Hair growth and alopecia in hypothyroidism

Evaluation and treatment of male and female pattern hair loss

“…In otherwise healthy women, check TSH and serum ferritin. Hypothyroidism may cause a telogen effluvium 43 and iron deficiency is speculated to both cause a telogen effluvium 44 and to interfere with the efficacy of treatment of FPHL. 42 Iron deficiency may be screened by two methods: serum ferritin or serum iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC).…”

Diseases of the Hair and Nails

“…5,9,11 Less commonly hyperthyroidism can cause a telogen effluvium. 5,9,11 Alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition of the hair causing nonscarring reversible patches of alopecia, is associated with autoimmune thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis.…”

“…5,9,11 Less commonly hyperthyroidism can cause a telogen effluvium. 5,9,11 Alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition of the hair causing nonscarring reversible patches of alopecia, is associated with autoimmune thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. 22 A thyroid- stimulating hormone and T4 levels can demonstrate thyroid disorders and antithyroid antibodies can help identify autoimmune associations.…”

“…9 Both hypothyroidism and less commonly hyperthyroidism can cause a telogen hair shed. 5,9,11 In hypothyroidism, in addition to gradually developing diffuse scalp alopecia, loss of the outer third of the eyebrows can also be seen (Hertoghe's sign). 12 Associated body hair loss may also be noted.…”

“…9 The severity of the alopecia and the thyroid disease are typically not well correlated. 5,11 The alopecia usually improves with thyroxine replacement, unless the hypothyroidism has been long-standing. 5 Inadequate diets of calories and protein lead to a decrease in anagen hairs and an increase in telogen hairs.…”