Will Hypothyroidism Cause Hair Loss ?

Will hypothyroidism cause hair loss ? Well, one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism (an under active thyroid) is hair loss. To some people, hair loss (the medical term is alopecia) represents the worst symptom of their thyroid problem - the thinning hair, large amounts falling out in the shower or sink, often accompanied by changes in the hair's texture, making it dry, coarse, or easily tangled.

But there is no consistent correlation between the degree and duration of hypothyroidism and the severity of hair loss. Diffuse alopecia may sometimes be the first or only sign of hypothyroidism. The hair loss in such cases is diffused.

There are three common types of hair loss. General shedding of hair is typically hair lost throughout the head. In general shedding of hair, there are no specific patches of hair loss or even baldness. The usual case is noticing more hair in drains and in the shower, or in hair brushes. Typically, with hypothyroidism prior to treatment, this is the most common form of hair loss. Occasionally, it (hair loss) may continue for some people even after hypothyroidism treatment.

The second type of hair loss is commonly associated with fungal infection or autoimmune alopecia. Circular patches of hair loss develops, and in some cases, there is complete loss of hair in these patches. These type of alopecia should be evaluated by a dermatologist because it is not particularly associated with thyroid dysfunction.

The third type of alopecia is male pattern hair loss - it happens mostly to men, but women can get it too. Male pattern hair loss is concentrated on the temples and top of the head. The cause of this problem is due to an enzyme which converts the hormone testosterone on the scalp to dihydrotestosterone. This causes hair follicles to shrink and then they disappear. Ironically, this conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone seems to speed up in some patients with treated hypothyroidism.

Shedding 50 to 100 hairs a day is considered normal. When a hair is shed, it is replaced by a new hair from the same follicle located just beneath the skin surface. Scalp hair grows about one-half inch a month.

Research is currently being carried out to determine whether the application of triiodothyronine (T3) - which is the thyroid hormone most likely to affect the hair follicles - can counteract hair loss. T3 was given to soldiers during the second world war for the healing of wounds.

To prevent hair loss due to hypothyroidism, some doctors and pharmacists prescribe taking Saw Palmetto as it is considered a thyroid tonic. If hypothyroidism cause hair loss in you, do give zinc a try also as it has the ability to boost thyroid function. It is said to be especially beneficial for those who have brittle or thinning hair as a result of hypothyroidism.

An important point to remember if you ever wonder will hypothyroidism cause hair loss is that it can cause more damage than mere hair loss. Studies have found that if someone has it and they are pregnant, then the chances of giving births to children with low IQs is magnified by four folds. So get the disorder treated if you are pregnant.

Continue reading - Can oily scalp cause hair loss ?