Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body suffers from lack of thyroid hormone. It can present with diffuse hair loss in majority of the patients, but some may present with pattern hair loss as well.
Alopecia areata an autoimmune condition is seen more often in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease, and this may appear as discrete, circular areas of hair loss.
Hair loss can also be seen in patients with Hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone) or rarely as side effect of medications to treat hyperthyroidism ( e.g.carbimazole and propylthiouracil )
The hair loss should be reversed after treating the root cause of the Hypothyroidism, and with replacement of thyroid hormone. This may take several months and may be incomplete. If the hair loss is persistent, speak to your Dr to exclude other causes of alopecia.
Regards
Dr Mark Lim
Reference:
- Vincent M, Yogiraj K. A Descriptive Study of Alopecia Patterns and their Relation to Thyroid Dysfunction. Int J Trichology. 2013;5(1):57-60. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.114701
