Thyroid and hair growth. Thyroid gland and hair loss: causes, treatment, consequences

Date: 26.06.2020

Hair and skin often act as indicators through which to assess the state of the body. Disruption of the work of internal systems and organs is reflected in the external integuments of the body. Therefore, the thyroid gland and hair loss are often interrelated.

Interconnection

The thyroid gland synthesizes several hormones that take part in the work of all internal systems. Dysfunction of this organ causes serious disruptions, including metabolism.

The thyroid gland synthesizes the production of the following hormones:

Thyroid iodine (thyroxine, triiodothyronine). These hormones are involved in the process responsible for the production of melanin, through which the hair takes on its color.
Calcitonin. Regulates the level of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. The concentration of the hormone calcitonin in pregnant women exceeds the permissible levels, while the woman's condition is assessed as normal.

Thyroxine stimulates cell division, due to which hair grows. Triiodothyronine is involved in processes that slow down the aging of the body.

With pathologies of the thyroid gland, the cycle of renewal of curls is disrupted. Due to hormonal imbalance, the duration of the period in which cells are actively dividing is shortened. As a result, against the background of thyroid diseases, a situation develops when hair that falls out for natural reasons is not replaced by new ones.

Attention! The risk zone for the development of pathologies that cause baldness includes women over 35 years old. However, the appearance of such disorders in people of any gender and age group is possible.

The reasons

The following diseases contribute to the development of alopecia:

Hypothyroidism, characterized by decreased levels of thyroid hormones.
Hyperthyroidism, characterized by increased hormone levels.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism in about 70% is due to autoimmune pathology, the course of which is accompanied by a uniform increase in the thyroid gland. Also, organ dysfunction is explained by infection or toxic damage to local tissues.

The following symptoms indicate the presence of hyperthyroidism:

the appearance of a goiter on the throat, which resembles a large tumor;
a sharp decrease in body weight;
active heartbeat;
decreased vision.

The development of alopecia in hyperthyroidism is explained by the fact that the immune system, in response to toxic or other damage, begins to attack healthy cells in the body. As a result, this leads to the rejection of tissues by the body and loss of curls.

In the event that Graves' disease became the cause of hyperthyroidism, the development of alopecia causes depletion of the follicles. The latter, under the influence of pathology, cease to produce new hair.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism develops as a result of partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland, as well as with autoimmune thyroiditis, when the immune system attacks the tissues that make up the parenchyma of the organ. The impact of these factors leads to irreversible consequences.

The risk group for developing hypothyroidism includes people taking thyreostatics (against diffuse goiter) or not consuming enough iodine.

Hypothyroidism is considered a difficult-to-diagnose pathology. A decrease in the concentration of hormones causes dysfunction of a particular organ, which complicates the detection of the disease.

The clinical picture becomes pronounced with a prolonged course of hypothyroidism:

swelling of the face and limbs;
muscle pain;
weakness and stiffness in the hands;
burning and tingling sensation in the body;
inhibited speech;
feeling of apathy;
change of voice;
hearing problems.

Due to a decrease in hormone levels, blood circulation is impaired. Cells in such conditions are deficient in nutrients, which leads to the gradual death of local tissues. Initially, against the background of hypothyroidism, the hair becomes dry and gray. Subsequently, due to the death of the follicle, the curls fall out.

Be careful! Alopecia caused by hypothyroidism is diffuse. Baldness affects all areas of the head.

Diagnostics

Alopecia is directly treated by a trichologist. However, the scheme of therapeutic intervention for thyroid lesions is selected by the endocrinologist.

If hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism is suspected, the following are prescribed:

a blood test for the level of thyroid hormones;
Ultrasound and scintography of the thyroid gland;
CT, MRI or X-ray.

It is impossible to self-medicate for thyroid pathologies. Taking drugs suitable for eliminating hypothyroidism, with hyperthyroidism, provokes a deterioration in the patient's condition. Treatment tactics should be selected taking into account the nature of the changes. In this case, usually the therapy of pathologies is carried out using specific medications.

Treatment

In the treatment of hypothyroidism, the following are used: Triiodothyronine, L-thyroxine, Euirox.

It is also necessary to correct iodine deficiency through appropriate medications and changes in the daily diet. The patient is advised to consume more seafood and seaweed.

