Hair Growth and Thyroid Hormone Levels

Hi Dr. Rassman,

Just wondering if you saw this recent article on the relationship between hair growth and thyroid hormone levels. I’ve know that thyroid abnormalities can cause hair loss, but this study seems to suggest that this may be a treatment target. Here is a link:

Thyroid hormones directly alter human hair follicle functions: Anagen prolongation, and stimulation of both hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation and hair pigmentation.

The article is interesting. The study was done on female hairs (not from genetically balding males). Moreover, taking thyroid hormones can have wide range of negative side effects. From a practical point of view, it would take leaps and bounds to suggest that taking thyroid hormones will help hair grow.