Thyroid Issues and Hair Loss: Symptoms and Treatment Options
You may have heard of the thyroid gland and hyper and hypothyroidism. However, what you may not be aware of is how important it is that these issues are treated and managed to ensure that you stay the correct weight and have hair on your head.
Yes, issues with the thyroid have long been linked to issues with height, weight, and hair growth and so, it is important to have yourself checked if there is a history of thyroid issues in your family, especially if you cannot put on weight or if you have thin hair.
Here is a short overview of how this gland can impact hair growth, as well as the symptoms to look out for and how it can be treated.
Thyroid Issues
As mentioned before, 2 core conditions impact the function of the thyroid: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid is underactive and can cause weight gain and fatigue. Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid is overactive and causes weight loss or issues with gaining weight alongside symptoms such as anxiety.
Both are linked to issues with thin, brittle hair and alopecia. If you suspect that you have a thyroid disorder and you are losing your hair, then you need to see your doctor for a diagnosis. You can also use hair-maintaining medications, to keep your hair growing, such as those found on chemistclick.co.uk.
Why Do These Issues Impact Hair?
Hair grows from a follicle, and the body is covered in hundreds of thousands of them. Blood flow is needed from the scalp to the follicle to help with growth when hair falls out. The process repeats with each hair until there is disruption, usually caused by age or hormones.
However, if you have an issue with your thyroid, the hormones needed for healthy hair growth T3 and T4 are either not produced or are underproduced. So, the hair remains thin and patchy.
This may not sound like an issue, but consider that every day, the average person loses between 50-100 hairs on their head. If you cannot replenish them due to a hormonal issue, then your hair will look thin.
Treating the Issue
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms can appear like many other disorders.
Luckily, there is a simple blood test that can determine if your thyroid is working correctly and after that, you will need to maintain a medication regimen to keep your thyroid levels normal. This will help your hair to regrow at a normal rate and will keep it looking thick and healthy.
Some of the most prescribed medications for thyroid issues include levothyroxine (hypothyroidism) and propylthiouracil and methimazole if you have hyperthyroidism. Your doctor may also decide to prescribe certain beta blockers on their own or alongside the latter medications for hyperthyroidism.
Your thyroid levels will need to be monitored by your doctor with blood tests, and your medication may need to be changed if issues are detected or persistent. However, if you persist, your hair will regrow normally. Also, don’t be alarmed if the hair that grows post-treatment is a different hue from your normal hair colour. This is normal.
