Low Thyroid Hair Loss Seasons ?

Is there such a thing as low thyroid hair loss season? Before we answer that question, let us clarify what is meant by low thyroid or hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland, the butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the throat,no longer produce enough of the hormones it is supposed to produce that tell the body to get up and go.

Thyroid gland produces a hormone that regulates the metabolism (the pace of our body's processes) and is vital to brain development. Main symptoms of hypothyroidism (low thyroid) include cramps, hair loss, tiredness, muscle weakness, constipation, a slow heart rate, and dry and flaky skin.

It is estimated that low thyroid affects between six million and seven million Americans, and, according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinlogists, half of these cases are undiagnosed.

Studies have estimated that one out of every 50 women has hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Scientists still don't know what causes hypothyroidism, but many link it to a lack of iodine deficiency, which is found in dairy products, seafood, and some table salt. In developed countries, it is said to be due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis - named after the doctor who described this condition in 1912: Dr Hakaru Hashimoto. This condition, which is also called autoimmune or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, refers to an inflammation of the thyroid gland following attacks (on the thyroid) by antibodies made by the body’s immune system, an infection, or due to certain medications.

A low thyroid, or an underactive thyroid, can be diagnosed with a simple blood test and treated with a once-a-day hormone pill.

Now, 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. Many people erroneously believe that hair is a "dead thing", but that is incorrect. The hair roots are definitely alive and we need to feed it with vitamins and minerals to make them shine and healthy. Hence, the best thing to do is help our roots with necessary nutritional elements and plan ahead.

Experts have long known that thyroid anomalies affect hair; yet, despite this, some doctors will not prescribe medication to patients if their only symptom of a thyroid problem is hair loss.

But if you're experiencing hair loss and are just starting treatment for a hypothyroid condition, it's very likely that the loss will slow down, and eventually stop, once hormone levels are stabilized and in the normal range. However, the stablization may only be attained only after a few months of treatment. Nonetheless, it is very rare, if at all, that people will lose all his or her hair, or became bald, due to thyroid disease.

Back to the question of low thyroid hair loss season. Now, it is often mentioned that spring and autumn are periods for hair renewal. Yes, climate change and variations in temperatures definitely influence our body. In fact, it is said that we may shed up to 25% of our hair in the fall and winter.

So, in a nutshell, there is such as a thing as hair loss season. But there is no such thing as a low thyroid season.

Continue reading - Will hypothyroidism cause hair loss ?