Certain supplements and dietary modifications can help prevent hair loss related to thyroid conditions. Managing your condition with medications can also promote hair growth over time.

Thyroid conditions occur when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough or produces too many certain hormones.

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can cause many symptoms, from weight gain to fatigue. Because the condition develops slowly, many people don’t develop symptoms until months or years have passed.

Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, may cause anything from weight loss to nervousness. Both conditions can cause dry, brittle hair or thinning hair on your scalp and body. Read on to learn what you can do if your thyroid condition is affecting your hair.

Thyroid conditions can cause hair loss if they are severe and go untreated. Understanding how these conditions cause hair loss involves understanding how hair grows.

  1. Hair starts growing at the root in the bottom of your hair follicle on your scalp.
  2. Your scalp’s blood vessels feed the root, creating more cells and growing your hair.
  3. Hair pushes up and out through your skin. It passes through oil glands that help keep it soft and shiny.
  4. Hair grows for a while but then falls out as each new regrowth cycle begins.

When hormone production is disrupted, specifically of hormones T3 and T4, it affects other processes in the body. This includes the development of hair at the root. Hair falls out and may not be replaced by new growth, resulting in thinning across the scalp and other areas, such as eyebrows.

For example, alopecia is an autoimmune condition often seen with thyroid conditions. It causes patches of hair loss in more discrete areas, which can eventually lead to baldness. Other autoimmune diseases that may lead to hair loss and are often linked to thyroid issues include polycystic ovary syndrome and lupus erythematosus.

Certain medications used to treat thyroid conditions may also contribute to hair thinning. These include antithyroid drugs like carbimazole (Neo-Mercazole, Anti-Thyrox, and others) and propylthiouracil (Propycil). Due to hair’s long life cycle, it can also be hard to tell if the drug or your thyroid condition is causing your hair to thin.

Hair loss may develop slowly with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. You won’t necessarily notice patches missing or bald spots. Instead, your hair may seem thinner all over.

You lose between 50 and 100 hairs from your head each day. If normal hair growth is interrupted, hairs aren’t being replenished, and uniform hair loss may occur.

The good news is that hair loss caused by thyroid conditions is typically temporary. You may experience hair loss even after starting drugs to help with your condition. Some people worry the drugs are causing hair loss, but it may have more to do with the life cycle of hair.

Mild forms of thyroid conditions don’t generally lead to thinning hair. As a result, working with your doctor to keep your condition under control with medication may keep your hair thicker or regenerate growth. Results will likely not be immediate because hair takes some time to develop and grow.

Possible medications include:

  • levothyroxine (hypothyroidism)
  • propylthiouracil and methimazole (hyperthyroidism)
  • beta-blockers (hyperthyroidism)

Your doctor will monitor your thyroid levels while you’re on medication. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

With treatment, hair growth may be noticeable within several months. Be aware that the new hair growth may differ in color or texture from your original hair.

Along with medication, you may try different home remedies to slow hair loss or regenerate hair growth.

Treat nutritional deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to hair loss even without a thyroid condition. Specifically, researchers explain that levels of the following may play a role in hair retention and hair loss:

  • vitamins B-7 (biotin) and B complex
  • zinc
  • copper
  • iron
  • vitamins C, E, and A
  • coenzyme Q10
  • iron

Eat well

Eating a diet of whole foods is key for your health.

If you eat foods rich in calcium and are being treated for hypothyroidism, try timing them at least four hours after your levothyroxine for the best absorption.

Processed foods, such as sugars, red meat, and fried foods, may cause an inflammatory response. Caffeine and alcohol may contribute as well. Inflammation may worsen your thyroid symptoms, including hair loss.

Add anti-inflammatory foods

Ginger and turmeric are anti-inflammatory foods that may improve endocrine function. Your thyroid is part of the endocrine system, so supporting it may help with symptoms of thyroid disorders.

Try incorporating fresh ginger or turmeric root into cooking. They taste great in anything from stir-fries to smoothies. Discuss supplementation with your doctor.

Consider herbs

Some branches of alternative medicine use specific herbs to treat hair loss from conditions like alopecia. These herbs are taken orally and include:

Discuss herbal therapies with your doctor before trying them on your own, especially because none of these herbs are approved for treating hair loss, nor is there research definitively proving they help.

Try essential oils

While there aren’t many studies in this area, researchers have discovered that eucalyptus oil and other plant extracts may reduce hair fallout and improve hair density.

Other oils to try include:

  • Arnica montana
  • Cedrus atlantica
  • Lavandula agustifolia
  • Oscimum sanctum
  • Pilocarpus jabarondi
  • Rosmarinus officinalis
  • Thyme vulgaris

Essential oils

While research suggests there are health benefits, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils, and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

Watch iodine intake

People with autoimmune thyroid disorders should watch their iodine intake. The body uses iodine to make thyroid hormones, so too much may lead to imbalances.

Kelp and other seaweed are high in iodine and may worsen symptoms, including hair loss. Certain multivitamins and cough syrups may also contain iodine, so read labels carefully.

Treat hair gently

You may be able to slow hair loss by treating your hair with care:

  • Avoid pulling hair into tight braids, buns, or ponytails.
  • Resist twisting or pulling your hair.
  • Use a wide-toothed comb versus harsher brushes when loosening knots.

Changing your routine up a bit may help you from pulling out hair before it would otherwise naturally fall out.

Will hair loss due to thyroid grow back?

It may take several months to notice regrowth. While this may be frustrating, consider wearing a wig or other head covering. Emotional support is also important, so ask your doctor about counseling or support groups where you can meet people going through similar situations.

How does your body feel when you have thyroid problems?

Besides impacting hair, hyperthyroidism can cause symptoms such as weight loss and increased appetite, rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, fatigue, hand tremors, and frequent bowel movements. On the other hand, hypothyroidism can cause tiredness, weight gain, feeling cold, weakness, hair loss, dry skin, depression, lack of concentration, constipation, and irregular periods.

Before treating your hair loss at home, speak with your doctor. Thyroid conditions generally don’t lead to hair loss until they are more severe.

Hair loss may also be the symptom of another underlying medical issue. You may need medication and home remedies to see regrowth and treat other symptoms you’re experiencing.

With proper treatment, you should see fuller hair within a few months.