Improper functioning of the thyroid can cause hair loss. There is hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is the production of exessive thyroxine by the thyroid and hypothyroidism is the condition where the thyroid doesn't secrete enough thyroxine. Both these conditions can cause thyroid hair loss.
When a gland in your body is secreting too much or not secreting enough, there is a hormonal imbalance. The body now turns its attention to correcting the hormonal imbalce. It gives very little to the hair follicles so that it can focus on correcting the hormonal imbalance.
Some drugs can cause hair loss.
Some drugs that you take for thyroxine replacement can also cause hair loss. Levoxyl, Unithroid, Levothroid can all cause hair loss. If you are taking medication for your thyroid problems and are still experiencing hair loss, it is the drug that is most likely causing the hair loss.
What should you do if you experience thyroid hair loss?
See the doc regularly
1. If you have thyroid and are experiencing hair loss, it is likely that your thyroxine levels are imbalanced. You might be taking medications. Many women don't visit their endocrinilogist regularly. Visit the doc and get the prescription updated. Over time, your thyroxine levels might have increased or decreased; it is therefore important to update your prescription based on your thyroxine levels.
Ask for a drug replacement
2. If you continue to experience thyroid hair loss weeks after your prescription has been updated, it is the drug that is causing hair loss. Many doctors are unaware of the fact. Therefore, ask the doctor to replace the drug that is causing hair loss.
See a dermatologist if it doesn't work
3. If, even after the drug replacement, you experience hair loss, it is not thyroid hair loss. It might be the side-effect of some other condition. Consult a dermatologist.
