Thyroid Hair Loss: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatments

If you have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, you might experience a wide range of symptoms, including hair loss. The good news? Thyroid problems can be treated, as can thyroid hair loss.

Your thyroid hormones play a role in hair growth, so when those hormones aren’t at an optimal level, it can cause your hair to shed, thin, or become dry and brittle. Plus, thyroid conditions can occur in conjunction with alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that can affect hair growth.

Below, we’ll further explain the relationship between thyroid issues and hair loss, go over symptoms to look for, and provide a brief roadmap to diagnosis and treatment if you’re dealing with thyroid hair thinning.

Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your throat that produces important hormones — hormones your body needs to function at its best.

The main hormones produced by your thyroid are thyroxine or tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a role in numerous bodily processes, affecting your metabolism, muscle development, hormone production, heart health, brain function, and — you guessed it — hair growth.

Unfortunately, there’s a lot that can affect your thyroid function:

• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is when your thyroid produces too much T3 and T4. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves disease, an autoimmune condition.

• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough T3 and T4. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also an autoimmune condition.

Whether you’re producing too much T3 and T4 or too little T3 and T4, your hair density can suffer.

Thyroid issues and other endocrine disorders cause a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium. This is where your hair growth cycle is interrupted by a sudden shock to the body, such as an illness, malnutrition, or severe trauma. This results in noticeable hair shedding.

Fortunately, telogen effluvium is temporary. Once you address the underlying cause — in this case, your thyroid condition — your hair can grow back.

One important note: thyroid imbalances have nothing to do with male pattern baldness, also called androgenic alopecia or male pattern hair loss. Rather, this common form of hair loss is caused by a genetic sensitivity to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Male pattern baldness occurs when DHT gradually damages the hair follicles, causing hair to become thinner and then to stop growing at all

Thyroid Problems and Alopecia Areata

For some men with hair loss, however, thyroid issues may actually be a red herring.

Many people with thyroid conditions suffer from autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATD), like Hashimoto’s disease and Graves disease. People affected by ATD have a greater risk of developing other autoimmune diseases, some of which cause hair loss.

One autoimmune disease that’s strongly associated with hair loss is alopecia areata. Alopecia areata occurs when the body’s immune system targets and damages the hair follicles. Once damaged, the follicles stop producing new hairs, resulting in hair loss.

Scalp hair loss from alopecia areata usually occurs in small, circular patches. It often looks different from a receding hairline or crown hair loss seen with male pattern baldness, or the diffuse thinning of thyroid hair loss. Some people with alopecia areata develop bands of bald skin called ophiasis.

Alopecia areata can cause total hair loss on the scalp, as well as loss of hair in the eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard area. Some people with alopecia areata may notice their nails become slightly red, with a weak, rough, and brittle texture. They may have pitting (little dents or dimples) in their nails.

If you’ve noticed the symptoms of alopecia areata, make an appointment with your doctor ASAP. You still might have a chance at rescuing your hair follicles from permanent damage.

Unlike male pattern baldness, which usually causes hair to fall out in a clear, recognizable pattern, thyroid hair loss symptoms include:

• Diffuse thinning hair across your entire scalp

• A scalp that is easily visible in bright light

Certain thyroid conditions can also change the texture of your hair.

If you have hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), your hair might feel very fine or brittle. With hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), your hair might feel drier and coarser than usual.

The good (well, actually sort of bad) news is that thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause a range of other symptoms that are easier to spot before things get serious.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:

• Fatigue and tiredness

• Weight gain

• Dry skin

• Slow heart rate

• Increased sensitivity to cold

• Discomfort, pain, or swelling of the joints

• Muscular weakness, aches, stiffness, or pain

• Hoarse voice

• Constipation

• Impaired memory

• Depression

• High cholesterol

Meanwhile, symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can include:

• Rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, or heart palpitations

• Weight loss or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight

• Increased appetite, often without an increase in body weight

• Anxiety, irritability, nervousness, or physical tremors

• Increased sensitivity to heat

• Sweating

• Muscle weakness or fatigue

• More frequent bowel movements

• Insomnia or difficulty falling asleep

It’s also worth noting that in people over 60, hyperthyroidism is sometimes mistaken for depression or dementia. Older adults may exhibit different symptoms, like loss of appetite or withdrawal from people.

Worried that you might have thyroid-related hair loss? The best approach is to talk with a healthcare provider about your symptoms.

If you display symptoms of a thyroid condition, your provider might request a blood test to measure your levels of thyroid hormones. Typically, they’ll test for:

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

• Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)

• Thyroid antibodies

If your thyroid test reveals that your thyroid gland is functioning well, your healthcare provider might investigate whether something else is causing your hair loss.

Other causes of hair loss include vitamin deficiencies (such as a calcium or iron deficiency), severe stress, and certain medications.

If your healthcare provider diagnoses you with a thyroid condition, you’ll likely be prescribed medication to treat the condition.

Hypothyroidism treatments might include levothyroxine (Levo-T® or Synthroid®), which are synthetic thyroid hormones.

For hyperthyroidism, your healthcare provider may prescribe antithyroid drugs, such as Tapazole® (methimazole) or propylthiouracil. Other possibilities include beta-blockers or radioactive iodine.

Severe cases of hyperthyroidism are occasionally treated by removing some or all of the thyroid gland with a procedure known as thyroidectomy.

As for thyroid hair loss, the prognosis is pretty good if you catch (and treat) it early. After starting thyroid medication, it can take several months for your hair to start growing again, but then it should eventually come back as thick as it was before.

Fortunately, you can speed up the hair regrowth process. Some options to do this include:

• Hair loss treatments: You can try hair loss treatments like minoxidil, a topical over-the-counter product that is proven to boost hair growth. We offer both minoxidil foam and minoxidil solution.

• Supplements: Together with minoxidil, you can also try hair growth supplements to address any vitamin deficiencies that are contributing to your hair loss. For example, our biotin gummies contain a range of nutrients that are essential for hair growth.

• Good hair care habits: Practicing good hair care habits — like keeping your hair and scalp clean, using gentle styling methods, and avoiding tight hairstyles — can help you avoid further hair loss. Read our guide on men’s hair health tips for more useful hacks.

Word to the wise: since thyroid-related hair loss isn’t caused by DHT, male pattern baldness treatments like finasteride aren’t effective at treating or preventing this form of hair loss.

Your thyroid gland plays a role in healthy hair growth — and if it isn’t functioning correctly, it may take its toll on your mane.

Here are some of the major takeaways on thyroid hair loss:

• Thyroid conditions can affect your hair. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss and hair thinning. Thyroid problems may also cause dry, brittle hair.

• Thyroid hair loss is treatable and temporary. Once you treat your thyroid condition, your hair should start growing back. Hair loss treatments like minoxidil may speed up the hair regrowth process.

• Time is of the essence. Don’t delay seeking help for your thyroid problems. If you suspect you have a thyroid condition, set up an appointment with a healthcare provider right away.

Thyroid issues and hair loss should both be taken seriously. Get help today — there’s no need to prolong your suffering.

Want this treated ASAP? Use our platform to book an online consultation with a healthcare provider who can help you explore your treatment options. No waiting rooms, no time spent in transport — just empathetic, professional help.