Link Between Thyroid Disease and Hair Loss

Thyroid Disease, otherwise known as hyperthydroidism or hypothydroidism, is known to be a cause for hair loss.  Many times, patients with thyroid disease and their doctors do not even recognize that they have a thyroid problem until they begin experiencing hair loss.  Do not assume that you have thyroid problem simply because you are losing hair.  The first step is to visit a hair loss specialist to identify the reason for the hair loss and discuss options for treatment. 

Hair loss due to thyroid disease is in the form of general thinning of the hair.  Its patterns are not patchy or in any pattern, but typically increased shedding throughout the scalp.  Many times, the hair loss will decrease or disappear after the body has balanced itself, however it may take some time. 

There are two reasons why people with thyroid disease experience hair loss.  The first has to do with the body’s reaction to the disease.  When our bodies are in some sort of trouble, our hair cells will respond by turning themselves off in order to salvage that energy to a place it is needed more.  This ultimately causes hair to shed.  The other reason why people with thyroid disease experience hair loss is due to their medications.  Levothyroxine, also known as Synthroid, is a thyroid hormone replacement that many take who have thyroid disease.  Hair loss is a direct result of this drug in some people.