How to reverse thyroid-induced hair loss
Has thyroid disease led to your hair falling out? This can be an incredibly stressful symptom and significantly impact your self-esteem & mental wellbeing. But there are some steps you can take to nourish your hair back to health again.
Why is my thyroid causing hair loss?
There are many reasons behind thyroid-induced hair loss, including:
Thyroid hormone changes affecting hair follicles and impeding new hair growth
Elevated thyroid antibodies causing inflammation
Resulting nutrient deficiencies that lead to hair changes
Chronic stress leading to hair loss
Impaired gut health and resulting inflammation affecting hair growth
Other chronic conditions that are linked to thyroid disease such as PCOS and lupus
Learn more about hair loss causes in hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
What can be done about thyroid-induced hair loss?
As with any symptom of thyroid disease, the first step you need to take is getting your condition under control! This includes testing your full thyroid panel including antibodies so you know which markers are contributing to hair loss.
However, it can take time to get a hold on a thyroid condition, particularly if it’s gone unchecked for some time. So in the meantime, there are some steps you can take to support healthier, happier hair.
Rule out nutrient deficiencies
Check to make sure nutrients such as vitamin D, iron, zinc and iodine are in optimal ranges. If they aren’t, you may make adjustments to your diet to increase intake. You may also benefit from a practitioner-level supplement - this is best done under the supervision of a qualified nutritionist or naturopath.
Manage your stress
This can be a tricky one, as hair loss often leads to more stress and anxiety. But we want to get your stress down to a reasonable level to reduce its effects on your hair.
What calms you is unique - so experiment and find the best techniques for your needs. Some of the most effective ways to reduce stress include:
Meditation
Relaxation practices
Epsom salt baths
Deep breathing
Drinking a calming herbal tea
Cuddling a loved one or pet
Gentle exercise such as yoga or qi gong
Grounding yourself by walking on the beach or going for a swim in the ocean
Get your protein in
Protein contains amino acids, the building blocks for your hair. As you need to regrow hair, you’ll want to make sure you get sufficient protein into your diet.
Include a source of protein in every meal and snack. This also helps with blood sugar regulation and energy levels which often take a hit with thyroid conditions.
Eat your greens
Many green leafy veggies contain vitamin C and beta-carotene that can improve the condition of your hair. They also have other essential nutrients for thyroid function, so it’s twice as useful!
Up the biotin
Biotin plays an essential role in hair growth, and low levels can cause brittle hair and hair loss. You can consume it via the diet by eating liver, egg yolks and yeast. It can also be added via supplement, but it’s important to stop taking it a few days before any thyroid testing. Otherwise, it can skew your results and give a false reading (not what we want!)
Add some EFAs
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are fantastic for healthy hair, but those with thyroid disease tend to be deficient. Increase them via the diet by eating more oily fish, organic butter, coconut oil and olive oil.
You may also consider adding an EFA supplement - again, practitioner-level supplements are your best bet for a therapeutic dose and high-quality form.
Reach for calcium-rich options
Another essential nutrient for hair growth, calcium is something many of us don’t get enough of. But don’t think you need to up the dairy intake (especially if you’re intolerant!) There are plenty of dairy-free options, including:
Tahini
Fish with bones such as sardines
Broccoli
Nuts & seeds
So what can you do to address the underlying thyroid condition and improve your hair health?
Make sure you check out my programs specific to addressing thyroid conditions: