Thyroid and Hair Loss: What’s the Real Link?

If you’ve noticed more hair on your pillow or in the shower, your thyroid might be part of the story. The thyroid gland makes hormones that control how fast your cells grow, and hair follicles are no exception. When those hormones are out of balance, the hair cycle gets disrupted and you start shedding more than usual.

Why Thyroid Issues Trigger Hair Loss

Both an under‑active thyroid (hypothyroidism) and an over‑active thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can lead to thinning hair. In hypothyroidism, low hormone levels slow down the growth phase of the hair, so more strands fall out during the resting phase. Hyperthyroidism does the opposite – it speeds up the cycle, causing hairs to be pushed out too quickly. Other thyroid problems, like thyroiditis or nodules, can also cause fluctuations in hormone levels, which your scalp feels as stress.

Typical signs that point to a thyroid‑related hair issue are:

• Gradual thinning on the scalp, especially at the front.
• Hair loss on the eyebrows, particularly the outer edges.
• Dry, coarse hair that feels brittle.
• Other thyroid symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, or feeling cold.

When you see a mix of these clues, it’s worth checking your thyroid function with a simple blood test. The test looks at TSH, T3, and T4 levels and can tell you if your thyroid is the culprit.

What You Can Do to Keep Your Hair Healthy

First, get the right diagnosis. If your doctor finds a thyroid imbalance, medication can bring hormones back to normal. Most people notice a steady improvement in hair thickness after their thyroid levels stabilize, but it can take a few months.

While waiting for your hormones to settle, try these everyday habits:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc – nutrients that support thyroid health.
• Use a gentle shampoo and avoid harsh styling tools that can add extra stress.
• Massage your scalp a few minutes each day to boost blood flow.
• Limit crash diets; severe calorie cuts can worsen both thyroid function and hair loss.

If you’re still losing hair after your thyroid is under control, talk to a dermatologist. They can check for other causes like iron deficiency or hormone imbalances. Combining proper thyroid care with good scalp habits gives you the best chance of keeping your hair full and healthy.

Bottom line: your thyroid plays a big role in how your hair grows. Spotting the signs early, getting tested, and treating any imbalance can stop the shedding and get your strands back on track.