This month we are taking a look at how health and diet can affect the condition of your hair and it’s growth.
To begin with we are looking at the problem of hypothyroidism with doctors estimating that 1 in 5 people will suffer some form of thyroid disease by the time they are 60, mainly women.
SO, your first question may be what is the Thyroid and what does it have to do with my hair?
Well, the thyroid is a gland that sits in the throat and just above the collarbone. This little gland produces hormones called T3 & T4 which control your metabolism. A person with a highly functioning thyroid gland will have a faster metabolism and so, tend to have less problems with being overweight. However if the thyroid works slower than it should then it produces less hormones. This is called hyperthyroidism which can lead to an array of problems, particularly with your hair….
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is, to put it briefly an underactive thyroid. Too few hormones are being produced and as a result your cells are unable to work as speedily & make proteins as efficiently as they should.
What does it have to do with my hair?
The hair is primarily cells made from protein and so hair cell production can be greatly reduced. In fact hair loss and hair not growing can be one of the first signs of hypothyroidism.
The Cause?
A hypothyroid can be caused by multiple factors including, genetics, a faulty immune system, dietary deficiencies, medications or a problem with the pituitary gland.
What treatment is there?
A GP will prescribe something to speed the thyroid up, this should stop any associated hair loss in 6 weeks. However there are also things that you can do to help it along. Iodine is essential for good thyroid function and in extreme cases a deficiency can be the sole reason for hypothyroidism. Ensure that you get enough from iodine rich foods such as shellfish and saltwater fish. For vegetarians kelp and dairy are good substitutes. Other essential nutrients include vitamin C, selenium, & zinc
Will Hyperthyroidism affect my hair too?
This is the opposite of hypothyroidism and is when the metabolism is too fast, with cells using energy faster than it can be replaced. As a result the hair can thin and fall because of the depletion of essential nutrients and fuel in the cells.
