How to Stop Hair Loss Due to Thyroid Problems?

Did you know that your hair follicles are highly sensitive to thyroid hormone levels? Research shows that nearly 1 in 2 people with thyroid disorders experience hair thinning or shedding. It often starts subtly, a widening part, more strands in the shower, can be one of the earliest signs of imbalance. But, with the right care and support, thyroid-related hair loss is often reversible. Here's how to start.

Also Read: what to eat to prevent hair loss after pregnancy

What does the thyroid have to do with hair loss?

The thyroid is a small gland in your neck. It makes hormones, that are necessary for many important things your body does. It helps you control your mood, energy, metabolism, and hair health.

Your hair's natural growth cycle can be messed up if your thyroid hormone levels are too low or too high. Normally, most of your hair is in a growth phase, while a small amount is in the shedding phase. When your thyroid is off balance, more hair can shift into that shedding phase too soon. That’s when you start noticing more hair strands in your comb, or in the shower drain.

Types of thyroid conditions that affect hair

Here are a few common thyroid-related issues that can cause hair loss:

1: Hypothyroidism causes a disruption of hair follicle cell cycling because of a lower metabolic rate caused by insufficient thyroid hormones.

2: Hyperthyroidism, in which there is an increase in thyroid hormones, which has a negative impact on hair as well. This rapid cellular metabolism is also applied to the hair follicles, which accelerates the hair growing cycle and makes it shed prematurely.

3: Autoimmune thyroid problems such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease also affect hair. Hashimoto's has a chronic inflammatory process in which the immune system destroys the thyroid, including the hair follicles and the hair cycle.

Not sure if it’s your thyroid? Here’s what can help

Because hair loss can come from many causes, it’s important to get a clear understanding of what’s going on in your body. Lab tests can give you answers.

Also Read: how much hair loss is normal in the shower

How to Stop Hair Loss Due to Thyroid

Hair loss due to thyroid requires a multi-dimensional solution to hair restoration. This primarily involves treating the underlying thyroid problem as well as taking care of the hair condition with several other measures.

1. Treat the root cause

Balancing your thyroid hormone levels is the first and most important step. Without that, hair growth won’t fully stabilize. Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor will guide you through the best treatment approach to bring your hormones back to a healthy range.

2. Feed your hair from the inside out

Important nutrients that support the health of the thyroid and hair include Iron, Zinc, Biotin (B7), Copper, Vitamin D, Antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Protein. Try to restrict the consumption of processed foods, fried items, and added sugars, especially if your thyroid issue is autoimmune-related.

3. Be kind to your hair (and yourself)

While your thyroid is settling, your hair may be a bit more fragile. A few soft practices can help:

1: Use gentle, fragrance-free or sulfate-free shampoos.

2: Try not to overdo the heat styling or chemical treatments.

3: Do not opt for tight hairstyles such as ponytails or buns.

4: Massage your scalp to increase blood circulation.

If you're under stress, your hair may also be impacted. High stress can cause hair loss and make it harder for your body to heal. Even tiny habits like a daily walk, a bit of quiet time, or mindfulness breathing can be helpful.

Also Read: can too much iron in water cause hair loss

4. Explore supportive treatments (If needed)

In the case that you have been able to fix your thyroid imbalance and support your nutrition, but you feel that you are still not progressing at a good pace, there are some supportive options you can take, depending on your level of comfort:

1: Topical treatment: There are some products that are known to aid in enhancing blood circulation to the scalp and keep follicles in the growth phase.

2: Microneedling: This involves tiny pinpricks to the scalp that help stimulate new growth.

3: PRP therapy: A more advanced option that uses your own blood platelets to reactivate hair follicles.

These aren’t necessary for everyone, but they can be helpful additions for some, especially when paired with thyroid treatment and good self-care. Thyroid-related hair loss may be frustrating, yet it is among the most prevalent and most manageable ones out there. The point is to know what is going on in your body and provide it with the support it needs in order to rebalance. Be patient with yourself. Hair takes time to restore, but with the right care, the right nutrients, and steady thyroid support, things can and often do improve.