Hair loss, thinning hair, dry or brittle hair? It’s not fair is it?! I get so many messages here about this. Hair loss can be due to many health conditions such as high testosterone, low iron, high cortisol and autoimmune. But one of the most common causes is low thyroid or hypothyroidism.
Many people don’t develop symptoms of hypothyroidism for ages because it develops slowly. It is also very often misdiagnosed or patients are told that their thyroid is ‘borderline’. The UK blood test range is so broad that borderline in UK could mean an under active Thyroid in USA for example.
BLOOD TESTS
Get blood tests and get a copy. If your doctor won’t test your TSH and your T4 then you can use online companies such as our Thyroid Monitor at home test. ⠀
Thyroid DNA –
Thyroid activity is altered by genetics and environmental factors: nutrients (tyrosine, selenium and iodine), toxins (fluoride, chlorine or moulds) and other things like stress. Is it a problem with the HPT axis ((Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid), or transport or activation of the thyroid hormones? It’s particularly useful to see how you might convert T4 to the active form T3, especially if you are on thyroid medication and still have symptoms or blood tests come back as normal. ⠀
Disruption of hormones T3 and T4 can affect the development of hair at the root, resulting in thinning across your scalp and sometimes eyebrows (usually outer third). ⠀
NUTRITION
Processed foods, such as sugars, red meat, and fried foods, may cause an inflammatory response. Caffeine and alcohol may contribute as well. Inflammation may worsen your thyroid symptoms, including hair loss.
Add anti-inflammatory foods
Ginger and turmeric are anti-inflammatory foods that may improve endocrine function. Your thyroid is part of the endocrine system, so supporting it may help with symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Supplements like collagen are not going to work if this is the true ROOT CAUSE. Iodine, selenium, NAC, vitamins D and A may help but depends on each person. Ask your practitioner what’s right for you.
Thyroid Symptom Checker on my website.
Pippa Campbell Health Meta-Boost supports a thyroid function.
