Thyroid and Hair Loss

January 30, 2019

A variety of reasons can trigger the onset of hair loss, but regardless of the origin of a hair loss problem, hormones are always involved. This is due to the fact that hair growth is controlled by hormones – androgens or male sex hormones, to be exact. Hormonal imbalances (even those not related to androgens) can be responsible for excessive hair shedding, such is the case of thyroid issues. We are about to explain why hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism are capable of unleashing hair loss and what to do about it, including advice about the hair loss products that will help you get through.

First, What Are Thyroid Issues?

Sometimes, there is an imbalance in the functioning of the thyroid gland, which is located in your neck and produces two hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Both hormones regulate the metabolism of all the cells in your body, in other words, they dictate the speed at which your cells work.

An overactive thyroid gland will secrete a surplus of hormones, which will, in turn, increase the speed of activity of your body cells to a point where several systems and body functions get abnormally accelerated. Hyperthyroidism can cause increased heart rate and bowel function, anxiety, weight loss, among other symptoms.

An underactive thyroid gland will cause the opposite: sluggish cell activity. Hypothyroidism can thus derive in a slower heart rate, lethargy or tiredness, melancholy or depression, weight gain, and constipation.

Thyroid issues often appear without a clear origin. The most common cause of thyroid issues is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks thyroid cells, which disrupts normal secretion of thyroid hormones. Since thyroid disease is fairly common (1 in 20 people have it), it is important to keep an eye on any abnormal symptoms and try to act quickly to bring it back to normal.

How Do Thyroid Issues Cause Hair Loss?

As mentioned earlier, any hormonal imbalance can unleash other hormonal changes, which can eventually involve androgens and lead to hair loss. When it comes to thyroid hormones, studies show that even hair follicles need thyroid hormones to function properly. These hormones play a role in hair cycles and even pigmentation, so they are decidedly important for hair health. It's more likely for prolonged thyroid disease to cause hair loss.

Thyroid-related hair loss is usually diffuse, so it doesn't affect specific areas but the entire scalp. Hair looks sparse and thin; it loses body, volume and texture. It tends to take some time to notice hair loss as a result of a thyroid disorder, because of how long the hair growth cycle is. It is possible to see regrowth after thyroid-related hair loss, but it might take longer than expected, so it is important not to lose patience.

Treatment for Thyroid-related Hair Loss

The most important thing when it comes to thyroid and hair loss is getting a diagnose. To learn if you have a thyroid disorder, you will most likely get noticeable symptoms that will lead your doctor to consider T3 and T4 blood tests, along with TSH tests to test the activity of the pituitary gland.


Once a diagnose is in, you will start getting thyroid medication. This daily treatment is aimed at restoring the balance of hormone secretion. As a consequence, hair follicles will obtain optimal levels of hormones and resume normal growth (respecting the natural growth cycle). Seeing regrowth will take some time because the hair growth cycle is rather long. Your anagen hairs will eventually respond well to the balance in thyroid hormones. Bear in mind that your new hair growth might be different in texture and color and be patient with the whole regrowth process.

It is not likely for you to see improvement for thyroid-related hair loss until you take medication. If you suspect you might be suffering from a thyroid disorder, you need to talk to your doctor as soon as possible to get proper diagnose and treatment.

Backup Treatments for Thyroid and Hair Loss

There are steps you can take to help along hair restoration after thyroid-related hair loss. It is very important to treat your hair gently and follow a hair loss treatment that includes shampoo, conditioner, vitamins, and a healthy hair care routine.

Shampoo and Conditioner: Forget about Sulfate Surfactants
Thin and lifeless hair has to be treated with utmost care, so harsh chemicals are not ideal. Switch to sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner , and as much as it's possible, make sure they're also paraben-free.

Vitamin and Keratin Ampoules and Treatments: Strengthen the Hair Shaft
Help your hair follicles to take in as much nutrition as they can so that they regrow stronger. Vitamins like B, C and E will stimulate hair follicle cells to be reactivated, and keratin will thicken and restore the weakened hair shaft.

Daily routine: Give Your Hair TLC
Everything you do on your hair needs to be as gentle as possible. From drying and brushing to styling, do everything with utmost care. Air dry whenever possible and avoid heat tools, use wide-toothed combs, avoid styling accessories with metal parts that snap hair. Hair that is already fragile does not need more of a threat.

Last but not least, a healthy diet will go a long way not only with your thyroid symptoms but also with your hair loss. Get ideas for healthy hair foods in our blog post What Is Good for Hair Growth?.

Thyroid and hair loss don't have to go together at all times. Your thyroid issue can be controlled, and the related hair loss can be tackled with our hair loss treatments. Call TOLL FREE 1-888-513-8815 or fill out the contact form to reach us and learn more about our products. Also, subscribe to our newsletter to get news about hair loss treatments right in your inbox.

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