Does Hypothyroidism Cause Hair Loss?

Hypothyroidism is caused due to lack of thyroid hormone in the body. The condition can be caused by variety of things including autoimmune disease wherein the body’s immune system targets the thyroid gland, iodine deficiency or it could be also due to surgical remove of the thyroid gland.

Thyroid hormones are very important for the body since they play keyrole in body’s metabolism and all bodily systems, cell growth and absorbing nutrients from the body and utilizing them to release energy depend upon the thyroid hormones. When such hormones are less than required, body gets disturbed in its metabolism and so in almost all the systems.

Many people with hypothyroidism complain about rapid hair loss and this becomes very distressing symptom. Hair loss may come in the form of eventually thinning of the hair, large chunks of hair falling out at once or it could be just a change in the texture of the hair making it to become dry, brittle and coarse and finally fall. Hypothyroidism gives raise to hair loss because in this condition, the metabolism is slower down in scalp follicles and that leads to a decrease in hair strength and so in quality. This entire theory ultimately ends in releasing the hair from its root or follicle.

Hair loss can be treated effectively once the condition of hypothyroidism is under controlled by any therapy. Treating hypothyroidism is undoubtedly the first step towards preventing the hair loss in an individual. Luckily, there are many ways to treat the hypothyroidism condition. There are many drugs that restore the thyroid gland function. Treatment must be maintained for a longer period (generally throughout the life). However, treatment of the hypothyroidism may not always result in re-growth of the hair.

However, hypothyroidism is not the only condition that can cause hair loss in an individual but if the thyroid gland is under controlled and still there is a hair loss, one must think of some other reasons. Hair loss, if not hereditary caused, may be signal of something ‘unfair’ with the body and one should pay an attention to it.

There are many ways to prevent hair loss even in hypothyroidism. One of them is using some herbs that carry great nutrients for hair growth. Eclipta and Indian gooseberry are proven to prevent hair loss and to prevent premature graying of the hair. However, whatever the treatment is adopted for preventing the hair loss, one should be careful that that formula should not interact with thyroid treatment pills.

There are many other hair loss products readily available in the market having great combination that can tighten the hair roots by nourishing them. The hair becomes thick and there are fewer chances for them to get brittle and fall. Unfortunately, some of the thyroid hormone replacement drugs can also cause hair loss in some people and then it becomes difficult to control hair falling. It could be the side effect of the drug but thyroid supplements are to be continued. Herbal treatment such as using Evening Primrose Oil that is known for its inhibiting property of the production of dihydrotestosterone in hair follicles can help preventing hair falls.

Read more about How to exercise with hypothyroidism?

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