For many women experiencing thyroid-related hair loss, finding effective strategies to reverse this distressing symptom is significant. Fortunately, various approaches can help overcome thyroid hair loss in females, promoting regrowth and enhancing overall hair health. Adopting the right approach for thyroid and hair loss in women, including dietary adjustments, targeted supplements, stress management techniques, and more, can address the underlying concerns and support the restoration of healthier hair.
So, let’s understand these tips and integrate them into personalised hair care for women to reduce thyroid hair loss in females and regain confidence in their appearance.
1. Hair Thinning In Women's Thyroid Disorder
2. How To Reverse Thyroid And Hair Loss In Women?
3. Dietitian’s Recommendation
4. The Final Say
5. FAQs
6. References
Hair thinning in women with thyroid disorders is a common concern due to disruptions in the normal hair growth cycle. Typically, the human body sheds around 100 strands of hair daily, with new hair replacing those lost over time. However, thyroid disease can interrupt this cycle, resulting in increased hair shedding and eventual hair thinning.
Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can contribute to hair loss in women. In hypothyroidism, insufficient thyroid hormone production hampers hair growth, while excessive hormone production can also disrupt the hair growth cycle. Dysfunction of the thyroid gland may even lead to a complete cessation of hair growth.
Fortunately, thyroid hair loss in women is often reversible, especially with successful treatment to normalise thyroid hormone levels. Hair regrowth typically occurs within several months after thyroid hormone levels have been restored to a healthy balance. However, it's important to note that the regrowth process may be gradual and not always complete.
Also Read: 6 Reasons For Hair Loss In Women And 7 At-Home Remedies To Combat It!
Let’s explore these tips to reverse thyroid hair loss in females with careful considerations as prescribed by your doctor:
Work closely with your endocrinologist or healthcare provider to know the most appropriate treatment for your thyroid condition. For hypothyroidism, this may involve hormone replacement therapy with medications like levothyroxine to restore thyroid hormone levels. In hyperthyroidism, treatment options could include antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or, in severe cases, thyroid surgery.
Regular monitoring of thyroid hormone levels through blood tests is essential to ensure that your recommended treatment is effective and adjusted as needed to optimise thyroid function and minimise hair loss.
Thyroid dysfunction can impair the absorption of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamins crucial for hair health. Your doctor may recommend specific blood tests to assess your iron levels, ferritin (a protein that stores iron), and other key nutrients. Depending on the results, supplementation with iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, or other micronutrients to address deficiencies and support hair growth.
Foods rich in these required nutrients, like fresh lean proteins, fish, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fortified cereals, can also be added to your diet to promote optimal nutrient intake.
Also Read: Understanding 6 Important Types Of Nutrients And Their Sources
Chronic stress can exacerbate thyroid dysfunction and contribute to hair loss by restricting the hair growth cycle. Incorporate stress-reducing practices, like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga. Regular exercise is another practical way to reduce stress.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity consistent physical activity most days of the week to help regulate your body’s cortisol levels and support healthy thyroid function.
You must focus on a well-rounded diet of nutrient-dense foods to support thyroid health and hair growth. Include fresh lean protein sources, like poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, and legumes, which provide essential amino acids for hair structure and repair. Incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in antioxidants like vitamin C (citrus fruits, bell peppers, berries) and vitamin A (sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach), which help protect hair follicles from oxidative stress.
Also, prioritise foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, to reduce inflammation and support scalp health.
Also Read: Know All About The Best Biotin Tablets For Hair Growth
Consult your doctor before taking any supplements to address hair loss associated with thyroid dysfunction. They may recommend supplements containing biotin, a B vitamin that supports hair growth and strength, or marine collagen peptides, which provide amino acids necessary for hair protein synthesis.
Avoid over-the-counter supplements without medical guidance, as they may contain ingredients that interact with thyroid medications or exacerbate underlying thyroid conditions.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can further support thyroid function and promote hair regrowth. Aim for adequate sleep of 7-9 hours per night to optimise hormone balance and cellular repair processes. Engage in regular and timed physical activity, like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, to enhance blood circulation to your scalp surface and stimulate hair follicles.
Minimise exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants, such as cigarette smoke, household chemicals, and heavy metals that may disrupt thyroid function and contribute to hair loss.
Incorporate stress-reducing practices/techniques like yoga and meditation to promote relaxation and balance hormones significantly. Yoga poses stimulating the thyroid gland, such as shoulder stand (Sarvangasana) and fish pose (Matsyasana), can help regulate thyroid function and support overall well-being.
Meditation techniques, such as guided mindfulness meditation or imagery, can also help alleviate stress and promote a sense of calm, which may benefit thyroid health and hair growth over time.
Also Read: Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss And Promotes Hair Growth?
Losing your hair can be stressful, but knowing the cause can help you learn how to treat it best and manage the symptoms. If a thyroid problem is behind your hair loss, there are steps you can take. This includes adding products which help restore your hair and scalp health, like ToneOp Care’s black seed oil capsules. If you notice that you are starting to lose more hair than usual, talk to your provider.
Dt. Lavina Chauhan
Losing your hair can be stressful; there's no doubt about that. However, knowing the cause can help you learn how to treat and manage the symptoms best. If a thyroid problem is behind your hair loss, there are steps you can take. If you notice that you are starting to lose more hair than usual, be sure to talk to your provider.