Thyroid Disease and Hair Loss Types of Hair

Thyroid Disease and Hair Loss

Types of Hair Loss �Generalized shedding � More hair in drains, on brush � No specific patches of loss or baldness � Most common in thyroid disease

�Discrete patches of loss � Associated with fungal infection or autoimmune alopecia �Male pattern baldness � Men and women � Loss concentrated of temples and top of head � Conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone

Causes

Untreated/Undertreated Thyroid Disease �Hypo- or hyperthyroidism �Thyroid gland unable to provide hormones for hair follicle’s proper metabolism � Loss of necessary supply of proteins and amino acids � Loss of ability to absorb vital minerals and vitamins � Inability to grow properly � Redirection of energy needed for hair growth to other parts of body

Medication Side Effect �Levothyroxine (Synthroid) � According to patient information, may cause generalized hair loss �Treatment for thyroid cancer

Treatments � Normalize thyroid levels � May benefit from addition of T 3 (Cytomel) or T 4/T 3 drug (Thyrolar, Armour) versus pure synthetic T 4 (Synthroid) � May take several months to see improvement � Alternative supplements � Evening primrose oil (EPO) � Source of essential fatty acids � Lysine supplementation (meat, fish, eggs) � Aromatherapy of essential oils (thyme, cedar wood, lavendar, rosemary) � Hair transplantation

Treatments to Avoid �DHT inhibitors (Propecia) �Growth stimulators (Minoxidil) �These medications have not been shown to be effective in patients with thyroid imbalances

Eyebrow Loss �More common in hypothroidism �Primarily affects outer third of brow – may be completely absent

Treatments �Similar to head hair loss (thyroid meds, evening primrose oil, supplements) �Transplantation (micrografts, single hair) �Permanent makeup (tattoo)

Eyelash Loss � Hypo – or hyperthroidism � Eyelash hair follicles have thyroid hormone receptors on their surface � Uncommon to be the presenting sign in thyroid disease � Rule out other causes � trichotillomania � DM � vitiligo � pernicious anemia � Addison’s

Treatments �Similar to other treatments discussed �Additional treatments � FNS Nutrilash �Mixture of vitamins, minerals and amino acids

�Latisse � Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution � Side effects: increased brown pigmentation of iris, eyelid skin darkening, eye redness, itching) �Li. Lash � Prostaglandin analog � Side effects: eyelid darkening, eye redness, itching