Thyroid & Hair Loss in Women

It's normal to shed a few hairs every day, but when you suddenly lose excessive amounts, it can be alarming. Whether it's coming out in clumps or shows diffuse thinning, inexplicable hair loss can have a devastating effect. A number of reasons ranging from heredity to stress can be the cause of more hair in your brush or on your pillow. But, an often overlooked culprit is thyroid disorder.

Thyroid at a Glance  

Located at the base of the throat, the thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that regulates metabolism and most bodily functions. It does so by producing hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) that help control body temperature, energy levels as well as the brain, heart and other organs. But not everyone has proper hormone levels. Of the nearly 27 million people with thyroid disorders, most have hypothyroidism, according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.

What Is Hypothyroidism? An underactive gland that isn't producing enough hormones is considered hypothyroid. While your body may undergo a gradual change over many years, some women feel the effects of hypothyroidism immediately. As everything slows down, you may find yourself fatigued, forgetful, constipated and unable to tolerate cold temperatures. And you may also experience hair loss.

Hair-Related Symptoms  

Hair loss and thinning are common in hypothyroidism, but the amount of hair loss varies by person. You probably won't go bald, but the hair becomes brittle and breaks off or begins to thin. You may also experience loss of body hair and sparse eyebrows. Hair loss may also occur during hyperthyroidism, which is characterized by an overactive thyroid. But excessive shedding is more pronounced with hypothyroidism. In addition to hair loss, other signs of hypothyroidism include weight gain, high cholesterol, depression, dry skin, stiff joints and sluggishness.

Common Causes of Hypothyroidism  

An underactive thyroid can be due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disease that causes your body's immune system to attack your thyroid gland. Ordinarily, the immune system guards against viruses and bacteria. But with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, your thyroid is kept from producing enough hormones. Other hypothyroidism causes include radiation therapy, hyperthyroidism treatments, medications such as lithium and surgical removal of the thyroid.

Diagnosis  

Hypothyroidism can occur in anyone, including teens and infants. But it's most common in middle-aged and older women, according to the Mayo Clinic. For this reason, annual screening is advised for older and pregnant women as well as those who wish to become pregnant. If you're experiencing hair loss in addition to other symptoms of hypothyroidism, your doctor will perform blood tests to measure hormone levels and also your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which influences thyroxine production. Too much TSH activity means your thyroid isn't doing its job.

How Hypothyrodism Is Treated  

While hypothyroidism can't be cured, daily treatment helps restore metabolism and hormone levels. Known as levothyroxine, this synthetic hormone replaces what your thyroid can't make. Your doctor will determine the right pill dosage based on your health, weight and age. Getting the correct amount is important because too little can prolong the problem and too much can cause hyperthyroidism. In addition, certain foods and supplements such as soy, calcium, iron and antacids may inhibit pill absorption. Consult with your doctor about your treatment schedule and food/supplement intake.
Once thyroid levels are balanced, many symptoms subside. You may find yourself less fatigued and see reductions in cholesterol and weight. And, while hypothyroid-related hair loss may be helped by effective treatment, ask your doctor whether it will restore what you've lost.