The Link Between the Thyroid and Hair Loss

Everyone loses hair on a regular basis. We can shed up to 100 hairs per day, and most of this shedding goes unnoticed. Usually these hairs are replaced with new growth. For those with thyroid disease, these hairs may not grow back, and it is important to know if your thyroid condition is to blame.

The Life Cycle of Hair

Hair growth comes in stages:

• Anagen phase: This is the time of active hair growth. Ninety percent of your scalp is in this phase.
• Catagen phase: Transition phase when hair stops growing. Only one percent of your hair is in this phase at one time.
• Telogen phase: This is the hair shedding phase. The usual rate of hair shedding during this phase is between 50-150 hairs per day.

Symptoms of Thyroid-Related Hair Loss

Hair loss related to thyroid disease has some characteristic symptoms. You may notice hair loss and thinning across the whole scalp. You may also notice loss of hair across your body, including the outer third of your eyebrows. The hair texture may also change, becoming dry and brittle.

Treatment for Hair Loss Due to Thyroid Disease

It is important to be evaluated by a physician if you are noticing these symptoms. It is possible to treat thyroid disease with medications. Once the thyroid is treated, you can concentrate on re-growing your hair. There are some topical treatments and oral medications available that can help. Even though experiencing hair loss to thyroid disease can be destressing, the good news is that it is possible to reverse.

Hair loss can be traumatizing, but Dr. Benjamin Stong and Kalos Hair Restoration can help. If you are facing hair loss from thyroid disease and aren’t seeing the regrowth you expect, give us a call to schedule a consultation. Dr. Stong can offer the expertise you need and explain options available to you. Visit us here to view before and after photos and fill out an online appointment request. We look forward to hearing from you!