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Understanding the Link Between Thyroid and Hair Loss

There are many different cause for hair loss in both the male and female population. Hair loss can be linked to stress, poor nutrition, smoking, pregnancy and even the disease process. Thyroid disease is one disease that effects the growth patterns of hair widely enough to cause significant hair loss.

Hair loss for thyroid patients is one of the most taxing symptoms. Whether the hair loss is due to the thyroid condition or the treatment being given for the thyroid disease, the hair loss remains a noticeable side effect. For patients who have trouble with their thyroid and hair loss, there are several ways to deal with the situation.

Dealing with Thyroid Related Hair Loss

The first place to concentrate is on the prescription medication being taken for the thyroid disease. This medication if given in the wrong dose, can cause significant levels of hair loss. Your prescribing physician, at times in conjunction with a hair loss expert, will be able to tell whether or not the thyroid and hair loss are linked.

If the medication is not to blame, it may just be a normal symptom of your thyroid disease. Many patients with thyroid problems, note having cyclical bouts of hair loss. Natural hair growth cycles include periods of heavy growth when hair can grow up to one half an inch a month. After this growing period the hair tends to rest or lay dormant until it is pushed out and replaced by a new hair from the same follicle. It seems just as hair growth cycles to a stop, more hair falls out when you suffer from thyroid disease than in those who do not.

Natural Treatments for Thyroid Related Hair Loss

When the thyroid patient first notices the hair loss, the time is right to treat the condition. There are several prescription choices for hair loss, but many choose to turn to more natural remedies. Natural remedies for thyroid related hair loss include, evening primrose oil, l-lysine, natural DHT blockers and zinc supplementation.

If patients do desire to turn to prescription medications for hair loss there are two main brand names on the market. Rogaine (also available in over the counter strengths) and Propecia are the two most popular prescription treatments for hair loss in both men and women with thyroid disease.

Thyroid patients who experience significant hair loss are not alone. Hair loss and thyroid conditions are common for many disease patients. Dealing with the hair loss must first begin with a doctor's evaluation, only to be followed by the proper treatment.