Thyroid –  Hair Loss

Hypothyroidism/Hyperthyroidism and Hair Loss

Both an over or under active thyroid can present hair loss as a symptom.

On average, we lose 50-100 strands of hair each day, and the effects of thyroid conditions can prevent the regrowth needed to replace them.

Let’s take a look at the basic science behind this.

How Does Thyroids Cause Hair Loss?

Each hair follicle has growth and rest phases – however, they don’t occur at the same time for every follicle.

Growth is where the hair lengthens, and rest is where the hair sheds (ready to be replaced by new hair).

The disruption of hormone production – more specifically, T3 and T4 hormones – caused by thyroid conditions can lead to hair follicles getting forced into their resting phase.

Consequently, patients may experience hair loss with no new hair cell bring produced to replace the lost strands – thus causing thinning of the hair.

Is Hair Loss A Guaranteed Side Effect?

No, hair loss generally only occurs in more severe or prolonged cases.

Even if thinning hair does become a side effect, there are still ways to help treat it.

Your doctor could help you find medication to assist in regrowth, or you could try one of the natural remedies in which some people claim aids the problem.

Either way, thyroid condition induced hair loss is often treatable or reversible, so there’s no need to worry!