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Thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism1, Hashimoto’s disease2, Gravis disease, autoimmune thyroid disease3, overactive-thyroid, hyperthyroid supplemental and antithyroid medications can cause severe symptoms that cause thyroid-related hair growth.
Regulation of human hair follicles is the function of thyroid hormones. In some cases, severe hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid is related to hair loss. Read on to understand how to stop hair fall due to thyroid.
1. Role of Thyroid Gland in Your Body
The thyroid gland is located near the voice box. It is an endocrine gland that produces thyroid hormones. It regulates bodily activity through the continuous release of thyroxine in your bloodstream. Thyroxines or the thyroid hormones, act by promoting oxidative metabolism in countless organs.
The thyroid gland produces a lot of hormones to provide energy for a pregnant or recuperating person. Pituits help increase thyroid hormone production. Thyroxines are released into cellular systems.
2. Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders occur when the thyroid either does not produce a sufficient amount of hormones. In some cases, excessive production of certain hormones is also identified as a thyroid disorder.
Hypothyroidism or hypothyroidism can result in gaining weight and also fatigue. Because hypothyroidism progresses slowly, many people take months to years to develop symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism is hyperthyroidism, which can cause everything from weight loss to nervousness. Both conditions result in severe hair loss and the scalp results in issues.
Thyroid disorders, if severe and left untreated, can cause hair loss. Read on to learn how to stop hair loss due to Thyroid. To understand how to stop hair fall due to Thyroid, let us understand how hair grows.
3. Hair Growth and Hair Loss due to Thyroid Hormones
Hair growth begins at the root at the bottom of the follicle on the scalp. The blood vessels in the scalp nourish the hair roots, making more cells and allowing hair to grow.
The hair rises through the oil glands. This passage of hair through oil glands results in the hair being shiny. Hair grows and falls in each cycle. When the production of hormones, particularly hormones T3 and T4, is interrupted, other processes in the body are affected, including hair growth from the root.
Failure to regrow hair results in thin hair cover in prominent places on the scalp and sometimes eyebrows. However, over time, this condition can lead to thyroid-related hair loss.4
Hair follicles are skin tissue that undergoes periodically if stereotypically, a physiologic regenerating period. This is because stem cell growth is present within hairs. Stem cells are involved in the hair cycle and help regenerate damaged tissues after wound healing.
Thyroxine signalling has been shown to increase the ability of stem cell mobilization in the bulge hairline. Thyroid disease affects bulging stem cells by inhibiting their metabolism, thereby creating hair loss.
Certain medications used to treat thyroid disease can also cause hair loss. Also, since hair has a long life cycle, it is important to determine if medications or thyroid conditions are causing brittle hair. Returning the thyroid gland to a state of complete stability is a slow and steady process. In the meantime, it will strengthen hair follicles to resist hair loss.
5. Symptoms of Thyroid Hair Loss
In hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, hair loss can progress slowly. You don’t always notice missing patches or bald patches. Instead, it can make your hair look thinner all over. He loses 100 hairs out of 50 a day. When normal hair growth is disrupted, hair may not replenish, and consistent hair loss may occur.
If you face hair loss, please talk to your doctor. Thyroid disease rarely causes hair loss without an overactive thyroid or other symptoms of overactivity. Some people worry that the drug causes hair loss, which may have something to do with the hair life cycle. It won’t make your hair thin.
You can reduce and manage hair loss by closely working in consultation with your physician. Results are however not immediate. Let us now understand how to stop hair fall due to Thyroid.
Other reasons for hair loss may include pregnancy or childbirth, getting older, stress, illnesses, surgery, nutritional problems, iron deficiency, anemia, an excessive amount of male hormones, genetic predisposition, and dermatologic scalp problems.
6. How to Stop Hair Fall Due To Thyroid
A blood test will determine if thyroid hormone levels are abnormal. You must have a thyroid supplement so that you get the correct dosage for you. Consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
Some medications like levothyroxine, propylthiouracil, and methimazole5 have been recommended by doctors for the correction of hormonal problems. They keep your thyroid hormone levels controlled and can reduce hair growth. Let us now discuss how to stop hair fall due to thyroid.
