Hair loss treatment: Treating an under or overactive thyroid might boost hair growth

When a person has either of these health conditions, and it’s not treated, hair loss can occur all over the scalp. Spareness becomes the norm, but regrowth is possible with thyroid treatment. “Hair loss becomes apparent several months after the onset of thyroid disease,” said the charity. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, secretes two hormones into the bloodstream: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

TSH would then active the thyroid gland to secrete more T3 and T4 into the bloodstream.

When there’s too many T3 and T4 hormones circulating in the bloodstream, then the pituitary gland will sense this.

As a result, the pituitary gland would stop secreting TSH so that the thyroid gland reduces its secretion of T3 and T4 hormones.

People who suffer from a thyroid issue are likely to have an autoimmune thyroid disease called Graves’ disease.

“Try to be patient as regrowth can be unpredictable, and be aware that new hair may differ in texture and colour,” said the British Thyroid Foundation.

Due to the long hair growth cycle, hair loss may seemingly follow treatment of thyroid disease.

However, if thyroid medication is erroneously blamed – when in reality, it’s because of the thyroid disease – some people may be tempted to stop treatment.

This would be a mistake as it can worsen hair loss in the long term; it’s better to stick with treatment and eventually hair regrowth can emerge.

For more information on thyroid disease please visit the British Thyroid Foundation.