Can Your Thyroid Cause Hair Loss And Can It Be Treated?

In this article, we will explore the connection between thyroid conditions and hair loss. We'll explain how different thyroid conditions can lead to hair thinning or shedding and give you tips on how to manage and cope with hair loss related to thyroid issues. We'll also explain why it is so important that you consult with your doctor if you're concerned about hair loss or other symptoms that could be linked to your thyroid.

Key Takeaways

Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about thyroid-related hair loss and how it can be treated:

• Thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroid disorders can cause hair loss due to their impact on hormone levels and hair follicle health.

• An underactive thyroid can lead to excessive hair thinning or shedding across the scalp by affecting the hair growth cycle.

• An overactive thyroid can cause patchy hair loss or general thinning by disrupting the hair growth process.

• Tips on managing hair loss include avoiding false cures, wearing wigs or scarves, avoiding tight hairstyles and hair straighteners and avoiding hair supplements containing iodine.

• Speak with a healthcare professional if you are concerned about hair loss related to thyroid conditions to get tailored advice, treatment options and support.

What is the link between thyroid diseases and hair loss?

Different thyroid conditions can significantly influence hair shedding and hair thinning. Hair loss linked to thyroid conditions typically affects the entire scalp, rather than specific areas associated with conditions such as male pattern baldness, according to the British Thyroid Foundation.

The link between thyroid conditions and your hair occurs because hormones produced by the thyroid gland play an important role in hair growth and hair follicle health. When the levels of these hormones are impacted by thyroid conditions it can have a knock-on effect on your hair.

Can hypothyroidism cause hair loss?

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a condition that causes the thyroid gland to not produce sufficient levels of thyroid hormones. This condition can impact your hair, leading to excessive hair loss or thinning. Hypothyroidism can lead to more hair follicles entering the resting phase which will lead to hair loss across the entire scalp (Hussein, Atia & Bin Dayel, 2023). 

Can hyperthyroidism cause hair loss?

Whilst hypothyroidism means your thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormones, hyperthyroidism means your thyroid is producing too many hormones. Also known as an overactive thyroid, this condition can speed up your metabolism, which can lead to issues with your hair growth cycle. The NHS states that a common sign of hyperthyroidism is patchy hair loss or general hair thinning.

Can autoimmune thyroid conditions cause hair loss?

Yes, autoimmune thyroid conditions can contribute to hair loss. When someone has an autoimmune thyroid condition such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis they are at a higher risk of developing other autoimmune conditions. One condition that could occur is autoimmune alopecia, a condition which can lead to hair loss across the body. Some people may also develop alopecia areata, which can lead to more localised, patch hair loss (Prelipcean & Barrell, 2019).

How can I cope with thyroid-related hair loss?

Coping with thyroid-related hair loss can be a challenge, however, there are several ways you can make the process of addressing your hair loss and combating it easier. The British Thyroid Foundation suggests several tips you should follow, including:

Get emotional support from family, friends & support groups

Getting emotional support from your family, friends and specialist support groups can significantly help you to cope with thyroid-related hair loss. You may wish to share your feelings with those closest to you as this can help you to cope with the emotional side of hair loss. 

Don't use false cures

It’s important to be cautious and avoid using false cures that you may read about online. Some hair loss treatments such as Finasteride can help to slow hair loss and potentially encourage hair growth, whilst specific thyroid medications such as Levothyroxine and Liothyronine can help to address the underlying cause of thyroid-related hair loss, according to the British Association of Dermatologists.

When you are struggling with hair loss it can be tempting to use a so-called “miracle cure”, however, you should only ever use medications and treatments provided to you by a qualified healthcare professional. 

Wear a wig or scarf

Wearing a wig or a scarf can be a way of covering up your head if you are conscious of any hair loss you have experienced due to a thyroid condition. Whilst scarves and wigs do not address the hair loss itself, they can help you feel more comfortable with how you look, similar to how they help people struggling with hair loss caused by cancer treatment, according to Cancer Research UK.

Avoid tight hairstyles

To help prevent your hair loss from getting worse and to give your hair the best chance of recovery, the British Skin Foundation advises avoiding tight hairstyles if you are experiencing hair loss. Styles that pull tightly on the hair can cause stress on the hair and lead to increased hair loss. When paired with thyroid-related hair loss, tight hairstyles can significantly impact your hair. Styles that can pull tightly on hair include:

• Braids

• Ponytails

• Buns

Avoid the use of straighteners

To help prevent further damage to your hair you should avoid using hair straighteners or certain style techniques such as braiding. These styling methods, according to the British Thyroid Foundation, can worsen hair loss and prevent recovery. You should instead use wide-tooth combs and brushes to detangle your hair without causing further damage.

Avoid hair supplements that contain iodine

Another tip provided by the British Thyroid Foundation is avoiding hair loss products that include iodine. Some products that contain iodine can interfere with thyroid medications including levothyroxine. Iodine can also disrupt thyroid function and can lead to hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. If you are using levothyroxine to help treat a thyroid condition then you should consult with your doctor before using any other products to ensure they are safe for you.

Should I speak to my doctor if I'm concerned about hair loss as a result of my thyroid condition?

Yes, you should speak to a doctor if you are concerned about thyroid-related hair loss. Your doctor will be able to provide you with tailored advice about your condition and point you in the direction of products and treatment options that could help you and your specific condition. Your doctor will also be able to provide you with information about support groups you can use to cope with your condition.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Irfan Siddique MBBS
GMC reference no: 7694522
LinkedIn

Sources

Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) - Symptoms - NHS

Hair loss and thyroid disorders - British Thyroid Foundation

What can you do about Hair Loss? – Thyroid UK