as how you look.

Claude Thomas Salon and Spa has the experise to address any type of hair loss.  Our experience in this  field is over 20 years. We also have private rooms for our hair loss clients  if they prefer.

link to video on this subject