Depending on the nature of the causative factor, the treatment of hypothyroidism is supplemented by the intake of drugs, the action of which is aimed at suppressing the inflammatory process in the tissues of the thyroid gland and restoring the activity of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.

Treatment of hyperthyroidism is aimed at suppressing the secretory activity of the thyroid gland. To do this, appoint a reception:

"Propicina";
"Tyrosol;
"Mercazolila".

In addition to drug therapy, with hyperthyroidism, a special diet is shown, which provides for the inclusion of protein-containing and fatty foods, vitamins in the diet. In extreme cases, when taking medications did not give a positive result, an operation is prescribed to remove part of the thyroid gland.

After the restoration of the functions of the organ, hair growth resumes. To stimulate this process, head massage, physiotherapy procedures, and moisturizing shampoos and masks are used. During rehabilitation, you cannot use hair styling products, hair dryers, curling irons.

Prophylaxis

It is quite difficult to prevent the development of thyroid pathologies, due to the fact that most of them are caused by autoimmune diseases. They develop against a background of genetic predisposition.

Thyroid pathology can be prevented by regularly consuming enough iodine. It is important to include seafood and plant foods in your diet.

Hair loss can be prevented if medications and other treatments have been able to restore thyroid function. Otherwise, the problematic organ is removed. However, the hairline does not disappear completely, provided that the patient is constantly taking drugs that restore the level of thyroid hormones in the body.

Useful videos

Why do women lose their hair. Three tests for hair loss.

Causes of alopecia (baldness) in men and women: hormones, pregnancy, thyroid gland, stress.

Most often, its cause of hair loss (alopecia) is unhealthy diet, vitamin deficiency, stress. It is easy to fix these problems on your own without resorting to the help of doctors. When home remedies do not work, diseases of other systems, in particular, the endocrine system, are usually suspected. Whether hair can fall out due to the thyroid gland depends on the degree of deviations in the organ. Alopecia accompanies both excess hormone secretion and thyroid dysfunction.

The Thyroid Disease and Hair Loss Link

The thyroid gland produces iodine-containing hormones - triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T3 slows down the aging process in cells, which is why hair does not fall out prematurely. Under the influence of T4, the cells of the hair follicle are divided, which leads to an increase in hair length.

Both thyroid hormones are responsible for the production of melanin, the coloring pigment that determines color. With its deficiency, hair turns gray early.

Depending on the pathology that has affected the thyroid gland, it develops:

Hypothyroidism is a decreased production of hormones. It occurs after removal of the thyroid gland, with autoimmune thyroiditis and inflammation of another origin. With an insufficient amount of T3 and T4, hair loss (telomere phase) occurs faster than new growth. The temporal and frontal areas of the head suffer the most, since the hair on them is thinner and more brittle in structure. In other areas of the head and body, alopecia is uniform, the degree of thinning depends on the level of deviation in the hormonal balance.
Hyperthyroidism is the production of hormones above normal. It occurs with diffuse goiter, neoplasms in the thyroid gland. Metabolic processes are accelerated, initially there is an increased hair growth. But their lifespan is shortened, so after a few weeks of thyroid disease, a period of baldness sets in. In the future, the picture is identical to hypothyroidism after an operation to remove the thyroid gland - the body's resources are quickly depleted, there are no more of them left to maintain the hair.

Women suffer from hair loss more often than men - the latter do not notice alopecia or attribute it to age-related changes. Hair problems that don't respond to home remedies are the first sign of serious health problems. Since hair falls out in many diseases, you must first visit an endocrinologist for diagnosis.

The doctor sends a laboratory test to determine the level of hormones in the blood. You will also need to undergo an instrumental examination of the thyroid gland using MRI or ultrasound.

What to do to restore normal hair growth

If the hair falls out due to the thyroid gland, or rather, the disturbed production of hormones by it, the problem can be solved only by an integrated approach. The thyroid gland will have to be treated with hormones to correct the levels of triiodothyronine and thyroxine. At the same time, home and store care products are used that normalize the condition of the remaining hairs.

New hair growth is stimulated by proper nutrition and physiotherapy.

Medication

With hormonal imbalance, thyroid gland treatment is prescribed:

Hormone replacement therapy. It is used for hypothyroidism. Examples of drugs: Eutirox, L-Thyroxine, Levothyroxine. They are taken daily on an empty stomach, the dosage is selected and adjusted by the endocrinologist.
Thyrostatics. Drugs that reduce the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Examples of drugs: Tyrozol, Propicil, Mercazolil.

