Is my thyroid disorder causing my hair loss?

This article is also available in Polish.

Introduction

Abnormal hormones are often blamed for the loss of scalp hair though, perhaps surprisingly, they are responsible for just a small minority of instances of this distressing symptom. Many different conditions can lead to hair loss; some hair loss is part of normal life. Women after childbirth and at the time of the menopause can lose hair and almost every man will lose some hair by the time of reaching adulthood. Elderly males and females will develop baldness of various degrees, which is largely determined by genetic factors.

Human scalp hair does not grow continuously. Every hair follicle (the unit of hair production) undergoes phases of growth, during which hair lengthens, followed by a period of rest (the telogen phase). During telogen, the hair is shed and replaced by new hair. In some animals this process is synchronised; that is why dogs lose a lot of hair at the same time or 'moult'. Human hair growth is not coordinated in the same way, so at any one time, different hair follicles are at different stages of their growth cycle. So, it is normal to have some ongoing continuous hair loss, which usually is balanced by new hair growth. One of the commonest causes of hair loss is called 'telogen effluvium.' This can be triggered by any severe illness, for instance pneumonia or a major operation. The stress of the illness causes all hair follicles to go into their resting phase and hair growth temporarily ceases. Because the human hair cycle is long (several months), the hair loss may not become apparent for several months, by which time the person will have recovered from their illness. Such hair loss also coincides with new hair beginning to regrow and therefore the hair loss is transient.

Hair loss and thyroid disease

Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse. Regrowth is usual with successful treatment of the thyroid disorder, though it will take several months and may be incomplete. It is unusual for mild (e.g. subclinical) hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, or short-lived thyroid problems to cause hair loss.

Some forms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism come on abruptly and are diagnosed early, while others may have been present for months or years before diagnosis. Hair loss due to thyroid disease becomes apparent several months after the onset of thyroid disease. This is due to the long hair cycle. In such cases, paradoxically the hair loss may follow the treatment for the thyroid and the thyroid medication may be erroneously blamed, leading to the withdrawal of treatment, which in turn may worsen the hair loss.

Hair loss and antithyroid treatment

Antithyroid drugs (carbimazole and propylthiouracil) can, in rare cases, cause diffuse hair loss. It may be very difficult to tell whether the hair loss is due to the effects of the previous overactivity of the thyroid or the anti-thyroid drugs. In all probability, the antithyroid drugs are not the cause and it is unusual to have to seek alternative treatment for hyperthyroidism. Radioiodine does not cause hair loss.

Hair loss associated with autoimmune thyroid disease

Most people with hypo- or hyperthyroidism have autoimmune thyroid disease. If a person has one autoimmune disease he/she is more likely than others to develop some other autoimmune condition. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss that occurs in people with autoimmune thyroid disease more often than expected by chance. Unlike the types of diffuse hair loss described above, alopecia areata causes discrete, often circular, areas of hair loss. In most cases, this is transient and does not progress, but unfortunately, it can cause significant baldness. There are other rare autoimmune conditions that can cause hair loss through scarring (e.g. lupus erythematosus), which are associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is also associated with autoimmune thyroid disease and may manifest as diffuse hair loss; other features are irregular periods, obesity and acne.

Investigations for hair loss

If you are experiencing hair loss and it is enough to cause concern, you should seek advice from your GP. It is unusual for thyroid disease to cause hair loss without other symptoms of an over- or underactive thyroid. Your doctor will decide if it is appropriate for you to have additional tests to exclude other causes of diffuse hair loss such as iron deficiency. There are also rarer causes of hair loss, which your GP may feel are worth excluding. Sometimes a referral to a skin specialist is required in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

What can I do?

Most cases of scalp and eyebrow hair loss caused by thyroid disorders are temporary, but it may take several months for the medication to stimulate your hair to regrow. Try to be patient as regrowth can be unpredictable, and be aware that new hair may differ in texture and colour.

It helps to know you're not alone, and that it is usual to feel a psychological impact of hair loss. If you've lost your hair, even temporarily, life will be easier if you can accept what's happened, focus on all your positive qualities and, if necessary, enhance your altered appearance.

Talk to your loved one, friends and family. Join a support group that shares stories and information such as Alopecia UK.

It is well worth reading the NHS coping tips for hair loss.

Don't be taken in by miracle cures, and be aware that the problem may not be associated with your thyroid. Get advice from your doctor or specialist. NHS Choices gives information of the various causes of hair loss and treatments endorsed by the British Association of Dermatologists. The British Association of Dermatologists also provides patient information leaflets on alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia.

Some people feel better disguising or covering up hair loss with wigs, hair extensions, scarves or make-up. You may be eligible for help on the NHS.

Listen to tips from qualified and experienced hairdressers.

Avoid using hair straighteners or braiding as this puts traction on already frail hair. Use wide-tooth brushes or combs.

Take care in washing, treating and grooming your hair. Be wary of home-use products, and use recommended professional products for dye, highlights and conditioning. Although caffeine-containing shampoos are popular they are not useful.

Certain 'hair supplements' should be avoided as they may contain iodine or interfere with levothyroxine absorption. Avoid products high in iodine (such as kelp) and 'thyroid support products' as they can be dangerous and cause either underactivity of the thyroid (hypothyroidism) or in some cases overactivity (hyperthyroidism).

Only take iodine supplements if recommended by your GP or hospital consultant. Preferably have a varied and healthy diet, with calcium-rich foods and/or supplements taken 4 hours apart from your levothyroxine dose. Discuss this with your pharmacist if in any doubt.

Can biotin help hair re-growth?

Biotin (also known as vitamin B7) is found in small amounts in foods including egg yolks, liver, nuts and seeds, salmon, avocadoes and sweet potatoes. It is often recommended for promoting hair and nail strength. Although the benefits are anecdotal it is contained in many cosmetic products, as well as in multivitamin tablets. The daily recommended intake of biotin for an adult is 30mcg but many biotin supplements marketed for cosmetic reasons contain much higher doses, ranging from 5,000mcg to 10,000mcg. Thyroid patients should be aware that these mega doses of biotin can result in false TSH, FT4 and FT3 levels giving a reading which suggests an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). If you are taking biotin supplements to promote hair growth, the American Thyroid Association advises avoiding biotin supplements at least a couple of days before having blood tests to minimise the risk of a false reading. It is also advisable to let your doctor know you have been taking these, or any other supplements.

Patient support groups

Alopecia UK
Alopecia Help & Advice (Scotland)
British Skin Foundation

NHS Choices

Hairloss and causes of hairloss 
Coping tips

With thanks to the following medical professionals who helped with this article

• Dr Petros Perros, Consultant Endocrinologist, Newcastle 
• John Hunter, Emeritus Professor of Dermatology, University of Edinburgh
• Prof Mark Strachan, Consultant Endocrinologist, Edinburgh
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  More information on living with thyroid disorders is available here. Many patients also find our network of volunteer telephone contacts and local support groups a valuable resource.

  
  
  

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