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 ?
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