|  | Conditions Treatments | Thyroid Disease

Does Hair Fall Out Due to a Change in Thyroid Medications?

People with overactive and underactive thyroids can sometimes struggle to find a treatment and a dosage that works for them. While searching for that perfect balance of treatment and function, you may experience some symptoms of an overactive or underactive thyroid due to imbalances of the hormone in your body while it adjusts to treatment.

  1. What is a thyroid gland?

    • Your thyroid is a gland located in your neck that helps your body synthesize iodine into energy. Your thyroid is essential in regulating your metabolism.

    Thyroid disease

    • There are many types of thyroid disease. Most common are hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid).

      Causes of these diseases include autoimmune diseases, cancer, inflammation or a reaction to medications, according to the American Thyroid Association.

    Symptoms

    • According to the ATA, symptoms, particularly of hypothyroidism, can include dry skin. The Mayo Clinic also indicates that brittle hair and nails are symptoms of hypothyroidism.

      It is important to remember that thyroid disease itself (particularly hypothyroidism) is what may cause your hair to fall out---not the thyroid medication.

    Treatment

    • Treatment of thyroid disease usually means taking a thyroid hormone, according to the ATA. It may take a few tries before you and your doctor find the right dose that works for you. It is during this trial period where you may, if you haven't already, experience hair loss because your body is adjusting to the hormone dosage.

      Also note that if you are on the thyroid replacement hormone and you stop taking it in favor of an alternative remedy, for example, hair loss may occur. Note, however, that that is due to your body adjusting to hormone levels, not to the specific thyroid medication.

    Other considerations

    • Be sure to talk to your doctor if any new symptoms develop while you are on thyroid medication.

      Hair loss, for example, may be a sign of an underlying disease not directly related to your thyroid.

Thyroid Disease - Related Articles