Understanding the Link Between Thyroid, Menopause & Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Thyroid disease and menopause both impact hormonal balance often resulting in a hair loss disorder known as alopecia. A combination of medication and over-the-counter treatment can provide a solution.

Androgenetic Alopecia

• Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia (AGA), is the most typical form of hair loss in both men and women according to Marcy Holmes, a nurse practitioner and certified menopause clinician. It almost always occurs on the top and sides of the head and above the forehead.

Alopecia Areata

• This disorder is classified as an autoimmune disease and often affects those with other autoimmune disorders like thyroid disease. Undergoing radiation therapy, such as consuming radioactive iodine for a thyroid condition, may contribute to alopecia.

Thyroid Disease

• "Eight percent of people with alopecia areata have thyroid disease; this is higher than the incidence of thyroid disease in the general population which is 2 percent," report physicians at the Mayo Clinic. However, treatment of thyroid disease does not necessarily remedy the problem.

Menopause

• Hormonal changes and imbalances, like those incurred during menopause, can cause temporary hair loss. An over or under-active thyroid gland can contribute to this problem as does discontinuation of birth control pills. Correcting hormonal imbalances may help reduce hair loss.

Size

• Hair loss normally is confined to small, round, patches approximately the size of a quarter. Typically, this loss doesn't move beyond the scalp.

Treatment

• Minoxidil (Rogaine) is an over-the-counter medication approved for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. Finasteride (Propecia) is prescription medication that battles male-pattern baldness but is not approved for use by women.