thyroid hair loss

Thyroid Hair Loss: What You Need to Know

If you’re experiencing sudden and excessive thyroid hair loss, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. It is important to seek medical advice if you are concerned about your hair loss. In this article, we will go over the most common causes of thyroid hair loss and the available treatments.

What is Thyroid Hair Loss?

Thyroid hair loss is a condition where your hair sheds excessively due to problems with your thyroid gland. Your thyroid is a hormone-secreting organ located in the neck. It helps control the metabolism, energy, and growth of cells.

Symptoms of Thyroid Hair Loss

Common symptoms of thyroid hair loss include:

• Hair shedding
• Thinning hair
• Bald spots
• Itchy scalp
• Dandruff
• Scalp discoloration

Causes of Thyroid Hair Loss

The most common causes of thyroid hair loss include:

• Hyperthyroidism: When the thyroid is overactive, it can accelerate the shedding of hair.
• Hypothyroidism: This occurs when the thyroid is underactive, leading to an increased rate of hair loss.
• Autoimmune Hair Loss: When the body’s immune system mistakes the hair follicles for invaders, it can result in hair loss.

Treatments for Thyroid Hair Loss

Treating thyroid hair loss requires identifying and treating the underlying cause. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as levothyroxine to manage hyperthyroidism, or synthetic thyroid hormone to treat hypothyroidism. For autoimmune hair loss, your doctor may prescribe medications such as corticosteroids or immune suppressants to reduce inflammation and prevent further hair loss.

In some cases, doctors may also suggest supplements such as zinc and iron that have been shown to improve hair growth. Additionally, it is important to try and reduce stress as stress-related hair loss can worsen thyroid hair loss.

Conclusion

Thyroid hair loss is a common condition that can be caused by hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or autoimmune conditions. The best way to address thyroid hair loss is to identify and treat the underlying cause. If you are experiencing excessive thyroid hair loss, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.