Do Thyroid Disorders Cause Hair Loss?

Just as thyroid and parathyroid disorders vary, so does the impact they might have on your scalp and hair health.

While they’re not all linked with hair loss, various thyroid and parathyroid conditions can lead to scalp and hair changes because they can cause hormone imbalances. If not functioning optimally, the thyroid (responsible for producing Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine) and parathyroid glands (which produce the PHT hormone) can cause all kinds of hormonal imbalances that may result in various issues related to everything from bone health to metabolic function, anxiety, fatigue, dry skin, and hair loss.     

What are thyroid and parathyroid disorders?   

Thyroid and parathyroid disorders are endocrine conditions that impact hormone levels in the body. The thyroid is responsible for regulating metabolism and energy levels, while the parathyroid is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood. When these glands aren’t able to regulate hormones properly, various issues can arise. If you’re experiencing symptoms that overlap with any thyroid or parathyroid disorders, it's important to speak with your healthcare professional as these conditions – if left undiagnosed and unmanaged – can lead to more serious health complications.   

What are some common thyroid and parathyroid disorders?  

There are several conditions that lead to the thyroid and parathyroid glands being either over- or under-active (for example, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' Disease and thyroid nodules).  The following are standalone conditions but can also be the result of underlying issues and disorders:  

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid is underactive and doesn’t produce enough of the thyroid hormones Thyroxine (T3) and Triiodothyronine (T4). Short-term effects can be fatigue and weight gain, while it can also lead to heart problems and fertility issues in all genders. It can be caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis (widely known as Hashimoto’s disease), when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.  

Hyperthyroidism  

The opposite of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid produces too much T3 and T4. This can result in accelerated metabolism, heat sensitivity, tremors, weight loss, anxiety and sleep troubles. If left untreated it can cause heart conditions and bone problems.  

Hyperparathyroidism  

While the parathyroid is not the thyroid, it’s sometimes included in conversations about thyroid conditions as they are also glands located in the neck. The parathyroid is a group of four glands located behind the thyroid – each about the size of a grain of rice – that regulate the blood’s calcium levels. Hyperparathyroidism is when one (or more) of these glands is overactive, leading to high levels of calcium in the blood which can cause various issues from kidney stones to fatigue and depression. If left untreated, it can lead to bone issues and even osteoporosis.  

Hypoparathyroidism  

Less common than hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism is typically a result of surgery, autoimmune disease or genetics. This condition can cause low calcium levels that can lead to fatigue, mood swings, dental problems, bone issues and more.    

Do all thyroid and parathyroid disorders affect the scalp and hair?   

Not all these conditions are linked to hair loss, but when an individual’s hormone levels fluctuate, and their general health suffers, scalp and hair issues often occur. Long-term hormonal imbalances of all kinds can certainly affect scalp health and hair growth.      

Thyroid disorders  

Thyroid conditions can result in hair shedding and sporadic thinning throughout the scalp. Some individuals may find that their hair also becomes wispier, drier, duller, and more prone to breakage.   

Parathyroid disorders  

Parathyroid conditions are believed to be less likely to cause hair loss, but some individuals experience increased shedding and brittle, coarse and breakable strands.    

Is hair loss caused by thyroid and parathyroid conditions reversible?   

Just as thyroid and parathyroid disorders vary, so does the impact they might have on your hair. Many hair changes caused by hormonal imbalances can be addressed, so we recommend booking a Hårklinikken consultation to start improving the health of your scalp and hair. 

Can Hårklinikken help with hair thinning caused by thyroid or parathyroid issues?   

Hair shedding, thinning and loss as a result from thyroid and parathyroid conditions vary in severity and duration, and are also impacted by other factors such as scalp health, lifestyle, stress, nutrition and more.

Expert-developed for all genders and ages, the Hair Supplement works by addressing internal factors; improving scalp health and general wellness from within.

We use only beneficial constituents in appropriate doses, with each one incorporated for a reason – to work in a comprehensive, synergistic way with other ingredients to support hair growth, health, strength and density.

Complementary by design, our award-winning Hair Gain Extract is a topical treatment that’s fully customised for every client’s individual needs and formulated using clinically proven and time-tested constituents from plant-based ingredients to create optimal conditions for hair growth.

Also integral to your scalp and hair care, all Hårklinikken shampoos, conditioners, treatments and styling products are designed to optimise conditions for growing stronger, fuller, healthier hair.