Is Your Thyroid Causing Hair Loss? Symptoms and Effective Home Remedies (2024)

Thyroid Causing Hair Loss? Symptoms Home Remedies
November 15, 2024

Is Your Thyroid Causing Hair Loss? Symptoms and Effective Home Remedies (1)

Many people often attribute hair loss to stress, diet, or lifestyle factors, overlooking the role of thyroid disorders. Whenever most folks think of balding nobody remembers the main source from which thyroid malfunction is the biggest overlooked. The small butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck produces thyroxine and triiodothyronine, hormones that regulate the body's metabolic rate. If the thyroid gland malfunctions, producing either too much (hyperthyroidism) or too little hormone (hypothyroidism), it can lead to various health problems, including hair loss.This blog explores the complex relationship between thyroid health and hair, illuminating common symptoms of thyroid-related hair loss and providing effective, natural remedies to help you manage this condition while fostering hair regrowth.

Also Read: When Should You Visit A Doctor Regarding Irregular Periods?

Can thyroid cause hair loss?

The thyroid is among the most vital glands of the endocrine system. It secretes hormones to help the body spend energy in the right proportion. There are two primary hormones it secretes: triiodothyronine, also known as T3, and thyroxine, also known as T4, which affect the metabolism, heart rate, and many other processes in the body.

Hyperthyroidism vs. Hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland is overly active, has produced surplus thyroid hormones, accelerates the metabolic rate of the body, and, therefore leads to symptoms like weight loss, heart palpitations, irritability, and hair falling.

Conversely, hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormone that slows the metabolic rate of the body. The principal symptoms of this disease are weight gain, drowsiness, depression, and in the majority of the cases, hair loss.

Both can disrupt the hair growth cycle. Hair grows in stages: the growing phase (anagen), the resting phase (telogen), and the shedding phase (catagen). Thyroid disorders can push hair follicles prematurely into the resting phase, causing widespread hair loss.

Thyroid-Related Hair Loss Symptoms and Other Signs

Thyroid conditions can affect the hair differently. Here are the typical symptoms:

Hair Loss and Thinning: Hair may fall all over the scalp rather than in patches, giving an overall look of thinning.
Dry, Coarse Hair: Hypothyroidism, in particular, can make hair feel dry, coarse, and brittle.
Fatigue and Weakness: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause chronic fatigue, which can exacerbate stress and hair loss.
Changes in Weight: Unexplained weight gain or loss may be a sign of thyroid imbalance.
Sensitivity to Temperature: People with hypothyroidism are excessively cold, and excessive sweating is a symptom of hyperthyroidism.
Changes in Mood: Depression, anxiety, or irritability can occur because thyroid hormones play a significant role in controlling mood.
Changes in Skin and Nails: Dry skin, brittle nails, and changes in skin texture are common symptoms associated with thyroid imbalances.
Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Thyroid hormones have a close relationship with reproductive hormones, which may lead to irregular cycles.

Also Read: Comprehensive Tips To Prevent Hair Fall

Effective Home Remedies for Managing Thyroid-Related Hair Loss

Thyroid condition needs appropriate medical treatment for its management; however, lifestyle adjustments and some other natural treatments can be really helpful for hair growth promotion and the removal of symptoms.

1. Dietary Changes

Nutritional care is the most important for keeping the thyroid or any human body healthy. And for thyroid, the food habits can be changed in many ways.

Iodine-Rich Foods: Iodine is used in the production of thyroid hormones. Include the following iodine-rich foods in your diet, which promote nourishment of the thyroid gland; however, one should avoid excessive intake of iodine as it exacerbates thyroid issues, fish, milk products, and eggs.
Lean Proteins: Protein composes hair structure and fortifies hair follicles. The following are some sources of proteins: chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes.
Whole Grains: Whole grains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa are rich in B vitamins, which play a crucial role in hair growth and metabolic health.
Fruits and Vegetables That Are Rich in Antioxidants: Berries, leafy greens, and bell peppers have antioxidant properties that help eliminate the inflammatory and oxidative stresses that affect both the thyroid and the hair.
Avoid Excessive Caffeine and Alcohol: Both excessive caffeine and alcohol affect the thyroid and increase the level of stress, resulting in hair loss.

