When you first start losing your hair, you may just assume that it’s genetic or simply a part of aging. However, there are many different causes of hair loss in men and women, and if you are experiencing it, it may be worthwhile to get your thyroid checked out. Many people may be in the dark about their thyroid causing hair loss. And the good news is, unlike many other hair loss causes, this one is treatable.

How Does the Thyroid Affect Hair Loss?

Just like with most things in your body, your hair growth needs to be regulated, and it does so with hormones. And the organ that controls these hormones just so happens to be your thyroid. When it’s working perfectly, the majority of your hair is in its growth phase, and a little bit of it is taking a break. But when your thyroid emits either too much or too little of these all-important hormones, your hair doesn’t grow how it’s supposed to.

What Happens if I Have Hypothyroidism?

When your thyroid releases too much of the hair-growth hormone, you might think the result would be faster growing hair and more lustrous locks, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In actuality, your hair will become fine and thin out all over, which is certainly not the look you are going for.

What About if I Have Hyperthyroidism?

As you would guess, if your thyroid doesn’t release enough of the hormone that regulates your hair growth, your hair has no choice but to fall out. The baldness can take place on the scalp or on any part of the body where hair grows.

Is the Hair Loss Treatable?

Yes, once you and your doctor figure out the right dose of medication for you, your thyroid levels will even out and you will likely see your hair growth return to normal. However, this is usually a long process (hormones can be tricky!), and you shouldn’t have to sit idly by with thinning or disappearing hair while your body works it out. There are many effective hair loss treatments out there, both with and without chemicals (of course, we always prefer natural remedies), that can help you get your self-confidence back to what it was before your hair loss began.