6.1 Natural and Home Remedies
Often food deficiencies cause hair thinning. Therefore, the need to consume healthy food should be paramount. Treatment may result in hair regrowth within a few months. In addition to medications, there are various home remedies to slow hair loss or restore hair regrowth.
6.2 Boost Iron
Ferritin levels are linked to iron stores. Studies on hair loss and iron storage excluded people with thyroid disease. Researchers explain that thyroid problems can affect ferritin levels in the body. It is, therefore, essential to maintain good iron-rich food as part of a balanced diet. Do not forget to have green leafy vegetables. Include dates as part of your diet
Always have a balanced diet with iron-rich foods and calcium-rich foods. In order to monitor the iron and ferritin levels in your blood, undertake periodic iron and ferritin tests. Have iron and calcium supplements if your doctor advises you to have them. Read on to learn other methods on how to stop hair fall due to thyroid.
6.3 Treatment of Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies can also cause hair loss without thyroid disease. In particular, researchers explain that concentrations of the following substances may be involved in hair maintenance and hair loss: Coenzyme Q10 Multivitamin helps strengthen stores. Please note that overdose may also cause hair loss.
6.4 Eat Well
A healthy and balanced diet is the well-known secret to having good health. Eating a balanced diet can help you reverse your thyroid issues and subsequently help you stop hair loss.
Processed foods can result in inflammation. Avoid red meat and fried food. In addition, caffeine and alcohol also play a role in triggering the inflammatory response in our bodies. Inflammation can exacerbate thyroid conditions such as hair loss. Eating is 101 of how to stop hair fall due to thyroid.
6.5 Add Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Ginger and turmeric are anti-inflammatory foods. These have proven to increase efficacy in the functionality of endocrine. Ginger, especially is known to augment the thyroid hormone effects on the body. This will aid in reversing hair loss due to thyroid disorder.
Try incorporating fresh ginger or turmeric root into your kitchen. It goes well with any dish, from stir-fries to smoothies. Talk to your doctor about supplements
6.6 Consider Herbs
Some areas of alternative medicine use certain herbs to treat hair loss due to conditions such as alopecia. Palmetto, Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, False Unicorn, Chasteberry, and Red Clover are recommended for herbal remedies. Consult your doctor and take advice before trying these herbs.
6.7 Try Essential Oils
Although there isn’t much research in this area, researchers have found that eucalyptus oil and other botanical extracts can reduce hair loss and improve hair density.
Check with your doctor before starting to use essential oils, and be careful when choosing a quality brand. Also, you should always make a test patch before use and dilute the essential oil with carrier oil before use.
6.8 Watch Your Iodine Intake
People diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disorders are required to pay attention to salt and iodine consumption. Iodine is required by the body to manufacture thyroid-related hormones. Excessive iodine can therefore result in imbalance and cause further hair loss.
6.9 Scalp Care
Taking care of the scalp can also help in hair regrowth. This can include using gentle shampoos, avoiding harsh chemicals and heat styling, and massaging the scalp to increase blood flow.
Do not twist or pull hair. Consider using a wide-toothed comb to untie knots. These small steps can reduce hair loss and thereby help in maintaining hair density in prominent places. With a few changes to your routine, you can pull out your hair before it naturally falls out. Please be patient.
6.10 Reduce stress
Studies have indicated that high stress leads to hormone imbalance and therefore causes associated hair loss. Try reducing stress through exercise, meditation, and other stress-management techniques6, which can aid in hair regrowth.
6.11 Consult with a Trichologist
A trichologist, a hair specialist, can help you determine the cause of your hair loss and provide personalized treatment recommendations.
6.12 Using Gentle Hair Care Products
It is important to use hair care products that are gentle on the hair and scalp to promote hair regrowth. This may involve using a sulfate-free shampoo, conditioner, and styling products.
6.13 Taking Supplements
Certain supplements, such as biotin and omega-3 fatty acids promote hair growth. Iodine supplements aid in treating hypothyroidism. Consult your doctor and obtain advice before taking supplements.