2. Stress-Relieving Practices

Since stress can worsen thyroid issues, stress-relief techniques like yoga and meditation can be effective in reducing hair loss.

Yoga and Meditations: Yoga and meditations were found to diminish stress extensively, normalize emotions, and regulate hormones in the human body. It is through yoga postures that stimulation of the thyroid gland and, in a way, its regulation or boosting occurs due to specific yoga asanas including the shoulder stand and the fish pose.
Breathing Exercises: Techniques such as deep abdominal breathing reduce the amount of cortisol in the body and enhance the blood flow to the scalp.
Good Rest: Good sleeping is a good technique through which the body will repair its systems. So strive for 7-8 hours nightly so that the body gets sufficient time to rest and revive itself.

3. Herbal Remedies

There are some herbs whose properties can be helpful with hormone balancing and hair. They can be taken as supplements and also can be consumed along with the regular meal.

Ashwagandha has an adaptogenic property, which supports the body in its task of managing stress, works on thyroid glands, and helps in functioning well.
Brahmi or Bacopa is regarded as soothing to the mind and body in general, but in fact, reduces stress and leads to hair growth.
Amla, otherwise known as Indian Gooseberry, adds strength to hair follicles besides being a powerhouse of vitamin C.
Fenugreek: This herb contains proteins and nicotinic acid, which can help nourish the scalp, strengthen hair roots, and promote regrowth.

4. Essential Oils for Scalp Health

Some essential oils have been proven to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health.

Rosemary Oil: Rosemary oil stimulates blood circulation; hence, it can revitalize hair follicles and enhance hair growth.
Lavender Oil: Lavender's soothing nature can help reduce stress, and its antimicrobial nature can promote scalp health.
Peppermint Oil: It provides a cooling effect to the scalp and increases blood flow, which promotes healthy hair growth.

Apply a few drops of the essential oil mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil and massage it into the scalp.

5. Scalp Massage

A daily scalp massage can boost blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. Massage the scalp gently in a circular motion for 5-10 minutes daily to stimulate the scalp and reduce tension.

Professional Treatment and When to See a Doctor

If you find yourself experiencing constant hair loss along with other symptoms of thyroid malfunction, it is always recommended to visit a doctor so that a proper diagnosis may be made. Your doctor will confirm thyroid levels through blood tests and may perform an ultrasound to assess your thyroid's health. In some cases, you may need thyroid medications or hormone replacement therapy to regain balance.

Medical Treatments for Thyroid-Related Hair Loss

Some medical treatments, such as hormone therapy, radioactive iodine, and surgery, can help correct thyroid imbalances and reduce hair loss.

Hormones: Synthetic thyroid hormones, such as levothyroxine, are generally used to treat hypothyroidism. In hyperthyroidism, medications can be given that block the release of thyroid hormone.
Radioactive Iodine: Radioactive iodine is used in hyperthyroidism, and it shrinks the thyroid gland.
Surgery: Surgery can be used in hyperthyroidism or other conditions to remove some or all of the thyroid gland.

It’s common for medical treatments to take time before showing noticeable effects. For hair regrowth, thyroid balance has to be attained, and it might take some months before hair regrowth becomes noticeable, but this can still be improved with the consistent execution of a treatment plan coupled with home remedies.

Conclusion

Managing thyroid-related hair loss can be challenging, but proactive treatment and lifestyle changes can restore hair health and boost your confidence. Understanding the link between thyroid hormones and hair loss can help you seek the right treatment while using home remedies to support recovery. A holistic approach combining some sort of medical treatment alongside lifestyle changes as well as natural remedies could come out with the best benefits for both the restoration of thyroid health and the restoration of hair.

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