Do you have thyroid disease? Whether you are hyper or hypo, your thyroid controls many of the functions of your body. In fact, one of its main jobs is to help regulation the production of hormones in your system. In other words, it tells your other organs what to do and when to do it. That could be the reason why you are experiencing hair loss. How is your thyroid connected to hair loss? If you are one of the many people that are impacted in this manner, it would be a good idea to spend some time talking to your doctor about the options for improving your symptoms.
Could Your Thyroid Be the Problem?
Hair loss in men and women occurs for many reasons. For some people, it is due to hereditary factors. For others, their diet, stress, or day-to-day lifestyle are to blame. Yet, for some men and women, the thyroid, a small gland located at the base of your neck above your collar bone is the biggest factor. If you have been told that your hormones are not balanced, it is generally the result of thyroid disease. You will likely have a variety of symptoms of this condition, but one of those is hair loss.
Here's the most important thing for you to know: If you are suffering from thyroid disease, and it is causing your hair loss, this does not have to be a permanent situation for you. You may be able to improve your hormone levels and your thyroid function significantly. In doing so, you may be able to see your hair grow back, thicken, and become far more healthy than it has been. That is the good news, but you cannot blame all hair loss on your thyroid. So, how do you know if it is what is behind your loss?
First, Consider What Thyroid Disease Is
There are two types of thyroid disease. One is hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid gland is underactive. In others, hyperthyroidism is present. Here, the gland is overactive. In both cases, it is not working the way it should. As a result, the hormones in your body are not regulated the way they should be. It takes a very delicate balance of hormones to produce the right combination of information to tell your body's follicles, the area that hair comes from in your skin, to grow hair. In other words, hormone imbalance is a key factor in why you may be losing your hair.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disease
If you are unsure if thyroid disease could be the cause of your hair loss, think about other symptoms and signs of this condition. Often times, it is very hard to tell that there is a problem until all of these little pieces are put together. Some common symptoms of thyroid disease include:
- Frequent mood changes including irritability, anxiety, and nervousness
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Abnormal menstruation
- Difficulty tolerating hot temperatures or cold temperatures
- Cognitive impairment including having trouble paying attention, remembering things, and concentrating
- Weight changes including weight gain or loss
- Pain or weakness in your muscles
- Dry skin and hair
It is often hard to pinpoint these symptoms. Many men and women will have thyroid disease for a long time and not realize it. They may feel like they just do not have energy or they just cannot focus. They blame stress, fatigue, or just a busy lifestyle as the reasons. If you think you could have this condition, it is a good idea to talk to your family doctor about it. It should not go untreated. In fact, it is often a good idea to find a balance for hormone levels for many reasons beyond that of just reducing your hair loss symptoms.
If you have hair loss brought on by thyroid disease, it is likely that improving your hormone balance will allow your hair to begin to grow back in a normal fashion. However, every situation is different. You will want to work with your doctor to determine what the best course of treatment is. This may include medications, surgeries, or just improving your diet and reducing your weight. If you are undergoing treatment for a hypo or hyperthyroidism for over a year and still see a significant amount of hair loss, see a hair loss professional to learn more about your options. Schedule your free, private consultation.
