People often assume that female hair loss is caused by a hereditary condition or as a side-effect of medication, but there are actually many other causes. One of the most overlooked is the thyroid gland, which can play all sorts of havoc with different parts of the body should it under or over perform.
Hair loss can often by a symptom of a thyroid problem, but diagnosing which one can be tricky. This is why you should visit your GP for a formal diagnosis as soon as you notice any problems with hair loss or hair thinning.
What is the thyroid?
The thyroid is an endocrine gland found in the neck. It is responsible for regulating how quickly the body uses energy and makes proteins, and it also controls how sensitive the body is to other hormones.
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
Two of the most common thyroid disorders that can cause hair loss are hyperthyroidism, where the gland is overactive, and hypothyroidism, which means that the thyroid is underactive. It is possible for a person to experience one of these conditions followed by the other, depending on whether they are over or under treated.