When it comes to a hair transplant, Palo Alto residents might consider one after losing hair as a result of certain medical conditions. Thyroid disorders may not only cause people to feel tired, jittery or out-of-sorts; they can also lead to hair loss. Understanding this connection may be helpful in addressing sudden hair-loss issues, and can help sufferers find ways of countering the problem.
What Does the Thyroid Gland Do?
The thyroid gland secretes the hormone thyroxin, which regulates metabolism. Overall metabolic activities can become impacted if there are any disruptions to this mechanism. That impact includes the hair losing necessary amino acids and proteins, not growing properly, and losing the ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals.
Hair Loss and Other Possible Symptoms
It is estimated that approximately 20 million Americans are living with some type of thyroid disease. The two most common thyroid diseases include hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a thyroid disease in which the thyroid is “underactive.” In addition to hair loss, patients may experience fatigue, cold intolerance, forgetfulness, hoarse voice, weight gain, frequent and heavy menstrual periods, and coarse and dry hair and skin.
Hyperthyroidism is the opposite and is characterized by an “overactive” thyroid. In addition to hair loss, patients may experience nervousness and irritability, heat sensitivity, tremors, eye irritation, muscle weakness, vision problems, weight loss, enlarged thyroid gland, sleep disturbances, and infrequent, scant menstrual periods.
Treatment Options for Thyroid to Prevent Hair Loss
Treating the patient’s thyroid disease may help to stop further hair loss. It is common for the medications used to treat these conditions to correct the issue with the thyroid to aid in ensuring that it is operating at an optimal level. Since it not working properly is what caused the hair loss, correcting the deficiency of thyroid hormone in hypothyroidism could be beneficial for hair loss issues. Hyperthyroidism, and the hair loss associated with it, can sometimes be more difficult to treat because there are several different causes. However, the patient’s hair may start to grow once the condition is under control.
Untreated thyroid disease can lead to persistent hair loss. It is important that all patients who suspect thyroid disease contact their physician for diagnostic testing. The sooner they are diagnosed, the sooner they can be treated and reduce hair loss and other symptoms.
With this information, you know more about how issues with the thyroid gland might impact hair loss. Your doctor can talk to you more about a hair transplant in Palo Alto, or any other treatment that could potentially be helpful.
