Female hair loss can have many causes, such as stress, poor nutrition or hormonal changes. However, one often overlooked cause is problems with the thyroid, or thyroid disease.
The thyroid is a gland located in the back of the neck. It is an endocrine gland, which means that it secretes its hormones directly into the bloodstream. The thyroid is responsible for the speed at which the body uses energy and makes proteins, as well as controlling how sensitive the body is to other hormones.
If the thyroid malfunctions, it can cause either hyperthyroidism (overactive) or hypothyroidism (underproduction). Either of these conditions can cause female hair loss or thinning as a secondary symptom, with other symptoms including weight gain, sensitivity to temperature, fatigue and dry, itchy skin.
If you have noticed your hair thinning or falling out, and you think it’s due to a thyroid problem, you must take the following steps:
• See your GP
• Consult or get yourself referred to a dermatologist
• Check that your hair loss isn’t being caused my thyroid medication you are already taking
• Make sure you aren’t being undertreated
• Find out about any nutritional deficiencies which could be making your condition worse
• Consider alternative hair replacement treatments to cover thinning or balding patches