With hyperthyroidism, the hair becomes stiff and thick. However, they can fall out in whole shreds. The hairline gradually becomes sparse. This phenomenon occurs evenly throughout the head. And the hair remains on the comb after combing, on the pillow after sleep, or washed off with water jets when performing water procedures.

What is called hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is not a disease. This is a persistently expressed clinical syndrome, which manifests itself with excessive production of thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland – T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine).

In this case, the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH, which is synthesized by the pituitary gland, decreases. When answering the question of whether hair can fall out due to the thyroid gland, it is necessary to consider the main symptoms that occur with hyperthyroidism. These include the following clinical manifestations:

• instability of emotional manifestations;
• weight loss combined with increased appetite;
• increased sweating;
• constantly shaking hands, and sometimes the body;
• the presence of constant tachycardia;
• violation of the perception of carbohydrates and, as a result, the development of diabetes mellitus;
• hair loss and fragility of the nail plates;
• the appearance of various problems with the eyes up to visual impairment.

As you can see from this list, hair loss can occur with a thyroid condition called hyperthyroidism. This condition can occur due to frequent stress or mental trauma. It is also possible the manifestation of hyperthyroidism after past infections or uncontrolled intake of hormonal drugs.

Other thyroid disorders that can cause hair loss

If the thyroid gland is sick, then the hairline can thin out in a number of conditions or diseases. Among them, it is necessary to highlight hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis.

Hypothyroidism

In this condition, a clear deficiency of thyroid hormones T4 and T3 is established, and the pituitary hormone TSH is elevated. Hair loss in women in this case is observed much more often than in men. This is due to the fact that hypothyroidism is diagnosed in the female half much more often. The symptoms of the condition, manifested in the first place, include increased hair loss. First, bald patches form in the region of the frontal part of the head and the back of the head. There is also thinning of the outer ends of the eyebrows. Hair falls out quite intensively.

Treatment consists of taking drugs that increase hormone levels. However, the doses of the drug must be well calculated, since a sharp increase in biologically active substances in the blood can lead to temporary hyperthyroidism. This again negatively affects the condition and quantity of hair on the head.

Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis

The causes of the disease may be associated with hormonal disorders. With the autoimmune nature of diseases, human immunity is not aimed at destroying viruses and bacteria, but at fighting with one’s own cells and tissues. Such a disease can carry a heredity factor, be associated with an excess of iodine in the body or radiation exposure. With this disease, the thyroid gland gradually collapses and a goiter appears.

Partial hair loss in autoimmune thyroiditis is one of the symptoms. This manifestation is called focal alopecia. With this disease, the body’s immune system begins an attack on the hair follicles. There is a cessation of hair growth both on the head and in other areas with such a cover. This manifestation is quite serious and unpleasant. The result of the process may be the loss of a quarter of the total hairline. Only timely treatment can prevent such a course of the disease.

Other signs of the disease include:

• an increase in the thyroid gland in size;
• the appearance of dry skin;
• there is frequent fatigue and weakness, increased pressure and increased heart rate;
• shortness of breath appears;
• the menstrual cycle is disrupted.

With autoimmune thyroiditis, it is very important to undergo a complete diagnosis, because even the products familiar to the menu can change the course of treatment.

Diseases associated with changes in the function of the thyroid gland are much more common in women than in the male part of the population. This is due to those hormonal fluctuations that are inherent in the nature of the body. They occur in women during childbearing, menstruation and menopause.