Is Your Thyroid Behind Your Hair Loss? Here’s What It Really Looks Like

Is Your Thyroid Behind Your Hair Loss? Here’s What It Really Looks Like

• September 16, 2025
• Dr. Arthur Zacco

Last updated on October 9, 2025

Hair loss can feel unsettling, especially when you are unsure of the cause. While genetics are often blamed, medical conditions such as thyroid disorders can also play a role. The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that regulates hormones responsible for metabolism, energy and cell growth.

When the thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), the disruption can affect the normal cycle of hair growth. So, what does thyroid hair loss look like? In this blog, we explore the signs, causes and treatments to help you better understand the condition.

Does the Thyroid Cause Hair Loss?

Yes, thyroid disorders can cause hair loss. Hormones produced by the thyroid influence many body functions, including the health of skin, nails and hair follicles. When hormone levels are too low or too high, hair growth can be affected.

Hair grows in three phases: growth, rest and shedding. Thyroid hormone imbalances can push a higher percentage of hairs into the shedding phase at the same time, which leads to diffuse thinning. This means the hair loss does not usually appear in patches, but rather as an overall reduction in density across the scalp. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have been linked to this process.

Thyroid Hair Loss Symptoms to Watch For

Recognizing thyroid hair loss symptoms can help you determine whether to seek medical testing. Common signs include:

• General thinning across the scalp rather than isolated patches
• Hair becoming dry, coarse, or brittle
• Loss of the outer portion of the eyebrows (common in hypothyroidism)
• Slowed regrowth after shedding
• Increased hair shedding during brushing or washing
• Accompanying symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, sensitivity to cold or heat, or changes in skin texture

Because thyroid disorders affect multiple systems, hair loss rarely appears in isolation. If you are experiencing several of these signs together, it may be time to check your thyroid function.

Can Thyroid Hair Loss Be Reversed?

The good news is that in many cases, thyroid-related hair loss can be reversed once hormone levels are corrected. With proper medical treatment, including thyroid hormone replacement for hypothyroidism or medications to control hyperthyroidism, the hair cycle can return to normal.

However, regrowth takes time. It can take several months after thyroid levels are stabilized for hair to enter the growth phase again. Patience is important, as hair often grows back gradually. If thyroid treatment alone does not improve hair density, professional hair restoration options like Growth Factors or Exosomes may be considered.

How to Stop Hair Fall Due to Thyroid Issues

If you are wondering how to stop hair fall due to thyroid imbalance, the first step is an accurate diagnosis. A simple blood test can confirm whether your thyroid hormones are outside the normal range. From there, treatment will be tailored to your specific condition.

In addition to medical care, you can support healthier hair by:

• Ensuring adequate nutrition, including iodine, protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin D
• Managing stress, as stress can worsen shedding
• Using gentle hair care practices to avoid unnecessary breakage
• Avoiding restrictive diets that may deplete essential nutrients

If thinning continues even after thyroid levels are controlled, consulting a hair restoration specialist can help you explore options such as Growth Factor Therapy, microneedling, or hair transplant procedures to restore density.

Thyroid and Hair Loss: When to See a Specialist

Not all hair loss is caused by the thyroid. Genetics, autoimmune conditions, medications and lifestyle factors can also contribute. That is why getting a professional evaluation is important. If you suspect your thyroid is linked to your hair loss, speak with both your primary care doctor and a hair restoration specialist. Together, they can identify the root cause and create a plan that addresses both the medical condition and the hair loss itself.

Treatments Available at AZ Hair Restoration

At AZ Hair Restoration in Raleigh, NC, Dr. Arthur Zacco has been treating hair loss for decades. If you are experiencing thinning from thyroid changes, genetics, or other causes, our clinic offers both surgical and non-surgical options:

• FUE Hair Transplant: Follicular Unit Extraction for a natural, minimally invasive procedure.
• FUT Hair Transplant: Follicular Unit Transplantation for patients needing greater coverage and greater hair density.
• Growth Factor Treatment: A non-surgical option that uses your body’s own regenerative properties to stimulate dormant follicles, strengthen existing hair and promote new growth.
• Exosome Therapy: An injection treatment that delivers powerful intercellular messengers to improve scalp health, repair tissue, and activate follicles for healthier, denser hair.

Take Control of Your Hair Growth Today

As you can see, thyroid-related hair loss often looks different from hereditary thinning and can often be reversed with the right treatment. Recognizing thyroid hair loss symptoms early and seeking care is key to improving both your health and your hair.

At AZ Hair Restoration, Dr. Zacco and our team combine medical expertise with advanced treatments to restore hair and confidence, including FUT and FUE hair transplants, exosome hair growth therapy and growth factor treatment. If you suspect your thyroid is affecting your hairline or hair loss, do not wait for thinning to progress. Book your free consultation today at our Raleigh clinic and get the answers and solutions you need.

FAQs

Can thyroid hair loss be reversed?

In many cases, thyroid hair loss can be reversed once hormone levels are stabilized with proper medical treatment. Hair regrowth, however, may take several months as the growth cycle resets. If hair does not return fully, hair restoration procedures may be considered. At AZ Hair Restoration, we offer surgical and non-surgical treatments to restore density and thickness. Book a free hair loss consultation with Dr. Zacco in Raleigh, NC, to discuss your personalized options.

How long does it take for hair to grow back after thyroid treatment?

Hair regrowth after thyroid treatment can take three to six months and in some cases longer, depending on how long the imbalance lasted and individual factors. Regrowth usually appears gradually as the follicles return to their normal cycle. If progress seems slow or incomplete, a specialist can recommend additional hair restoration therapies. At AZ Hair Restoration, we help patients restore hair with both natural treatments and transplants. Contact us to schedule your free consultation.

Can both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism cause hair loss?

Yes, both underactive (hypothyroidism) and overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid conditions can trigger hair loss. The imbalance disrupts the growth cycle, leading to shedding across the scalp. The severity often depends on how long the imbalance remains untreated. If you are experiencing hair thinning alongside other thyroid-related symptoms, AZ Hair Restoration can help evaluate the extent of your hair loss and provide tailored non-surgical hair growth treatments. Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Zacco to discuss effective solutions.

How do I know if my hair loss is from thyroid or genetics?

Thyroid-related hair loss usually causes diffuse thinning across the scalp, while genetic hair loss often starts at the temples, crown, or part line and hairline. Other thyroid symptoms, such as fatigue, weight changes, or brittle hair, may also appear. The only way to know for certain is with testing and a professional evaluation. At AZ Hair Restoration, Dr. Zacco combines medical expertise with advanced diagnostics. Book your free consultation today as a start to uncover the cause and explore treatments.

What treatments help with thyroid-related hair loss?

First, sometimes certain nutrients must be supplemented prior to medical treatment, which is needed to restore normal thyroid function. Once hormones are balanced, additional treatments may support regrowth, including Growth Factor Therapy, microneedling and in some cases hair transplantation for permanent restoration. AZ Hair Restoration offers a full range of surgical and non-surgical options designed to restore thickness and density. Dr. Zacco will create a personalized plan based on your unique needs. Contact our Raleigh clinic today to schedule your free consultation.