Is hair loss caused by hypothyroidism reversible?

By Prof. Dr. Soner Tatlidede 2020-03-06

Does hypothyroidism cause hair loss? Yes, hypothyroidism and hair loss are very related. Actually, this is a disorder that causes hair loss not only in the scalp, but also in other parts of the body; and many people interested in the cost of a hair transplant in Turkey or getting any kind of hair treatment, do it so because they suffer from hypothyroidism.

But what is the relationship between an alteration in thyroid hormones levels, and hair problems? And most importantly, will my hair grow back after suffering from hypothyroidism? What treatments are available? In the following lines we talk in detail about everything related to thyroid problems and hair loss… Don´t miss it!

Thyroid disease and hair loss: what´s the relation?

Hypothyroidism is a metabolic disorder that causes the thyroid gland to not produce enough thyroid hormone, which is responsible for regulating several metabolic an body functions, including heart rate, menstruation, memory, muscles strength, body weight… and hair cycles, too. Thyroid hormone levels will determine the duration of hair cycles, and therefore when hair follicles will fall out and grow back… and that´s why hypothyroidism causes hair loss.

Unlike hyperthyroidism, in hypothyroidism what happens is that the production of thyroid hormone is not sufficient; this causes an increase in the telogen phase (also called regression phase) of the hair, and a delay in the anagen phase (growing phase), so hair loss is continuous and becomes chronical; besides, there is also a relation between hypothyroidism and hair thinning, and hair appearance becomes more fragile, rough and dry, too.

This hair loss can become quite important, and appears diffusely -both in the head and in other parts of the body- or in the form of small bald spots (causing alopecia areata); however, it´s important to underline that not all people are affected equally and that some patients may suffer from big hair loss problems, while others suffer only small ones or even none. However, most people with thyroid problems suffer from some type of hair problem.

Is just hair loss a sign of hypothyroidism? No, there are many other symptoms that can help us to detect a thyroid problem, such as the following:   

• changes in sleeping patterns
• abrupt changes in weight and body temperature
• excessive dryness of hair and skin
• aches or weakness in muscles
• alterations in menstrual cycle in women
• changes in mood

Is hair loss caused by hypothyroidism reversible?    

Before worrying about how to stop hair loss due to hypothyroidism, the most important is to take care of our health and regulate all hypothyroid disorders through a medical treatment prescribed by a specialist, such as an endocrinologist. Once hormone levels become normal, hair will gradually recover its usual appearance, new follicles will start to grow, and they will fall out less.

There are some products and treatments that can help to stimulate hair recovery and to strength it, such as special shampoos, or taking diet supplements rich in keratin and vitamins to bolster hair growth and invigorate it. However, medications such as minoxidil or finasteride rarely work in patients with hair loss due to thyroid problems.

 How long does it take for hair to grow back after thyroid treatment? This process can take 4-5 months, and during this period hair can change both in colour and texture. But, can hair loss from hypothyroidism be reversed? This is an important question: we must keep in mind that hair lost due to hypothyroidism cannot always be recovered. It will depend on each patient´s hormonal disorders levels, and on damages caused to his or her follicles.

 At last, if everything fails and hair loss due to hypothyroidism cannot be reversed, the solution is an aesthetic treatment: that is, a hair transplant, that should be performed only after the hormonal disorder is stabilized. At Clinicana we have a long experience treating patients with all kind of diseases and health problems. Simply take a look at the reviews about hair transplant in Turkey, ask for a free consultation, and see why we´re the best valued clinic.