Is a Thyroid Condition Causing my Female Hair Loss?

This question comes from a member of our hair loss social community and discussion forums:

I’m a female who was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism or “low thyroid” function. I’ve been experiencing hair loss and hair thinning for the past few years as well, and I’m wondering if this could be related to my thyroid problem? Can thyroid conditions cause hair loss? What can be done about this?

The thyroid is a very important endocrine organ. It is responsible for producing thyroid hormone, which helps determine the body’s metabolism and energy regulation. Thyroid hormone affects everything from heart rate to body weight, and, because of this, incorrect levels of thyroid hormone in the blood cause a variety of issues. These issues include: hair drying, hair thinning, and hair loss.

Knowing this, it is clear that a thyroid problem could be related to your hair loss. However, it is important to understand that female hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors. Because of this, you should likely be evaluated by an endocrinologist; specifically, an endocrinologist who deals with endocrine/hormonal alopecia.

Nearly any derangement of thyroid hormone (too much, too little, incorrect timing, etc) can result in hair thinning and hair loss. An endocrinologist familiar with female hair loss should be able to evaluate your thyroid and determine whether it is the hormone levels or a different issue that is causing the hair loss. If you are still experiencing thinning after the thyroid problem is managed, your doctor may then recommend proven female hair loss treatments.
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Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning

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