The thyroid gland regulates normal metabolism, according to Penn State's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center at the College of Medicine. It is a small gland located in front of the neck and is important for maintaining metabolism and calcium balance, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Hair loss can be a symptom of either an overactive or under active thyroid gland. The hair loss is usually a thinning of the hair and can occur in patches. Treatment involves balancing the thyroid hormones by either increasing or decreasing them, usually with drugs or with surgery. When proper hormonal balance is restored by thyroid medication, normal hair growth is restored.
Hyperthyroid
Hyperthyroidism is the name of the condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive. When the thyroid overproduces thyroid hormones, hair loss can occur because of the imbalance of hormones and their effect on metabolism, which stimulates cell division. Hair growth depends on hormones to stimulate the hair follicles. The most common form of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease, according to Penn State's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center at the College of Medicine.
Graves' Disease
Graves' disease can be inherited and occurs mostly in women. The disease, which can be triggered by severe emotional stress, is not fatal but does cause hair loss. Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system stimulates the thyroid gland to overproduce hormones. In addition to hair loss, people with Graves' disease also experience weight loss, increased pulse rate, increased perspiration and a feeling of being hot, as well as anxiety and muscle weakness. They can also develop a goiter. Diagnosis is confirmed by a blood test and physical exam and treatment involves drugs, and occasionally surgery, to stop the overacting thyroid gland.
Mechanism
When the thyroid gland is overactive, it stimulates the release of too many hormones. The hormones are intended to stimulate the metabolic process, aiding the body in converting energy for the cells, according to Penn State's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. An increase in thyroid function causes increased heart rate, increased perspiration, nervousness along with hair loss. The imbalance of hormones stops hair production in the hair follicles. Hair will regrow when the body has the appropriate hormones to trigger hair production. This is usually provided by prescribing thyroid hormones to be taken daily.
Hypothyroidism
When the thyroid gland is under-active, the condition is called hypothyroidism. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, symptoms of this condition include droopy eyelids, constipation, muscle cramps, carpal tunnel pain, thin eyebrows, weight gain, dry skin and thin, coarse and dry hair. Without treatment, anemia and heart failure can occur. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by an exam and blood tests, and treatment involves adding prescription thyroid hormones, which will, in turn, restore normal hair growth.
Warning
The thyroid gland rarely heals itself, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult a medical professional for diagnosis of thyroid disease or other conditions associated with abnormal hair loss. Thyroid disease can lead to serious health consequences, including heart failure. The symptoms of thyroid disease increase slowly and can easily be overlooked. Fatigue, hair loss and dry skin along with feeling chilled should be brought to a doctor's attention.
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