Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, and Hair Loss

Hi Dr. Rassman, can you explain why people with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism often suffer from hair loss? I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism last summer(TSH of a little over 8.8), and since then my endocrinologist has changed my dosage of thyroid medication twice, most recently in April. I have been experiencing a lot of hair loss since I have started the medication. Could propecia possibly be beneficial to my situation? Thanks for the great website.

Unfortunately, I do not know the exact mechanism of why people with low thyroid can experience hair loss from it. As the saying goes, it is the “practice” of medicine and not the “science” of medicine, and as such, medicine can be a descriptive and observational discipline.

Propecia will not be beneficial for hair loss associated with thyroid conditions unless there is an active genetic component to it. Propecia is a medication for androgenic alopecia.