Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide. There are several reasons why hair loss occurs, and one of the most common causes of hair loss is an underactive thyroid.

The thyroid gland is responsible for producing the hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. When the thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones, it can lead to an underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism. The condition can cause various symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss.

What is an Underactive Thyroid?

The thyroid gland is located in the neck and is responsible for producing the hormones that control the body’s metabolism. Metabolism is the process by which the body converts food into energy.

The thyroid gland produces two hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

An underactive thyroid occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of these hormones. The condition can cause various symptoms, including hair loss, weight gain, fatigue, and sensitivity to cold.

Hypothyroidism can be caused by various factors, including an autoimmune disorder, radiation therapy, or surgery.

Hair Loss and an Underactive Thyroid

Hair loss is one of the most noticeable symptoms of an underactive thyroid. The condition can cause hair to become thin, brittle, and dry. Hair loss can occur on the scalp, eyebrows, and other parts of the body, including the arms and legs.

An underactive thyroid can cause hair loss in several ways. One of the primary causes is the disruption of the hair growth cycle.

Hair grows in three phases: the anagen phase (growth phase), the catagen phase (transition phase), and the telogen phase (resting phase). Hair follicles that are affected by an underactive thyroid can skip the anagen phase and move straight to the telogen phase. This can lead to hair shedding and ultimately, hair loss.

The lack of thyroid hormones can also cause changes in the hair shaft’s structure, leading to hair breakage and brittleness.

Finally, an underactive thyroid can cause a decrease in the production of oil in the scalp, leading to dryness and flaking, which can contribute to hair loss.

Diagnosing an Underactive Thyroid

If you are experiencing hair loss, you should speak to your doctor, who can perform tests to determine the cause of your hair loss. A blood test can measure the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones in your body.

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If the test shows that you have an underactive thyroid, your doctor may recommend a thyroid hormone replacement therapy. The therapy involves taking thyroid hormone supplements to replace the hormones that your thyroid gland is not producing.

The medication can help ease symptoms such as hair loss and fatigue.

Other Causes of Hair Loss

While an underactive thyroid is one of the leading causes of hair loss, it is not the only cause. Other factors can lead to hair loss, including:.

1. Genetics

Genetics is one of the leading causes of hair loss. Male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness are both hereditary conditions that can lead to hair thinning and hair loss.

These conditions are caused by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair follicles to shrink and ultimately, stop producing new hair.

2. Stress

Stress can also contribute to hair loss. When you are stressed, your body releases hormones such as cortisol, which can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to hair loss.

Stress can also cause hair shafts to break, leading to hair thinning and hair loss.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies can also lead to hair loss. A lack of vitamins, minerals, and proteins can cause the hair to become weak and brittle, leading to hair breakage and hair loss.

Nutritional deficiencies can be caused by a poor diet or an underlying medical condition.

4. Medications

Some medications can also cause hair loss as a side effect. Medications such as chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners, and antidepressants can disrupt the hair growth cycle and cause hair loss.

Conclusion

An underactive thyroid is a common cause of hair loss. The condition can cause hair to become brittle, dry, and thin, leading to hair shedding and hair loss.

If you are experiencing hair loss, you should speak to your doctor, who can perform tests to determine the cause of your hair loss and recommend treatments such as a thyroid hormone replacement therapy.