If you’ve noticed more hair in your brush or a thinning ponytail, you might be wondering what’s going on. For many people, the root of the problem lies with a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck: the thyroid. When your thyroid isn’t functioning correctly, it can send your entire body, including your hair growth cycle, out of balance. Recognizing the specific signs can be the first step toward finding a solution.
The Pattern of Thyroid-Related Hair Loss
Unlike typical male or female pattern baldness, thyroid-related hair loss often has a more diffuse pattern. This means you probably won’t see a single bald spot. Instead, you might notice a general thinning all over your scalp. Your hair may feel less dense, and you might see more of your scalp than usual, especially under bright light. It’s not just the hair on your head, either; the outer third of your eyebrows can also become sparse or thin out.
Changes in Your Hair’s Texture and Strength
It’s not just about how much hair you’re losing, but also the quality of the hair that remains. An underactive or overactive thyroid can change your hair’s very structure. You might find that your hair has become dry, brittle, and coarse. It may lack its usual shine and feel more difficult to manage. This happens because the thyroid hormone disruption interferes with the regeneration process at the hair follicle, leading to weaker hair that breaks easily.
What You Can Do About It
Seeing this kind of change can be worrying, but there is hope. The most important action you can take is to speak with a healthcare provider. They can perform simple blood tests to check your thyroid levels. Once you have a proper diagnosis and begin treatment to balance your thyroid hormones, your hair growth cycle can often recover. Be patient, as it can take several months for hair to begin regrowing and for you to see a noticeable improvement.
Noticing unusual hair loss can be a signal from your body that something is off. By paying attention to the pattern and texture changes, you can have a more informed conversation with your doctor. With the right medical support, you can address the underlying thyroid issue and help your hair return to a healthier state.