Hashimoto’s, Hyperthyroidism & Hair Loss: Understanding the Connection — Including Medication-Related Shedding
Hashimoto’s, Hyperthyroidism & Hair Loss: Understanding the Connection — Including Medication-Related Shedding
Hair loss can feel devastating — especially when you’re doing everything “right” and still watching your hair change.
For many women, the root cause isn’t topical at all — it’s internal.
Thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s disease and hyperthyroidism play a major role in hair growth, scalp health, and overall wellbeing. And for some, the very medications meant to restore balance can temporarily contribute to shedding.
Let’s talk honestly — without fear — about what’s really happening.
Understanding the Thyroid and Hair Growth
The thyroid is a small gland with a very big job.
It helps regulate:
Metabolism
Hormones
Energy levels
Body temperature
Hair growth cycles
When thyroid hormones are out of balance, the hair growth cycle is often one of the first systems affected.
Hair follicles are highly sensitive to hormonal shifts — especially thyroid-related ones.
What Is Hashimoto’s Disease?
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
Over time, this often leads to hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid).
Common symptoms include:
Fatigue
Cold sensitivity
Weight changes
Brain fog
Dry skin
Thinning hair or diffuse hair loss
Hair loss with Hashimoto’s is typically:
Widespread (not patchy)
Slow and progressive
Accompanied by dryness and texture changes
What Is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much hormone.
This may be caused by:
Autoimmune conditions
Thyroid nodules
Medication changes
Overcorrection during treatment
Symptoms can include:
Anxiety or heart palpitations
Heat intolerance
Rapid weight loss
Increased shedding
Fine, fragile hair
Both underactive and overactive thyroid states can disrupt the hair growth cycle.
Why Thyroid Conditions Cause Hair Loss
Hair grows in cycles:
Growth phase (anagen)
Resting phase (telogen)
Shedding phase
Thyroid imbalance can push a large number of hairs prematurely into the shedding phase — a condition known as telogen effluvium.
This type of hair loss:
Is usually diffuse
Can feel sudden
Often worsens during hormonal or medication changes
And that brings us to an important topic many women aren’t warned about.
Thyroid Medication and Hair Loss
Starting or adjusting thyroid medication can temporarily increase shedding — even when the medication is working correctly.
This happens because:
Hormone levels are shifting
The body is recalibrating
Hair follicles are responding to internal change
This shedding is often temporary, but emotionally difficult.
Many women notice increased hair fall:
6–12 weeks after starting medication
After dosage changes
When switching thyroid medications
About Armour Thyroid
Armour Thyroid is a natural desiccated thyroid medication derived from porcine thyroid.
Unlike synthetic thyroid medications that contain only T4, Armour contains:
T4
T3
Other thyroid hormones
Some patients report feeling better symptom relief with this medication, while others require careful monitoring due to its potency.
Because Armour Thyroid can cause more noticeable hormonal shifts, temporary hair shedding can occur as the body adjusts.
This does not necessarily mean the medication is harming your hair — it often means your system is recalibrating.
Always follow your physician’s guidance and monitoring schedule.
Medication Hair Loss: What’s Important to Know
Medication-related hair loss is usually:
Temporary
Diffuse (overall thinning)
Related to hormonal adjustment
Not permanent follicle damage
However, during this phase, the scalp environment becomes even more important.
Inflammation, dryness, buildup, and stress can worsen shedding if not properly supported.
Supporting Hair and Scalp Health During Thyroid Treatment
While haircare cannot correct thyroid function, it can support the scalp environment while healing occurs internally.
At Citygrl Professional, our approach focuses on:
Gentle cleansing
Scalp balance
Reducing inflammation
Supporting follicle health
Avoiding harsh stripping ingredients
When the body is under internal stress, the scalp needs calm — not aggression.
Why We Support Doctors and Medical Guidance
Thyroid disorders must be diagnosed and managed by medical professionals.
We fully support:
Endocrinologists
Primary care physicians
Functional medicine providers
Ongoing lab monitoring
Our role is not to treat thyroid disease — it is to support hair and scalp health alongside medical care.
Doctors address the internal imbalance.
We help support the external environment.
Together, this partnership gives hair the best chance to recover.
When Hair Growth Typically Improves
Hair regrowth often begins once:
Thyroid levels stabilize
Medication dosage is consistent
Inflammation reduces
Stress hormones lower
This process takes time — often several months.
Hair recovery is not instant, but it is possible.
Final Thoughts
If you are experiencing hair loss related to Hashimoto’s, hyperthyroidism, or thyroid medication changes, please know:
You are not imagining it.
You are not doing anything wrong.
Your body is adjusting — not failing.
Hair loss during this season can feel deeply emotional, but it does not define your health or your beauty.
Healing happens in layers — and you are allowed to move through it with patience and support.
Confidence through clean beauty — from scalp to strand.
Medical Disclaimer
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider regarding thyroid disease, medications, and treatment decisions. Citygrl Professional products are designed to support scalp and hair health and are not a substitute for medical care.
