Could Your Thyroid be the Cause of Excessive Hair?

Many women don’t know the reason behind their excessive hair growth. The majority of them do not discuss the matter with their doctors, since theyexcessive hair might attribute it to changes in stress or genetics. Thyroid function could be playing an important role in regards to your excess hair growth. Some men also deal with excessive hair, but in this article we will discuss female hair in relation to thyroid function.

It is normal for women to have hair on their arms, underarms, bikini area, legs and it is even common for women to have a bit of lighter hair (peach fuzz) from head to toe. When hair is growing dark or thick hair in other areas, like the face or chest, it could be a sign of hirsutism. The can be very embarrassing topic to talk about.

“The effect that excess hair can have on a woman’s self-esteem and how she views herself as a woman – and therefore her quality of life – can be extremely distressing,” says Rachel Hawkes, chairwoman of Verity, a polycystic ovary syndrome charity. If you have unwanted hair that may be attributed to a hormonal issue, please know that you are not alone. Up to 15% of all women have excess hair.

thyroidThis excess hair could be your body’s way of getting you to pay attention to a thyroid issue going on. The thyroid is a hormone-producing gland, which also monitors the body’s use of energy, oxygen and the production of heat. It is managed by the pituitary gland, Hyperthyroidism is 10 times as more common in men than women and typically occurs between the ages of 20 and 40. An overactive pituitary gland can also cause additional hair growth

There are various treatments that a physician can suggest to help with a thyroid or hormonal issue. Some of these may include radioactive iodine and anti-thyroid medicine, which can help some people feel better within a few weeks. Thyroid treatments will not eliminate hair that is already surfaced, but it could help to prevent further hair from growing. Once a thyroid problem is addressed, it is unlikely for new hairs to sprout up in unwanted locations.

While tweezing, shaving, waxing, threading, creams, bleaching, or laser may seem appealing in the short term, none of them are permanent. These are time consuming, costly and will not produce the best results. Just because these treatments are popular, does not mean they are effective. They hair will most often grow back soon after treatments were completed. Electrolysis is the only FDA approved treatment for permanent hair removal and will work with any hair type or color. It works by placing a fine needle into a single hair follicle and employing a slight electrical current, which destroys the hair-growth cells within that follicle. Kindly note that all of the treatments listed above, including electrolysis, will not eliminate or prevent an underlying hormonal issue.

If you feel you may have a medical issue, we suggest that you contact your physician to learn more in-depth about your personal health situation and possible treatment options. In the meantime, Top Electrolysis NYC offers a free consultation where we can listen to your hair-related goals and develop a plan that works for you. Book an appointment today to learn more!

Hashimoto

Have you ever questioned the presence of unwanted hair in specific areas?
If you’ve noticed hair-related anomalies like unusual loss, bald spots, patchiness, or clumps falling out, alongside unexplained weight gain despite no change in diet, pale and dry skin, persistent fatigue, and a constant feeling of coldness while others are cozy, Hashimoto’s might be the culprit.

So, what is Hashimoto’s all about?

Hashimoto’s is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid. The thyroid, a small gland situated in front of your neck, is responsible for producing thyroid hormones that control how your body uses energy.

In the case of Hashimoto’s disease, the immune system produces antibodies that attack and damage the thyroid glands, hindering their ability to produce adequate hormones. Prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to hair loss, affecting the entire scalp rather than specific areas.

The visible effects of hair loss due to thyroid disease become apparent several months after the onset, thanks to the extended hair cycle. Individuals with autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s may develop other conditions, such as autoimmune alopecia, resulting in diffuse hair loss.

Various therapies recommended by a physician might help address thyroid or hormonal issues. While anti-thyroid medications won’t remove existing hair, they may prevent new unwanted body or facial hair from sprouting. Electrolysis, the only FDA-approved hair removal technique effective for any type or color, can also be a treatment option for Hashimoto’s disease in NYC.

If you have medical concerns in NYC, it’s crucial to discuss them with your dermatologist before opting for any unwanted hair removal methods. You want a plan that’s not only effective but also safe for your specific health needs.

 

 

https://jezebel.com/5216345/excess-hair-may-be-a-sign-of-health-problems-in-women

https://www.webmd.boots.com/women/guide/thyroid-symptoms