Thinning hair? It might be your thyroid
Noticing more hair in your brush or a wider part? Hair thinning is common, upsetting — and often has a cause that can be found and treated.
How your thyroid affects your hair
Your thyroid hormones help regulate the growth cycle of each hair. When the thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), more hairs can move into the shedding phase at once. The result is usually overall thinning rather than one bald patch.
Other signs of a thyroid problem
- Fatigue or low energy
- Feeling unusually cold (or hot)
- Unexplained weight changes
- Dry skin or brittle nails
- Changes in mood or periods
Other common causes of thinning hair
- Low iron stores
- Hormone changes after pregnancy or around menopause
- Major stress or illness in the past few months
- Hormone conditions such as PCOS
- Genetics
What testing can show
Blood work — often including a thyroid panel and iron levels — can help find the cause. When the underlying issue is treated, hair often starts to recover, although regrowth takes a few months.
When to talk with a provider
If your hair is thinning, don’t wait. Sarah can review your history, check your labs, and talk through treatment options that fit you.
This article is for general education and isn’t medical advice. Everyone is different — talk with your provider about your own symptoms and treatment options. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.
