THYROID AND HAIR LOSS. ARE THEY CONNECTED?

Our hair is one of the most precious parts of our body that can tell a lot about our health. One of the very common conditions associated with dry and lifeless hair is an underactive or overactive thyroid gland.

Did you know that an imbalance in the thyroid hormones can cause hair loss?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland in front of the neck just below the Adams apple. It is an endocrine gland secreting the hormones Thyroxine (T3) and Triiodothyronine (T4). The T3 and T4 help control the metabolism and the amount of energy required by different systems in the body. It is mostly seen to affect women, though men, children and others can be affected as well. Since it affects various parts of the body, a slight imbalance will cause the whole body to go out of sync.

Functions of Thyroid Hormones:

• Regulate energy levels and reproduction of cells
• Control metabolism
• Control the way you burn your calories
• Brain development
• Mood
• Controls heart rate
• Muscle control

Types of Thyroid Disorders

1. Hypothyroidism: It is a condition arising out of an underactive thyroid gland functioning at a slower rate. Iodine deficiency is the main cause of hypothyroidism.

   Hypothyroidism symptoms include:

   • Fatigue
   • Depression
   • Weight gain
   • Constipation
   • joint and muscle pain and cramps
   • Dry itchy hair
   • Dry skin
   • Lack of concentration
   • Forgetfulness
   • Hair loss
   • Enlarged thyroid gland or Goitre
   • Elevated cholesterol levels


2. Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland speeds up the body’s metabolism. It is caused by Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition, wherein the immune system attacks the thyroid thereby increasing the production of T3 and T4.

   Hyperthyroidism symptoms include:

   • Irritability
   • Anxiety
   • Diarrhoea
   • Persistent thirst
   • Increased sweating
   • Missed or irregular periods
   • Hyper active
   • Weight loss
   • Hair thinning
   • Excess loss of hair
   • Mood swings
   • Palpitations
   • Insomnia
   • Dry eyes
   • Sensitivity to light

How To Combat Thyroid Induced Hair Loss

Vitamin C
If taken on a regular basis it can enhance the immunity of your body. Drinking a glass of lemon juice on an empty stomach in the morning will help.

Vitamin E
It is very beneficial for the hair. It combats hair loss and promotes its growth.

Improve protein intake
A better protein level can help you handle your thyroid malfunctioning effectively. Include nuts, legumes and cottage cheese in your diet for protein.

Oats
Oats are a rich source of soluble fibre, vitamin B and amino acids. Include essential fatty acids in your diet

Regular exercise
If you are obese or overweight you are definitely under the thyroid scanner. Start exercising as it helps you lose weight, stay fit and even balance your thyroid keeping your hair fall to the minimum.

Also read https://www.drbatras.ae/can-thyroid-cause-hair-fall

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga balances the hormone levels in the body.

Certain hair supplements containing Iodine should be avoided as they may interfere with the Levothyroxine absorption.

Some multivitamins and cough syrups may contain iodine, hence please be careful what you consume.

Check and correct the body’s iron levels.

Treatment For Hair Loss Arising Due To Thyroid

Hair loss triggered by thyroid can be treated by following a combination of treatment methods. However it is essential that you identify the root cause and assess the damage before relying on a particular treatment. This is where homeopathy can help. Homeopathic medicines for hair loss and thyroid are completely natural and free from side-effects. It is a temporary condition which can be easily reversed. Mild forms of thyroid disorders generally do not cause hair loss or thinning, however if medications are taken timely this will help to restore the normal thyroid levels back.