Is Your Thyroid Making You Shed?

Understanding the Connection Between Hair Loss & Hypothyroidism

You’ve tried all the shampoos, changed your diet, maybe even spent hours Googling vitamin deficiencies, but your hair is still shedding more than it should. For many, the root of the issue might not be on your scalp at all, it could be your thyroid.

In this blog, we’ll explore how an underactive thyroid, particularly in hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, can contribute to hair loss, and what you can do about it from a holistic lens.

How Thyroid Imbalances Impact Hair Growth

The thyroid plays a key role in regulating metabolism, energy, and even the health of your skin and hair. When thyroid hormones (especially T3 and T4) are low, your body goes into conservation mode. This means it may redirect energy away from non-essential functions like hair growth to prioritize vital systems.

With hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s, you might notice:

Thinning across the scalp (not just in patches)
Brittle or dry hair
Hair loss in other areas like eyebrows (especially the outer third)
Slower hair regrowth after shedding

In Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune condition, there’s also immune system activity that can affect the hair follicles directly, adding another layer of complexity.

Not Diagnosed Yet? Here's Why It’s Often Missed

Many people experiencing hair loss due to thyroid issues go undiagnosed, or are told their “TSH is normal” even when symptoms persist. That’s because:

Conventional testing often stops at TSH, missing more nuanced issues.
Free T3, Free T4, TPO antibodies, and thyroglobulin antibodies offer a fuller picture, but aren’t always tested unless you ask.
Some individuals have “subclinical” hypothyroidism, where symptoms exist but lab values haven’t crossed the threshold.

3 Holistic Steps To Support Hair Health & Thyroid Health

step 1: get comprehensive testing

Ask for a full thyroid panel that includes Free T3, Free T4, thyroglobulin antibodies, and TPO antibodies. These tests offer deeper insight into how your thyroid is functioning and whether autoimmune issues like Hashimoto’s might be contributing to symptoms.

step 2: support your thyroid naturally

With the support of a Naturopathic Doctor, you could try incorporating the following:

Selenium and zinc are important nutrients that support thyroid function.
Adaptogenic herbs such as Ashwagandha and Rhodiola can help balance stress hormones, which in turn supports thyroid health.
Healthy fats and a balanced diet that promotes blood sugar stability help reduce the load on the thyroid.

step 3: address autoimmune activity

Hair loss is rarely just about your thyroid. Chronic stress, iron deficiency, poor protein intake, inflammation, and gut imbalances can all affect thyroid health and contribute to hair thinning.

A holistic approach considers the full picture:

Nutrient deficiencies – especially iron, B12, vitamin D, and protein
Chronic stress – which can blunt thyroid function and shift hormones out of balance
Digestive issues – like low stomach acid or leaky gut, which impair nutrient absorption
Blood sugar dysregulation – which can add stress to the thyroid and affect hair growth hormones like insulin and cortisol

When these pieces are addressed, alongside targeted thyroid support, your body is in a much better place to heal.

Next Steps for Better Hair & Thyroid Health

If you suspect that your thyroid might be affecting your hair or if you’ve already been diagnosed with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s, the next step is to explore integrative options with a healthcare provider who understands thyroid health.

At The Clara Clinic, I work with patients to create personalized treatment plans that support thyroid health while addressing issues like hair loss. Reach out if you’d like to learn more or book a free consultation.