Androgenetic Alopecia and Thyroid Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) is a condition which causes the thinning of scalp hair and is commonly known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. It is caused by a combination of genetics and hormonal changes in your body. One of the most common causes of this condition is an imbalance or dysfunction of the thyroid gland. This can lead to an array of symptoms such as hair loss, dry skin, fatigue, and weight gain or loss.
Causes of Androgenetic Alopecia & Thyroid Imbalance
The cause of AGA is when the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) affects the hair follicles on your scalp, causing the hair follicles to shrink and producing smaller hairs which then gradually fall out. This is often caused by an imbalance in hormone levels, including the thyroid hormones.
The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones like T3 and T4 which regulate the body’s metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels. When the thyroid gland is not working properly, it can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss.
Symptoms of Androgenetic Alopecia & Thyroid Imbalance
The symptoms of AGA and thyroid imbalance can vary from person to person. The most common symptom is thinning of scalp hair. This can occur on both the top and back of the head, as well as the face and temples. Other symptoms include thinning of eyebrows, dry skin, fatigue, weight gain or loss, and difficulty in regulating your body temperature.
Treatment Options for Androgenetic Alopecia and Thyroid Imbalance
The treatment of AGA and thyroid imbalance depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is a hormonal imbalance, then your doctor may prescribe hormone therapy and medications to help balance your hormones.
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter medication that has been proven to be effective to treat AGA. It helps to stimulate hair follicle growth and reduce hair shedding.
Diet and supplementation can also be used to help balance your hormones and reduce the effects of AGA. Certain foods and supplements, like zinc, selenium, and biotin, can help to restore the body’s nutritional balance and promote healthy hair growth.
The Bottom Line for Androgenetic Alopecia & Thyroid Imbalance
The best way to treat androgenetic alopecia and thyroid imbalance is to determine the underlying cause and treat it accordingly. Your doctor can help you identify the cause and find the best treatment option for you. Through proper diet and supplementation, as well as the use of minoxidil and hormone therapy, you can restore your natural hairline and enjoy healthy, full, and beautiful hair.
