You’ve been noticing more hair in your brush or on the shower floor, and it’s understandably worrying. While many factors can contribute to hair thinning, one potential culprit you might not have considered is your thyroid. If you’ve also been feeling unusually anxious, experiencing a racing heart, or losing weight without trying, there could be a connection. The answer to whether hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss is a definite yes.
Hyperthyroidism, a condition where your thyroid gland is overactive, creates a hormonal imbalance that can significantly disrupt your natural hair growth cycle. This imbalance doesn’t just affect the hair on your head; you might notice thinning eyebrows or body hair as well. The good news is that this type of hair loss is often temporary and manageable once the underlying thyroid issue is addressed.
How Your Thyroid Affects Your Hair Follicles
Think of your thyroid hormone as a master regulator for your metabolism, including the rate at which your hair grows. When you have too much of this hormone, it pushes your hair follicles into the resting phase too quickly. This means that more hairs than usual are preparing to fall out, leading to a condition called telogen effluvium. Instead of shedding the typical 50-100 hairs a day, you might see a much more noticeable amount, often appearing as a general thinning all over your scalp.
What You Can Do to Support Hair Regrowth
Seeing a doctor for a proper diagnosis is the most important first step. They can perform a simple blood test to check your thyroid levels. The primary goal of treatment is to restore your thyroid hormone levels to normal, which is the single biggest factor in stopping the hair loss and allowing for regrowth.
While your thyroid is being stabilized, you can support your hair’s health by eating a balanced diet rich in iron, zinc, and vitamins. Be gentle with your hair—avoid tight hairstyles, excessive heat styling, and harsh chemical treatments that can cause more breakage. It’s also helpful to manage stress, as it can further contribute to hair shedding. Remember, patience is key. It can take several months after your thyroid levels are normal for you to see a noticeable reduction in shedding and new hair beginning to grow back.
A Note on Hope and Healing
Dealing with hair loss can be an emotional experience, but it’s comforting to know that for most people with hyperthyroidism, this is a temporary side effect. By working closely with your healthcare provider and taking good care of yourself, you are creating the best possible environment for your hair to recover. The journey back to healthy hair is a process, but with consistent treatment and a little time, you will likely see positive changes.