You’ve been noticing more hair in your brush or the shower drain lately, and it’s starting to feel concerning. It’s a frustrating experience that can leave you searching for answers. One of the most common underlying causes for this kind of diffuse hair loss is a thyroid imbalance. The short answer is yes, thyroid issues are a very frequent culprit behind hair thinning and loss.
Your thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ in your neck, acts as your body’s master control for metabolism. When it’s not functioning correctly—producing either too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism)—it can disrupt the natural growth cycle of your hair. This disruption pushes a large number of hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to shedding that feels far from normal.
How Your Thyroid Affects Your Hair Follicles
Think of your hair growth in three phases: a growing phase, a transitional phase, and a resting phase before the hair falls out. Thyroid hormones are directly involved in initiating and maintaining the growth phase. When these hormone levels are off, it’s like a miscommunication at the factory. The hair follicles get stuck or prematurely enter the resting and shedding phase. This type of hair loss is usually not in isolated patches but is a general thinning all over your scalp.
What Thyroid-Related Hair Loss Often Looks Like
Unlike some forms of hair loss, thyroid-related thinning tends to be uniform. You might notice your ponytail is thinner, your part looks wider, or your hair simply lacks its usual volume. It can also affect other body hair, including eyebrows, and sometimes makes hair feel dry, brittle, and coarse. This change in texture is a common clue that points toward a thyroid problem rather than other causes.
Steps You Can Take to Support Your Hair
If you suspect your thyroid is the issue, the most important step is to speak with your doctor. A simple blood test can check your thyroid hormone levels. The good news is that once you begin treatment to correct the imbalance—typically with medication—your hair cycle can often recover. Be patient, as it can take several months for the shedding to stop and new growth to become visible.
In the meantime, handle your hair gently. 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 hair needs to regrow strong and healthy.
While seeing your hair thin can be distressing, it’s helpful to know that for many, it’s a temporary symptom of a manageable condition. By addressing the root thyroid issue and giving your body time to heal, you can often welcome back healthier hair.