If hair falls out, drug therapy is not required. As an additional measure, the doctor prescribes multivitamins. It is advisable to take them only if a sufficient amount of substances is not supplied with food due to metabolic disorders.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic effect is a harmless and effective means of stimulating hair growth. The cessation of baldness occurs due to the acceleration of metabolic processes in the scalp. For diseases of the thyroid gland, you can use the following types of exposure:

Electrical. Microcurrent stimulation accelerates blood flow, contributes to the saturation of hair follicles with nutrients. The sebaceous ducts are narrowed, their cleaning and work are normalized, which is important for hypothyroidism.
Laser. Exfoliates dead cells. Due to this, regeneration is accelerated and the activity of hair follicles increases.
Infrared. Used to enhance the effect of nutritional mixtures and masks. Under infrared radiation, the drug particles penetrate deeper into the scalp. The warming effect accelerates blood circulation and awakens dormant follicles.

Physiotherapy has contraindications. These include some diseases of the heart, immune and endocrine systems, cancers of the thyroid gland and other organs, and wounds and rashes in the treatment area.

Therefore, before using physiotherapy courses, be sure to consult with your doctor about the possibility of their use.

Diet

Sick thyroid gland and hair loss are not triggered by nutrition. But its adjustment is necessary for better absorption of drugs and supply of the body with the necessary nutrients. Eliminate the following foods from your diet:

Harmful food - fatty, fried, sweet, spices, canned food, semi-finished products. In hypothyroidism, they lead to excess weight gain. With hyperthyroidism, an increase in body weight does not occur, but the body is wasting energy on assimilating the dishes it does not need.
Caffeinated coffee and energy drinks. This substance disrupts the absorption of hormonal drugs, the effectiveness of therapy decreases.
Soy, spinach, cabbage, turnips, raw or pickled. These products provoke an enlargement of the thyroid gland, so they should not be consumed in case of endocrine problems.

It is imperative to introduce products containing iodine into the diet. These are seaweed and other seafood, as well as iodized salt - it replaces the usual one. Diet should contain more vegetables and fruits, as they contain essential vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber. Fiber is needed to normalize the activity of the gastrointestinal tract and remove the decay products of drugs.

You need to eat in small portions, 5-7 times a day.

Cosmetics

A diseased thyroid gland and hair loss due to this pathology is a reason to choose new care products. In stores and pharmacies, you need to choose cosmetics that are suitable for the budget, hair type, and also cope with the problem of hair loss. It can be:

Shampoos for hair loss (Selencin Hair Therapy, KRKA Fitoval, Pharmalife Italy Rinfoltil). They contain herbal extracts and extracts. When using them, it is necessary to withstand the product on the head for 5-10 minutes after application, massaging the skin under the hair.
Masks (Planeta Organica, Belita-Viteks Argan oil + liquid silk, Natura Siberica Sea buckthorn). They contain the same ingredients, but their concentration is higher than that of shampoos. It is necessary to apply masks 2-3 times a week, keeping them on the head for 15-20 minutes.
Sprays and serums (Alerana, Belita Vitex with burdock, Vichy Derkos Intensive). These products should be applied to clean hair and not rinsed off. They do not affect the condition of the bulb, but prevent breaking off of the hair itself due to its saturation with moisture and keratin.

Before using any cosmetic product, be sure to make sure that there is no allergy. To do this, it is enough to apply a drop of the drug to the bend of the elbow or earlobe.

If there is redness, itching and the temperature of the skin at the treatment site has increased - an individual reaction occurs to the mask or shampoo, it cannot be used.

Homemade masks and compresses

Hair loss in women is treated with homemade masks made from oils, food, and pharmaceutical ingredients. The advantage of masks is that they simultaneously stimulate the growth of new hair and take care of the existing ones. Masks are prepared according to the following recipes:

Beat the egg yolk, add a tablespoon of liquid honey, stir until smooth. The mask is applied for 20-30 minutes, washed off with warm water without adding detergents. Suitable for all hair types.
Grate the onion, squeeze the juice, add 2 tbsp. l. olive oil. Apply the mixture to the hair roots, wrap them with a plastic cap and wrap with a towel. Keep for 20-30 minutes, rinse with warm water and shampoo. Suitable for normal to oily hair, cannot be used for dry hair.
1 tbsp. l. combine homemade sour cream with 1 tsp. castor or burdock oil. Add 1 tsp. lemon juice, mix until smooth. Apply to roots and length of hair, soak under a cap for 20-30 minutes. Wash off with shampoo. Not suitable for oily hair, only normal and dry hair can be treated.

