Hair Loss

The thyroid hormone regulates hair follicles, as it does other cells. Hair follicles are particularly vulnerable to low thyroid levels than other tissues because they include stem cells with a short lifetime and fast turnover. Hair follicles cease renewing when thyroid hormone levels are low, resulting in hair loss. When the thyroid problem is corrected, this usually improves. In one research, around 25-30% of people who saw a specialist for hair loss were shown to have insufficient thyroid hormone. This jumped to 40% among people over the age of 40.

Another study found that hypothyroidism can cause hair coarsening in up to 10% of those with low thyroid hormone. Consider hypothyroidism if you notice sudden changes in the pace or pattern of your hair loss, especially if it becomes spotty or coarser. Other hormonal issues might also result in sudden hair loss. Your doctor can help you determine whether your hair loss is cause for concern.