Medical Tests to See Why Hair is Dry

Dry hair is often brittle and lacks the normal levels of moisture and oils of healthy hair. This condition can be caused by a number of factors, including something as simple as your shampoo or more serious circumstances such as a thyroid condition. According to The National Institutes of Health, dry hair can be caused by anorexia, malnutrition, hypoparathyroid, hypothyroid or excessive washing, blow drying or use of harsh soaps.



Dry hair can often be remedied by trying a new shampoo; however, sometimes medical intervention may be required to discover the true cause.

Malnutrition

• Dry hair is only one symptom of malnourishment. Others include changes in skin pigment, decreased muscle mass and fatigue. Malnutrition, such as kwashiorkor disease, is most common in places were there is famine, limited food supply or political unrest.

  According to Dr. Obikoya, hair may become dry and brittle or may not grow at all if the body is not healthy. Vitamins and minerals play an essential role in hair health. Tests for dry hair due to malnourishment include a physical examination to check for an enlarged liver, urinalysis, the testing of total protein levels and other nutritional tests.

Anorexia Nervosa

• Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that is closely linked to a poor body image. People with anorexia will use extreme methods to lose weight and weigh below the standard for their body type. As with malnutrition, the lack of proper vitamins and minerals will cause the hair to become dry and brittle.

  Initial testing for this disorder is meant to rule out other possible causes for the weight loss, including Addison's disease, Celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Treatment for anorexia is aimed at regaining muscle and gaining weight. An initial hospital stay may be required and rehabilitation often includes "talk therapy" or support groups.

Hypoparathyroidism

• Hypoparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroid gland does not develop enough hormones, or PTH, which monitors the levels of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D within the body. This lack of vitamins can cause dry or damaged hair.

  A blood sample will determine if hypoparathyroid is the cause of dry hair. Tests will check levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and PTH. A urine test is another option, which will evaluate the quantity of calcium being eliminated.

Hypothyroidism

• Inflammation of the thyroid gland can cause hypothyroidism, resulting in a lack of the thyroid hormone. Patients who are prescribed certain medicines, such as drugs used for hyperthyroidism, are at a greater risk for this condition. Other causes include radiation treatment, surgical removal of the thyroid gland, viral thyroiditis or a congenital birth defect.

  To test if your dry hair is related to hypothyroidism, doctors may do a physical examination, checking the size of the thyroid gland. Lab tests are used to evaluate the performance of the thyroid. Oftentimes, a medicine called lerothyroxine is used to treat this condition.

Testing and Treatment

• To treat dry hair, first try a different shampoo and only wash once or twice a week. Use conditioners or hair lotions to soften and add moisture. Do not blow dry or curl your hair and avoid harsh products, such as hair colors or home perms.

  If hair does not improve and you are concerned, visit your doctor who can take a blood test, examine hair under a microscope or test for other possible conditions.