Homemade masks will also need to be tested for allergic reactions. In the absence of it, you can use the recipes 2-3 times a week, combining them with pharmacy or store mixes.

During the treatment and recovery period, it is important to properly care for your hair so as not to injure it. For this:

You need to wash your hair as it gets dirty. Washing too often removes the oil film from the scalp, and dirty hair is a breeding ground for bacteria.
Choose shampoos for hair and other hair care products, focusing on the absence of parabens and silicone in the composition. These components are harmful not only for thyroid diseases, but also for healthy people.
In summer and winter, hair should be hidden under a hat. Cold is just as destructive as exposure to the hot sun. At a low temperature, the vessels of the scalp narrow, slowing down metabolic processes, and at a high temperature, moisture evaporates from the hair too quickly, they become brittle.

Dos and Don'ts for Hair Loss

Hair loss and thyroid problems are good reasons to give up on these things:

Means for fixing hairstyles. Varnishes, mousses, foams have a negative effect on the hair. After styling, the strands get tangled, and when combing, they fall out more than usual.
Curling iron, iron, heat rollers. Heat destroys the hair structure by burning moisture out of it. Strands break off, loss intensifies.
Coloration or discoloration. These treatments are traumatic even for healthy hair. In the absence of a disease, hair after dyeing can be saved with a course of home masks or salon procedures, but in case of problems with the thyroid gland, dyeing or bleaching will lead to even greater hair loss.

With thyroid diseases, hair loss is just one of the signs. It is necessary to consult an endocrinologist when this symptom is accompanied by lethargy and apathy, problems with other systems (digestive, nervous, cardiovascular, reproductive).

Patients with diagnosed hypo- or hyperthyroidism of the thyroid gland should not be skipped medications. Skipping will lead to hormonal imbalances that will cause problems not only with hair, but also with vital systems.

Hormonal disruptions in the body's work in the first place will certainly affect the condition of the skin, nails, hair and general well-being. How hair loss and thyroid gland are connected, we will consider later in the article. It will also cover questions about what the pathology of the thyroid gland is, and how to deal with the process of baldness in case of thyroid disease.

Hormonal disruptions in the body can lead to hair loss

The relationship of hormones to hair loss

The role of the thyroid gland in the body is that it is responsible for the production of hormones, which in turn contribute to the course of vital processes. In case of a failure in its work, deviations in the work of all organs are also observed. Hair also begins to suffer.

With an insufficient amount of hormone production in the body, the following changes in the condition of the hair are observed:

thinning and fragility;
the appearance of early gray hair;
gradual baldness.

Against the background of excessive thyroid work, intensive growth is initially observed, after which hair can fall out in bundles.

Necessary therapy

The drug L-thyroxine will help to replenish the amount of hormones

If hair loss due to the thyroid gland is associated with a deficiency of hormones, then therapy with the use of hormonal drugs containing such therapeutic components as L-thyroxine, eutirox and triiodothyronine can be prescribed.

If hair falls out due to thyroid hyperactivity, then drugs such as Tyrozol, Propicin, Mercazolil, etc. can be prescribed.

Complementary treatment

Thyroid hair loss is a phenomenon inextricably linked to each other. Therefore, if the pathological process of the organ responsible for the production of hormones is not eliminated, baldness simply cannot be avoided. In the early stages of the development of the disease, hormone therapy is indicated, in the later stages - partial removal of the thyroid gland in case of its hyperactivity.

During this period, it is very important to maintain the health of the curls, which continue to fall out intensively. As supportive therapy, the following are prescribed:

taking vitamin complexes;
the use of local drugs;
physiotherapy.

Also, at this time, it is necessary to provide the patient with proper nutrition and limit the use of hair care devices that have an aggressive effect - curling irons, hair dryers, irons, etc.

Vitamins

Revalid quickly gives visible results.

