Unlock perfect hair health with tips to manage thyroid-related hair issues. Learn how balanced thyroid care supports healthy hair growth and texture naturally.

Thyroid and Hair Health: Symptoms, Causes, and Tips to Improve Hair Health

Unlock perfect hair health with tips to manage thyroid-related hair issues. Learn how balanced thyroid care supports healthy hair growth and texture naturally.


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Ayurveda Masters

Oct 26 | 1 min read

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Thyroid and Hair Health: Symptoms, Causes, and Tips to Improve Hair Health

If you are dealing with thyroid, you are probably aware of fatigue, weight fluctuations, and an overall sense of imbalance this hormonal disorder carries. But if brittle strands and thinning hair are becoming your new worry partners in this battle against thyroid disorders, this is your cue to take extra measures to look after your hair health and improve hair health.

Why? Because your thyroid function and hair health are pretty much linked! The key to restoring your hair's vitality and achieving perfect hair health isn't just in fancy products or salon treatments but in addressing the core of the issue – your thyroid health! 

Let's focus on understanding this linkage today to help you regain healthy hair!

Understanding Thyroid Disorders and Its Impact on Perfect Hair Health

Talking about thyroid, it is a butterfly-shaped gland nestled in your neck that looks after -

  • Digestion
  • Heart rate
  • Skin Health
  • Hair Health
  • Metabolism
  • Blood pressure
  • Muscle function
  • Cognitive function
  • Energy production
  • Temperature regulation

All these things are a few vital processes that keep your body in balance. However, disruption in the delicate balance of Thyroid Hormones gives rise to two primary disorders: Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism, both of which can impact hair health significantly.

Hypothyroidism: 

When your thyroid glands become underactive or inactive, it gives rise to Hypothyroidism. It gives rise to symptoms like -

  • Fatigue
  • Hair fall
  • Lethargy
  • Weakness
  • Irritability
  • Puffy face
  • Depression 
  • Weight gain
  • Constipation
  • Mood swings
  • Cold intolerance
  • Slower heart rate
  • Dry skin and hair
  • Impaired memory
  • Poor concentration
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Menstrual irregularities

Hyperthyroidism:

An overactive thyroid gland leads to Hyperthyroidism, a condition associated with symptoms like -

  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Tremors
  • Irritability
  • Palpitations 
  • Nervousness
  • Bulging eyes
  • Heat sensitivity
  • Thinning of hair
  • Muscle weakness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Increased sweating
  • Increased heart rate
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Frequent bowel movements

The link between thyroid function and hair health

Interestingly, both kinds of thyroid disorders affect hair in some way. But how exactly do thyroid imbalances cause loss of hair?

Hypothyroidism:

In the underactive state of hypothyroidism, your hair becomes a casualty. 

    • The thyroid hormones, responsible for maintaining the health of your hair follicles, are deficient, resulting in the loss of natural shine and strength of hair. This condition, known as thyroid hair loss, can be quite distressing.
  • The slowing metabolism associated with hypothyroidism affects the building blocks of your hair called Keratin, leading to brittle strands prone to breakage.
    • One of the unmistakable signs of hypothyroidism's impact on your hair is the changes in texture. The lack of thyroid hormones alters the way your hair grows and feels. The once-smooth strands may now feel coarse and very rough.
    • The most distressing manifestation is the thinning and loss of hair. The slowed metabolism affects the hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding and, over time, noticeable thinning.

    Taking steps to manage your thyroid health is critical to regaining healthy hair and reducing further hair loss.

    Hyperthyroidism:

    With its heightened levels, hyperthyroid catapults your hair health into overdrive!

    • The rapid metabolism disrupts the normal growth cycle, resulting in finer hair texture and increased hair shedding.
    • The excess thyroid hormones can push more hair follicles into the resting phase (a phase of the hair cycle with no new hair growth in follicles). This condition is known as telogen effluvium. While often temporary, it can be distressing.
    • Changes in thyroid hormone levels can affect the skin, including the scalp. Hyperthyroidism may lead to dryness and itchiness of the scalp, contributing to hair health problems. 
    • Autoimmune conditions associated with hyperthyroidism, such as Graves' disease, can lead to alopecia areata. This condition is where the immune system attacks the hair follicles, resulting in patchy hair loss.

    Managing hyperthyroidism is crucial to maintaining both scalp and healthy hair.

    Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hair and Perfect Hair Health with Thyroid Disorders

    Discover essential tips for maintaining hair health with thyroid disorders. These simple adjustments can lead to noticeable improvement and help you achieve the perfect hair health routine. These hair growth remedies can support and promote healthy hair growth, helping you maintain vibrant, resilient hair.

    Hypothyroidism

    Hyperthyroidism

    • Engage in regular, moderate-intensity exercise.
    • Ensure you get enough restorative sleep each night. 
    • Minimise the intake of processed and refined foods.
    • Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
    • Limit caffeine intake. Instead, opt for herbal teas like coriander tea.
    • Choose whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat, oats, and quinoa. 
    • Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, pranayama, or yoga.
    • Include iron-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, lentils, beans, and lean meats. 
    • Snack on nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
    • Include iodine-rich foods like iodised salt, seafood, dairy products, and seaweed in your diet.
    • Limit the intake of Vata-provoking foods like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and soy products. 
    • Include a variety of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are particularly beneficial.
    • Avoid spicy foods.
    • Limit iodine intake.
    • Engage in moderate exercise.
    • Limit or avoid stimulants like caffeine.
    • Ensure you get enough rest and prioritize sleep. 
    • Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
    • Opt for whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat, and oats.
    • Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, pranayama, or yoga.
    • Consume foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, tomatoes, and green tea. 
    • Include iron-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, legumes, and lean meats.
    • Include foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties, such as berries and leafy greens.
    • Include herbs and spices like turmeric and ginger, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

    These lifestyle changes can enhance your overall well-being and improve hair health, even with thyroid challenges.

    If you found this blog helpful, explore our guide on Custom Hair Care With Ayurveda for Hair Growth for more personalised tips to nurture your hair naturally.

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