6.14 Using a Hair Growth Product
Some hair growth products contain minoxidil 7which is FDA-approved. It helps to regrow hair and reduce hair loss due to thyroid issues.
6.15 Consider Low-level Laser Therapy
It is a medical procedure that by using low-level lasers stimulates hair follicles. This can aid in regrowth of hair and improve the overall health of the hair.
Hormonal therapy: Hormone therapy may be considered for some patients. In female patients, for example, estrogen therapy can help prevent hair loss caused by hypothyroidism.
6.16 Hair Transplant
In cases where hair loss is severe and medical treatments do not work, hair transplantation may be a viable option.
6.17 Treat Hyperthyroidism
Treatment for hyperthyroidism8 varies from person to person.
One of the most common methods is the consumption of antithyroid drugs. Methimazole (Tapazol) is amongst the most popular anti-thyroid drugs. These drugs function by blocking the ability of the gland to produce and release hormones.
Another recommended method to treat Hyperthyroidism is radiation treatment of thyroid glands. Your doctor may recommend internal radiation therapy. It is considered an effective method to counter hyperthyroidism.
The radiation is directed to kill cells in the thyroid gland. This, therefore will reduce the production of thyroid-related hormones. Treatment is aimed at inducing hypothyroidism. It can then be treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Summary
We have discussed how to stop hair fall due to thyroid. It may take several months before you notice any regrowth. As an interim measure, talk to a hairstylist and find a hairstyle that suits you. Never let down your confidence. Talk to your doctor about counseling. Speaking to support groups can help relieve a lot of stress and help you build confidence to tackle the challenge of hair loss due to thyroid.
Consult your doctor before attempting to treat hair loss at home. Thyroid disease generally does not cause hair loss until it is more severe.
Hair fall and related hair loss may be an indication of another medical issue. Medication may be required along with home remedies to check for regrowth and treat other symptoms. With proper treatment, your hair loss will be reduced, and you will have a reduction in thyroid-related hair loss within months. Don’t forget to share these tips on how to stop hair fall due to thyroid with your friends and family.
Frequently asked questions:
- Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse. Regrowth is usual with successful treatment of the thyroid disorder, though it will take several months and may be incomplete.
- Consider having iron-rich foods like red meat, beans, seafood, green leafy veggies, dried fruit eggs, and so on. Along with iron, make sure to consume other nutrients such as zinc, biotin, vitamins, selenium, and lysine because they can accelerate hair growth.
- Coconut oil comes with a bag full of health benefits. A rich source of saturated fats, daily consumption of coconut oil (1 tablespoon) can bring about a significant improvement in people with hypothyroidism. You can also go for a hot coconut oil massage of the scalp.
- Taylor, Peter N., et al. “Global epidemiology of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.” Nature Reviews Endocrinology 14.5 (2018): 301-316. ↩︎
- Barbesino, Giuseppe, and Luca Chiovato. “The genetics of Hashimoto’s disease.” Endocrinology and metabolism clinics of North America 29.2 (2000): 357-374. ↩︎
- Weetman, Anthony P. “Autoimmune thyroid disease.” Autoimmunity 37.4 (2004): 337-340. ↩︎
- WENTZ, DR IZABELLA, and D. PHARM. “Hair Loss and Your Thyroid.” ↩︎
- Wing, Deborah A., et al. “A comparison of propylthiouracil versus methimazole in the treatment of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy.” American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 170.1 (1994): 90-95. ↩︎
- Murphy, Lawrence R. “Stress management in work settings: A critical review of the health effects.” American journal of health promotion 11.2 (1996): 112-135. ↩︎
- Suchonwanit, Poonkiat, Sasima Thammarucha, and Kanchana Leerunyakul. “Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review.” Drug design, development and therapy (2019): 2777-2786. ↩︎
- Allahabadia, Amit, et al. “Radioiodine treatment of hyperthyroidism—prognostic factors for outcome.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 86.8 (2001): 3611-3617. ↩︎
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
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I didn’t knew that thyroid can become a cause for hair loss. thats why i like Icy Health so much. the articles are so full of information it can saves lives. In short Great article.