Let's talk about hormones, specifically thyroid ones. When they’re not at optimal levels, it can affect our body, including our hair growth cycle. When our thyroid isn't functioning on par (which is known as hypothyroidism, essentially an underactive thyroid), hair loss is commonly observed. Here emerges the problem – levothyroxine, the most common medication for hypothyroidism, can sometimes also cause hair loss or changes in hair texture.
The Lifecycle of Hair – Stages and Influences
Hair growth isn't continuous, it follows a cycle, namely the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases. In the anagen (or growth) phase, the hair grows heartily for about 4-7 years. The catagen (or transitional) phase is akin to a mini-break in this growth cycle, and the telogen (or resting) phase is when the strands are shed, thereby paving the way for the growth of new ones. Remember, not all hair strands are in the same phase at the same time!
Hypothyroidism and its Impact on the Hair
When our body isn't churning out enough thyroid hormones, this can shake up the otherwise routine activities of our body's cells, including our hair's growth cycle. This hormone deficiency can result in the anagen phase being cut short and new follicles taking longer to start growing. Consequently, more hair is in the resting phase (a condition known as telogen effluvium), causing overall thinning of the hair. Low thyroid hormone levels can also make our hair more fragile and dry, which can further thin its appearance.
The Influence of Levothyroxine on Hair Loss
Levothyroxine, a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone, when introduced into our system, helps reduce symptoms of hypothyroidism, including hair loss. However, some may experience hair loss or changes in hair texture when they start levothyroxine treatment. Now that sounds concerning, right? Fortunately, such occurrences are typically temporary. Shedding of hair following the initiation of levothyroxine generally lasts just a couple of months until the hormones balance out and the hair growth cycle has adjusted to these changes. Thankfully, most people find that hair loss is not a concern once the correct dose of levothyroxine is identified.
Strategies to Combat Hair Loss
Your diet, hair care routine and medical treatments can all contribute to the health and volume of your hair. These strategies can be used irrespective of whether you're taking levothyroxine or not.
Eating Right for Healthy Hair
Your diet should comprise whole foods rich in minerals like iron, and zinc, and vitamins A, B complex, C, D, and E. This gives your hair an advantage and increases its growth and thickness. If you have nutritional deficiencies that cannot be corrected through diet alone supplements may help. Always contact your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen to ensure that they don't interfere with your medication or thyroid lab test results.
Caring for Your Hair
Hair treatments using harsh chemicals and hot styling tools can damage your hair in the long run. Try cutting back on these treatments and explore hairstyles that work on natural, untouched hair.
Dealing with Scalp Disorders
If you are experiencing hair loss alongside a greasy scalp, or lots of dandruff, it might be due to conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, or fungal infections. These can inflame your scalp and worsen your hair loss. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a skin specialist (dermatologist) to check for such conditions.
Remember, Eureka is always here to guide you through your journey to improved thyroid health. You can avail of our free recommendations specifically tailored for you. Managing your thyroid health may result in a full, healthy head of hair, so don't delay in reaching out!