Disease of the thyroid gland, accompanied by intense loss of curls, should also be treated with the help of vitamin complexes, the action of which is aimed at maintaining the protective functions of the body and strengthening the curls.

The most popular drugs include the following multivitamin complexes:

Revalid;
Pantovigar;
Vita Sharm;
Perfectil.

"Revalid" allows you to compensate for the deficiency of essential microelements in the body, eliminate dryness and brittleness of the strands, and also eliminate scalp flaking. Also, the drug prevents the appearance of premature graying. In addition to vitamins and microelements, it contains extracts of millet and wheat germ, which are rich in amino acids. In the period of hair loss against the background of the thyroid, they are especially necessary.

Pantovigar is a complete medicine

"Pantovigar" is also often prescribed for intensive hair loss, when there is not a single curl that has fallen out. The complex contains all the necessary substances for nourishing the strands and strengthening the roots. Long-term use of the drug allows you to restore hair growth.

Vita charm includes all vitamins of group B and A

"Vita Sharm" is considered one of the best vitamin complexes, which is prescribed for diffuse loss. Regular intake of the drug leads to the resumption of the growth of curls and their strengthening. The drug is recommended to be taken for no more than one month.

Perfectil contains vitamins, various trace elements and plant extracts

"Perfectil" provides complete nutrition to damaged and weakened hair due to its active ingredients. The only contraindication to its use is the individual intolerance of the constituent elements.

Before using vitamins, be sure to consult with an endocrinologist. Some of the multivitamin preparations have contraindications for thyroid pathologies.

Firming Serums

Hair serums can be used as a complementary therapy

As additional measures to strengthen curls, medicated shampoos, balms, serums and lotions can be used. The most effective are the last two forms of drug release for external use. The most popular of them are "Rinfoltil", "Fitoval", "Derkos", "Lipoxidil".

"Rinfoltil" is represented by a whole series of remedies for the care of weakened curls. It comes in the form of shampoo, ampoule and lotion. Using shampoo is possible every day, as well as medicated ampoules or lotion. To obtain good results, the treatment is recommended to be carried out for several months.

"Fitoval" is also represented by a whole therapeutic line, which the manufacturer recommends to use in combination for the best effect. The composition of all products includes only natural biocomponents, which determines the complete safety of drugs of this type.

"Derkos" from the "Vichy" company produces therapeutic ampoules, balms and shampoos. To obtain a good effect, the preparations of this line are used for a long time.

Lipoxidil is available in ampoules containing liposomes and oil extracts. Regular use of the drug also allows you to achieve a good result in restoring curls after treating a thyroid disease.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is useful for hair.

Additional therapy is also carried out using physiotherapy in the form of darsonvalization, electrophoresis, laser therapy, etc. Treatment sessions allow you to improve local metabolic processes and start the process of restoring dormant follicles. After completing the full course, which can be up to fifteen procedures, after a while the condition of the hair improves and their growth resumes.

Thyroid gland and hair loss are certainly related. The fact is that, as you know, they mainly consist of protein, and the hormones secreted by the thyroid gland regulate protein processes in the body. Thus, hair loss due to the thyroid gland is the first sign of hormonal imbalance, after which more serious problems associated with the work of internal organs begin.

Thyroid hair loss is usually a must, but what is it? And how exactly do hormones affect it? They are not a monolithic rod, on the contrary, they are composed of ordered flakes. Its root is a follicle located in the thickness of the skin, through which nutrients are supplied to the hair cells. The average life span of a hair is about 3 years, it grows at a rate of 1.5 cm per month. Hair does not age all at once, and replacement occurs only in 10%, no more.

Baldness occurs when this number begins to grow, that is, they begin to fall out more than new ones grow. The cyclicality of a hair's life is strictly defined; anagen - intensive growth, catagen - follicle atrophy, telogen - hair loss with a new one. Hormonal imbalance caused by any disease of the thyroid gland leads to a failure of the established cycle of their lives, resulting in baldness.

How hormones affect hair

Thyroid hormones, synthesized by the thyroid gland, have the following effect on them:

Participate in the synthesis of melanin, which affects hair growth.
The T3 hormone supports the vital functions of the hair follicle.
The T4 hormone is involved in the process of cell division in the hair root.

