Thyroid Problems Can Cause Hair Loss: Here's Why and How to Treat It
Here at the Chicago Hair Institute, we take great care in determining and implementing the ideal hair loss treatment for our patients. While surgical treatments prove quite effective, we will also be sure to consider non-surgical options for patients based on the cause of their hair loss.
We've received a fair number of questions about hair loss caused by thyroid conditions. Let's consider these matters in more detail right now.
About the Thyroid
The thyroid is a gland that is located in the frontal area of a person's neck. The thyroid is key for producing hormones that regulate your body's metabolism. Thyroid disorders affect your thyroid's ability to function properly, disrupting hormone production and causing a host of different symptoms as a result of changed hormone levels.
Some causes of thyroid conditions include systemic conditions such as Graves' disease and Hashimoto's disease as well as exposure to iodine and lithium.
Reasons Why the Thyroid Causes Hair Loss
One of the more common symptoms of thyroid conditions is hair loss. When hormone levels get thrown off, it causes your hair follicles to progress or remain at a resting phase rather than a growth phase, leading to thinning hair and even general balding. The patient’s remaining hair may be noticeably fine or dry as a result of the thyroid issue.
Other Symptoms of Thyroid Conditions
Other symptoms associated with thyroid problems include the following:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Insomnia
- Frequent fatigue
- Weight fluctuations
- Abnormal menstrual cycle
- Muscle pain
- Muscle weakness
- Dry skin
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Problems with memory and concentration
If you should notice any of these symptoms occurring in combination with one another, be sure to speak with your physician right away.
Treatment Options for Thyroid Conditions
The ideal treatment option for a thyroid condition generally involves the use of medications in order to help regulate and improve the hormone levels in your body. The positive effects of these medications should begin to show after a few weeks, with patients noticing a reduction in the severity or number of symptoms they've experienced.
Is restoration surgery necessary for thyroid condition hair loss?
No.
With proper treatment and using medications as directed, patients should notice an improvement in hair growth and hair thickness after a few months. Surgery would be an unnecessary expenditure simply given the nature of hair loss related to thyroid conditions.
Temporary Non-Surgical Solutions for Thyroid Problem Hair Loss
If a person has experienced significant hair loss as a result of a thyroid condition, non surgical medications such as Rogaine or Propecia may be ideal options to improve hair thickness, though this varies from patient to patient.
During a consultation at our practice, we can help you understand all of your treatment options for hair loss and hair thinning related to thyroid conditions and other health and wellness issues.
Schedule a Consultation at the Chicago Hair Institute
To learn more about the causes of hair loss and what can be done to address such matters, it's important that you contact our hair loss surgery and restoration center today. The team at the Chicago Hair Institute looks forward to your visit and giving you the information you need to make a smart decision about your hair restoration options.
