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Summary: In today's blog, we learn all about hyperthyroidism and whether it can cause hair loss. We'll learn what hyperthyroidism is, what it does and how to help ease the symptoms...

Hyperthyroidism. If you’re a sufferer of this condition (or suspect you are) it can be challenging, overwhelming and difficult to navigate. As well as having an affect over your entire body’s functioning, to add insult to injury, it can also drastically affect your hair!

Rest assured, you’re not alone. According to the American Thyroid Association, more than 12 percent of the US population will develop a thyroid issue within their lifetime (that’s around 20 million Americans), and women are up to eight times more likely to develop a thyroid condition than men.

Most thyroid conditions unfortunately last a lifetime, which is why furthering your understanding and knowledge around hyperthyroidism is one of the best ways to help you manage it. So, we’ve put together this easy-to-read guide to hyperthyroidism and hair loss.

Here at Cel, we’re here to help and support you with our in-depth research, products, and passion for hair. We believe being in the know when it comes to hair care is key, and we always look to science when developing our ranges.

So, let’s take a look at what hyperthyroidism is and whether it can be attributed to hair loss…

What Is Hyperthyroidism? 

Hyperthyroidism is defined as an “overactive thyroid”. This means your thyroid is producing too much of a hormone called Thyroxine. Due to the excess of this hormone, your body’s metabolism can speed up, which may lead to a number of side effects. These can include:

• a rapid or irregular heartbeat
• an increase in appetite
• sweating and nervousness
• swelling on the neck
• fatigue

This is in addition to a few cosmetic changes too, such as thinning skin, and/or thinning or loss of hair.

If you believe you are suffering from hyperthyroidism but are yet to receive an official diagnosis, it’s important to check in with your doctor ASAP.

Hyperthyroidism and Hair Loss

If you suffer from hyperthyroidism, yes, you may notice a change in your hair. Hyperthyroidism can make the hair feel dry and brittle, may be prone to more breakage, or may fall out gradually.

Sadly, hair loss due to hyperthyroidism is extremely common, and - as hair is so personal - can be an extremely upsetting side effect.

Fortunately, in most cases, when hyperthyroidism is diagnosed it can then be properly managed, so hair growth should resume as normal eventually.

Why Does Hyperthyroidism Cause Hair Loss?

When hormone levels are disrupted in your body, it changes the natural processes of your other hormones.

Hormones control lots of things, including hair growth. This is because the body requires certain levels of hormones to allow things - like hair - to grow and change.

When the hormones in our system are disrupted, hair can fall out, and it may not be replaced by new growth - leading to thinning or balding patches.

Additionally, the stress of any illness can sometimes cause hair growth to halt. Because the hair is always in different stages of growth - some hair may be near the end of its life, and some may be newly growing.

If you’re stressed, this can prevent the growth stage from happening, meaning hair might fall out, and no new hair will grow in its place. The body will be channeling its energy elsewhere to try and protect you from the “threat” (stress), and doesn’t treat hair as a priority – it’s a natural survival process the body takes on.

So, while hair loss due to hyperthyroidism and the associated hormones is possible, the stress that accompanies any diagnosis can exasperate the symptoms you may experience.

How To Stop Hair Loss Due To Hyperthyroidism

Your doctor will no doubt provide you with the appropriate medical guidance as your move forward treating your hyperthyroidism. This will include medication that will help regulate the overactive thyroid.

However, there are a number of steps you can take in other aspects of your life to help alleviate any symptoms.

Improve Your Diet

A combination of good diet and exercise is key for caring for any body.

Boosting your iron intake can be really helpful when trying to reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, and this can be via supplement or diet.

There are plenty of iron-rich foods you can easily add to your meals. For example, many nuts and seeds are rich in iron. You can also increase your intake of certain foods you probably enjoy daily, such as eggs and green, leafy vegetables.

Read up on the do’s and don’ts of food for hair growth here!

As we now know, hyperthyroidism and hair loss are intrinsically linked, so the quicker you start to receive treatment, the faster your body can readjust and new hair growth can start to be seen.

However, you should prepare for the fact that the new hair that grows may be a different thickness or consistency to your hair prior to treatment.

Keep an open dialogue with your doctor during your treatment, as they can help advise you through any concerns you may have.

Relax and De-Stress

Monitoring stress levels can also be helpful when dealing with hyperthyroidism and hair loss, so ensure you take additional time for self-care and wellness.

This can be as simple as taking a few extra moments for yourself during your daily skin and hair care routine. Practicing a simple facial massage in the morning when applying your serum and moisturiser can be deeply relaxing, as well as beneficial to the skin.

Indulging in a luxurious, growth fuelling hair mask whilst washing is also a great way to unwind. Soak in the bath with your mask, light a candle, listen to some soothing music, and lose yourself in a book.

Self-care is important, even more so when you’re adjusting to new medication and establishing a new routine to accommodate your long term health.

Read up on our top self-care ideas here.

Targeted products

If you’re wondering what else you can do to reduce hair loss due to hyperthyroidism, you can consider incorporating targeted products into your routine that focus on rejuvenating hair and helping it grow.

Cel’s Microstem Shampoo and Conditioner contain a blend of powerful scientifically-optimised plant stem cell extracts, designed to strengthen and protect the hair.

It’s loaded with Biotin which is critical to numerous functions within the body including cell growth, metabolism, and cell repair.

Our Microstem Shampoo and Conditioner formula also contains Active Panax Ginseng which works to give you the appearance of healthier, fuller-looking hair, and support healthy growth.

By making sure you follow the advice given to you by your doctor, improving your diet, and reducing your overall stress levels, you can help the body alleviate the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

By incorporating restorative and targeted hair products into your routine too, it is possible to support the hair and return it to its former glory.