Thus, a decrease in only one type of hormone can lead to premature hair death. That is, any disease of the thyroid gland, be it a tumor, an infectious disease or physical damage to an organ as a result of trauma, can become the reasons for their loss.

For example, hair loss in women may be due to the use of oral contraceptives containing a synthetic hormone. In some cases, these drugs suppress the thyroid gland.

The causes of baldness can even lie in the wrong diet, because it is known that iodine feeds the thyroid gland, and if a person does not consume foods containing it, then hormones will be synthesized extremely weakly. Well, in the end, complete or partial removal of the thyroid gland, as a result of some kind of disease, necessarily leads to baldness.

Treatment for thyroid-related baldness

Treatment of baldness caused by a disease of the thyroid gland is aimed at eliminating the pathology itself, and after that, at combating the symptom, that is, baldness. Treatment of the thyroid gland will include several basic provisions. This is taking antibiotics, if there was inflammation, surgical removal of the tumor, taking medications containing iodine or synthetic hormones. Since the thyroid gland and hair loss are related, the doctor should consider the patient's desire to preserve them and prescribe drugs that strengthen the hair follicles.

Sometimes the causes of baldness are metabolic disorders caused by hormonal failure, or banal vitamin deficiency. In this regard, it makes sense to eat foods rich in iodine during treatment. It is found in large quantities in seafood - seaweed, oysters, shrimp, fish, squid. In addition, food must be salted with iodized salt. It is useful to eat fresh fruits rich in iodine, for example, feijoa, persimmons, mountain ash, walnuts. You should give up coffee and drink more tea, it is rich in antioxidants, which has a positive effect on the condition of hair cells and the whole body.

When hair falls out, and this phenomenon is associated with hormonal imbalance, along with drug therapy, treatment with topical drugs can be used. That is, rub the healing creams rich in vitamins and other useful substances into the scalp. In addition, rubbing in is also a massage of the scalp, it improves blood flow and, accordingly, accelerates the metabolism in the hair follicles. Sometimes, treatment can be done simply by regularly massaging the scalp with a soft brush.

They will stop falling out if the complex of treatment includes a cosmetic product for the care of the hair trunk itself. It can be a cream or balm for strengthening.
When baldness is treated, in no case should they be heat treated - background drying, curling, and so on. You need to wash them as little as possible during this period.

The complex of treatment must necessarily include vitamin complexes, which include vitamins of groups C, E and B6, because it is they that nourish the hair follicles. Amino acids such as cysteine, lysine and arginine are also needed.

After the complete removal of the thyroid gland, hair may fall out completely. This is due to the fact that the violation of hormonal levels led to a shift in the phases of changing old hair to new ones. As a rule, they first of all fall out above the forehead, then above the crown and last but not least, from the temples. When such symptoms appear, you do not need to despair, because the correct therapy can restore the cyclical life of the hair, even without the thyroid gland. Only in addition to an endocrinologist, you may need to consult a trichologist to participate in the treatment.

Hair loss prevention

Hair can fall out for reasons other than hormonal imbalance, but the main problem is still the pathology of the thyroid gland. However, one must understand that treatment is always more difficult and more expensive than preventing pathologies, especially such as hair loss. In this regard, it makes sense to adhere to a number of recommendations that are of a preventive nature:

When washing hair, do not use water above 45 degrees Celsius.
You can not use mousses and varnishes for styling hairstyles, they destroy the hair structure.
After washing, apply special moisturizing balms to the scalp.
Massage the scalp with a soft brush for at least 10 minutes every day.
Apply hair masks made from natural ingredients.
Regularly undergo examination by an endocrinologist for the development of pathologies in the thyroid gland.
It is necessary to observe a sleep schedule, this will help keep the nervous system in a healthy state, for this, stressful situations must be avoided.
You should exercise regularly as you need to constantly strengthen your immune system.
It is necessary to completely stop drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes.

Have you ever wondered why people who are overweight, have an unhealthy lifestyle, alcoholics and smokers most often go bald early? These people systematically, for many years, destroy their endocrine system and, as a result, an extensive bald head by the age of 40. And it happens even earlier. Each creator himself has his own bald spots, this must be firmly understood. And if you want to be healthy - be it!

Thyroid diseases have a direct impact on the growth and strength of our strands.

