If you’ve been noticing more hair in your brush or thinning patches on your scalp, you might be wondering what’s behind the change. It’s a common and often distressing experience. One of the key systems in your body that can significantly impact hair health is your thyroid gland. So, to answer the pressing question: yes, a thyroid condition can absolutely be a primary cause of hair loss.
Your thyroid acts as your body’s master control for metabolism, and that includes the growth cycle of your hair follicles. When your thyroid hormone levels are out of balance—either too high (hyperthyroidism) or too low (hypothyroidism)—it can disrupt this natural cycle. The result is often a condition called telogen effluvium, where an unusually large number of hairs are pushed into the resting and shedding phase at the same time.
How Your Thyroid Affects Your Hair Follicles
Think of your thyroid hormones as the fertilizer for your hair’s growth garden. With hypothyroidism, there isn’t enough fertilizer. Hair growth slows to a crawl, and strands become dry, brittle, and more prone to falling out. With hyperthyroidism, there’s an overabundance of fertilizer, which can overwhelm the system. This speeds up the hair cycle so much that hair doesn’t have time to grow strong and instead sheds prematurely. In both cases, the disruption leads to diffuse thinning all over the scalp, rather than a single bald spot.
What Thyroid-Related Hair Loss Feels Like
This type of hair loss often goes beyond just the hair on your head. You might notice that the outer third of your eyebrows is thinning or becoming sparse. Your hair might feel drier, coarser, or more fragile than usual. The shedding is typically not localized but spread across your entire scalp, making your ponytail feel thinner or your part look wider.
Steps You Can Take to Support Hair Regrowth
The most important step is to speak with your doctor. Proper diagnosis and treatment for your thyroid condition is the foundation for recovery. Once your hormone levels are stabilized with medication, the hair growth cycle can often reset itself. This takes patience, as it can be several months before you see a noticeable improvement.
In the meantime, be gentle with your hair. Avoid tight hairstyles, excessive heat styling, and harsh chemical treatments. Eating a balanced diet rich in iron, zinc, and vitamins can also provide the building blocks your body needs to grow strong, healthy hair again.
While it can be a slow process, the good news is that thyroid-related hair loss is usually reversible. By addressing the root cause and giving your body the support it needs, you can pave the way for your hair to return to its former health.