Did You Know That Your Thyroid Can Affect Your Hair?

Most people lose between 50 and 100 strands of hair daily and think little of it. The loss is normal and barely noticed as new hairs grow in. If hair production slows then the loss of hair may outstrip replacement and the thinning of one's hair may become noticeable. Thyroid disorders are a possible cause of slowed hair production and hence hair loss, since the thyroid gland is important in controlling the body's metabolism.

If the thyroid gland is not functioning properly it can affect every aspect of your health, particularly weight, mental outlook, body temperature, and energy levels. The thickness and quality of skin and hair is also dependent on adequate thyroid function. By far the most common thyroid disorder is hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. This condition seems to be more common in women, and can affect up to one in five at some point in their lives. Because it produces a gradual change in various aspects of body function, hypothyroidism often goes unnoticed for a long time. The symptoms include:

Fatigue- If you feel tired when you wake after a night's rest this is cause for concern.
Depression and apathy
Weight gain or inability to lose weight.
Intolerance to cold.
Heavy or irregular menstrual periods.
Insomnia
Dry and coarse skin.
Constipation.
Poor memory.
Immune system problems
Hair loss.

If you think you might have a thyroid problem then do see your doctor who can arrange a blood test.

Research has demonstrated that thyroid hormones T3 and T4 have a significant effect in promoting hair growth and hair pigmentation. Low levels of thyroid hormones lead to decreased metabolism in hair follicles and hair becomes brittle. The normal growth cycle of hair is upset and hair is lost prematurely.

Thyroid deficiency is treated by administering a thyroxine replacement, usually a synthetic form of T4, sometimes with the addition of a synthetic T3. Some doctors may not bother with the T3 as the body can normally convert T4 to T3. This assumes the body is up to the conversion, which it may not be however. Some experts have questioned the use of synthetic thyroid hormone replacement drugs and prefer the use of natural thyroid hormone derived from pigs. The pig hormone is bio-identical to the human and contains both T3 and T4. The most popular brand available is Armour.

Untreated hypothyroidism increases the risk of other serious health problems developing so the condition cannot be ignored. Since the condition is slow and gradual in onset it will take time to correct, and hair that has been lost will take time to regrow. Treatments to the scalp such as minoxidil can help to encourage new hair growth. Hypothyroidism in women can be complicated in its management by the interplay between other hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Hyperthyroidism or an over active thyroid, also occurs more commonly in women and also can cause hair loss. It seems to predominantly affect women in their twenties and thirties for reasons not understood. The extent of hair loss is usually more limited than that observed in people with hypothyroidism.

The thyroid gland is intimately involved with hair function, and indeed sometimes premature greying or loss of hair can be the first indication of malfunction. Correct diagnosis and proper treatment can restore function and re-establish hair growth in most cases.