Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.
Many people worry that all of their hair will fall out, but the truth is that hair loss caused by thyroid disorders is usually temporary and can be reversed, especially if you work with your endocrinologist to get tested and on the right treatment for your condition.
According to Armani, thyroid hormones help regulate metabolism, heart rate, and your overall mood. It also affects the rate at which the body uses oxygen and energy, which can also affect hair and nail growth. This type of hair loss is called telogen effluvium.
Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much hormone. Having an overactive or underactive thyroid gland may cause hair loss in some people.
Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.
People with thyroid disease commonly experience hair loss, and taking levothyroxine can initially increase this hair loss. This is because hair growth depends on proper functioning of the thyroid gland.
Ironically, taking the hormone levothyroxine to treat an underactive thyroid can contribute to some hair loss, among other side effects, but this seems to be more common within the first month of treatment and more often in children than adults.
Your hair will grow back after treating the thyroid condition. However, the amount of time it will take for complete restoration is unpredictable. Treatment for thyroid hair loss may take several months for some people and less for others.
Biotin is a common component of multivitamin preparations and at high doses it has been reported to cause interference in immunoassays resulting in abnormal thyroid function tests [2].
Biotin doesn't interfere with thyroid medication, but it can interfere with a thyroid blood test.
As previously mentioned, one version isn't technically better than the other. Both generic levothyroxine and Synthroid should work equally well for the treatment of hypothyroidism. It's just not ideal to switch back and forth between different products, unless you're directed to do so.
If you have Hashimoto's, there are other steps you can take to promote hair regrowth and potentially prevent further hair loss. “When treating hair loss of any cause, I promote the use of biotin, topical minoxidil and platelet-rich plasma injections to the scalp,” Borsand says.
The three most common triggers for hair loss in young women are stress, dieting, and hormonal changes. Less commonly, hair loss can be caused by certain autoimmune diseases. Here's more on these four triggers for hair loss in young women.
Common thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease are autoimmune disorders, which can sometimes result in hair loss. The hair loss is typically reversed after your thyroid hormone levels are normalized. But this may take some time.
Medical and Other Conditions
There are a wide range of conditions that can bring on hair loss, with some of the most common being pregnancy, thyroid disorders, and anemia. Others include autoimmune diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and skin conditions such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, Rogers says.
Vitamin B12
A B12 supplement can improve hypothyroid symptoms by increasing the number of healthy red blood cells. These cells can deliver oxygen-fresh blood to your tissues and promote energy metabolism.
Sublingual doses of 5 mg (5000 mcg) of B12, daily for ten days, then 5 mg once per week for four weeks, then 5 mg monthly, have been found to be effective in restoring B12 levels in those with a deficiency.
Regardless, research has indicated that a vitamin B12 deficiency can negatively affect those living with hypothyroidism, and that both deficiencies can go unnoticed if the proper tests are not performed.