Thyroid conditions are one of the most underdiagnosed culprits of hair loss, hair thinning and reduced hair growth. The good news is hair loss resulting from a problem with your thyroid gland is not permanent, and can be reversed using the appropriate treatment and medications.

During a Consultation at one of our Clinics, our Trichologists will investigate all factors that could be affecting your hair. We often request blood tests, including a thyroid profile where relevant, to bring to light any thyroid issues, which we will then discuss with you. We can help your hair improve, alongside treatment from a relevant medical specialist, usually an endocrinologist (hormone specialist).

What is the Thyroid?

Your thyroid is a gland in your neck that regulates your metabolism, digestive system and heart rate, among other things. Its functioning can be affected by many factors, including nutritional deficiencies, pregnancy or menopause. Thyroid issues can also be genetic, or caused by medications you are taking, and/or partly due to an underlying condition.

Why is Thyroid Function Important to Your Hair?

Having either hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can limit your body’s production of hair cells, which can cause hair loss, hair thinning or reduced hair growth. Thyroid dysfunction can also be associated with low iron levels, which in turn can also adversely affect hair growth (see our section on iron for more information).

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are easily diagnosed by low or high thyroid readings in blood test results. However, readings just within the normal range (such as high-normals and low-normals) should also be looked at if you are experiencing hair loss. Please consult with both your doctor and a Philip Kingsley Trichologist if you are concerned.

Thyroid Conditions

Two common thyroid diseases are Hashimoto’s (hypothyroidism) and Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism). Hair loss is just one of the symptoms of these. You would expect to experience one or more of the below symptoms if this is responsible for your hair loss:

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism:

• High blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat
• Increased sweating / heat intolerance
• Insomnia
• Nervousness, agitation, anxiety
• Weight loss (despite increased appetite)
• Increased bowel movements
• Bulging eyes
• Increased hair shedding

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:

• Slower pulse
• Tiredness / lethargy
• Depression
• Hoarse voice
• Intolerance to cold
• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Dry skin
• Some loss of eyebrow hair
• Thinner and dryer hair

If you are experiencing a combination of any of these symptoms, we suggest consulting with your doctor.

What are the Treatments for Hair Loss due to Thyroid Issues?

At Philip Kingsley, our experts have designed specialised, hand-made hair care products to combat hair loss as a result of thyroid issues.
If your Trichologist suspects that thyroid dysfunction is the reason behind your hair loss, we will refer you to your GP or endocrinologist. Many medications that treat thyroid disorders exist, but they are only available on prescription.
Once your thyroid is being treated by your doctor, we can then help. We will also be able to consult with your other specialists to establish the best treatment course for both your body and your hair.