Loss of hair, known as alopecia, is a disturbing symptom for both men and women suffering from thyroid disease. Many types of thyroid conditions, including both hypo- and hyperthyroidism, can cause hair to become dry, coarse and thin. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, thyroid disease affects 27 million Americans, but more than 1/2 remain undiagnosed. Furthermore, more than eight out of 10 patients with thyroid disease are women, for whom hair loss can be especially devastating.
Hypothyroidism
When the thyroid gland is under-functioning, it is called hypothyroidism. Along with loss of hair, you may experience fatigue, constipation, coldness, headaches and weight gain. Every cell in the body depends upon thyroid hormone to regulate metabolism. Hair cells are one of the fastest-dividing in the body. When under stress, the body shunts energy and nutrients away from hair cells to areas more in need. This can result in both diffuse scalp hair thinning and thinning of the outer edges of the eyebrows. Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroid disease, thyroid nodules, iodine deficiency, among other causes can result in low thyroid function and hair loss.
Hyperthyroidism
Overactive thyroid function, called hyperthyroidism, also may result in hair loss. With an abundance of thyroid hormone, weight loss, sweating, heart palpitations, diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety and hair loss may occur. Although in this case metabolism is increased, the mechanism of growth in the hair follicle is still disturbed, resulting in more hairs in the telogen, or resting, phase rather than in the growth phase. Specific types of hyperthyroidism include Graves' disease, toxic multinodular goiter and thyroiditis.
Alopecia Areata
Hair loss associated with improper thyroid function is usually diffuse. Occasionally, an autoimmune condition of patchy hair loss occurs called alopecia areata. The American Academy of Dermatology reports an association between this condition and autoimmune thyroid disease. Due to an attack by the immune system on the follicle, hair is lost in patches, resulting in small, round bare spots on the head. Specialized treatments, such as cortisone therapy, may be recommended to suppress the immune system.
Testing
If you suspect hair loss from thyroid gland dysfunction, seek out appropriate testing from a qualified physician or endocrinologist. A thyroid blood panel, including thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH, free T4/free T3, and in select cases, autoimmune antibodies, can differentiate overactive versus underactive thyroid and identify an autoimmune etiology. If you are unsure whether your hair loss is related solely to thyroid disease, a dermatologist can investigate other hair loss culprits such as hormone imbalance, medication side effects and nutritional deficiency.
Treatment Options
In time, treating the underlying thyroid condition usually results in improved hair quality and growth. Your doctor may prescribe thyroid replacement hormone for low thyroid function. While taking this medication, it is important to have your levels of thyroid hormone monitored periodically with a blood test to make certain they are in range. Failure to take the appropriate dose could result in continued symptoms. For hyperthyroidism, treatment options may include anti-thyroid medication and radioactive iodine therapy to ablate your gland.
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