Hair loss and thyroid gland - is there any link between baldness and thyroid disease? Experts say that there is, since the thyroid gland is a very important organ of the human endocrine system that maintains homeostasis, in other words, coordinates all processes in the body. And any disturbances in its work inevitably entail various external manifestations, such as due to the thyroid gland, brittle nails, etc.

The thyroid gland produces thyroid iodine-containing hormones necessary for the human body (thyroxine and triiodothyronine or T3 and T4), as well as calcitonin, which regulates the concentration of calcium in the blood. When the thyroid gland is functioning normally and the balance of hormones is not disturbed, a person feels and looks good. His cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract work stably, the synthesis of proteins necessary for hair growth is adjusted. T3 and T4 also control the synthesis of melanin, affect the hair in the process of growth, postpone in time the programmed death of hair follicle cells. In parallel, thyroxine stimulates the process of cell division and prolongs the phase of their growth.

Hair loss due to thyroid disease is one of the symptoms that require medical attention and quality treatment.

If an imbalance of hormonal levels occurs in the body, for example, in women during pregnancy or menopause, this can affect health, well-being and appearance. The thyroid gland and hair loss are associated, as organ dysfunctions lead to diffuse or focal alopecia caused by cell cycle failure.

The main types of thyroid dysfunction are:

Hyperthyroidism The level of hormone production is increased. Intoxication of the body with its own hormones can cause thinning of the hairline not only on the head, but also throughout the body.
Hypothyroidism The level of hormone production is below normal. The functioning of the cardiovascular system and tissue trophism slows down, the scalp does not receive the necessary nutrition. The work of the gastrointestinal tract is also impaired, the absorption of vitamins and nutrients from food that affect hair growth worsens. Protein synthesis in the body is also inhibited, which helps to stop new hair growth.
Thyrotoxicosis and autoimmune thyroiditis. Long-term pathological increase in hormone levels. This condition leads to dysfunction of the immune system and the emergence of autoimmunity. The body begins to perceive its own organs and tissues - the thyroid gland - as foreign, and tries to destroy them. This, in turn, leads first to hyperthyroidism, then to hypothyroidism and, as a consequence, to gradual baldness.

In all cases of malfunction of the thyroid gland, there is also a redistribution of the body's energy flows. This has an extremely negative effect on the appearance and condition of the hair, as the activity of the growth of their cells decreases.

In addition, disorders of the thyroid gland function provoke the occurrence of other somatic diseases, which, in turn, cause hair loss, dryness, brittleness, and early graying of hair.

Treatment methods

Treatment of hair loss with thyroid disease is medication

The only way to stop hair loss from thyroid disease is to apply complex medication. It should be directed in parallel to two goals - correcting thyroid problems and restoring new hair growth on the scalp.

Given that hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and other disorders in the functioning of the thyroid gland are treated in different ways, first you need to undergo a diagnosis. This will allow you to identify the specific problem and prescribe an adequate and effective treatment.

In order to eliminate the disease, you need to contact an endocrinologist. It is also advisable to be examined by a trichologist, who will assess the condition of the hair follicles and shafts, and also prescribe treatment. Strict implementation of the recommendations of the endocrinologist and trichologist will stop hair loss and stimulate the growth of new elements.

Complex therapy and hair regeneration includes diet, physiotherapy procedures for the scalp (massage), medication and the use of special preparations for intensive hair growth, maintenance and care cosmetics.

Advice. You can not use iodine preparations before the diagnostic results are known. In hyperthyroidism, the use of iodine can greatly harm and worsen the state of health.

Prophylaxis

Using special oils for hair care can help prevent hair loss.

Proper nutrition plays a major role in the prevention of hair loss in thyroid diseases. You need to eat more plant foods, dietary meat, seafood. This will normalize metabolism and hormonal levels.

It is also necessary to increase the intake of amino acids and vitamins into the body.

It is necessary to discuss with a specialist the intake of such drugs as Iodbalance, Iodomarin, Potassium iodide, Iodine active, Endocrinol. It is impossible to prescribe medications on your own, even for the purpose of prophylaxis.

The use of physiotherapy and the use of professional cosmetics for the care of the hair and scalp will help prevent hair loss.

Conclusion

Baldness, thinning hair is one of the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. An increase or decrease in the level of hormone production in any case will negatively affect the state of the body and the scalp. Treatment of baldness with thyroid disease is the competence of an endocrinologist and trichologist.