Alopecia and Thyroid Disease

January 2008 in “ Springer eBooks ”

Michelle Babb-Tarbox, Wilma F. Bergfeld

alopecia thyroid disease thyroid hormone hypothyroidism hyperthyroidism thyroid receptors autoimmune thyroid disease AITD telogen effluvium alopecia areata radioiodine antithyroid drugs hair loss underactive thyroid overactive thyroid

Studysummary Thyroid disease can cause hair loss and treating thyroid problems might help with hair disorders. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The document from 2008 examines the connection between thyroid disease and various forms of alopecia, indicating that thyroid hormone fluctuations can significantly impact hair growth and health. It underscores the presence of thyroid receptors in hair follicles and the potential of thyroid hormone as a future treatment for hair loss disorders. The paper notes that both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss, with specific symptoms associated with each condition. It cites the NHANES III trial, which found a 1.3% prevalence of hypothyroidism in a population of 17,353 people, and discusses the link between autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and hair loss conditions like telogen effluvium and alopecia areata. The document also highlights the importance of thyroid function screening in patients with hair loss, especially when other symptoms of thyroid dysfunction are present. It mentions that certain treatments for thyroid disorders, such as radioiodine and antithyroid drugs, are associated with alopecia. A study of 203 patients treated with radioiodine for thyroid carcinoma showed that 28% experienced hair loss. The document concludes that hair growth abnormalities may be an early sign of thyroid disease, advocating for thyroid screening in patients with hair disorders.

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