Diagnosis
In order to determine whether the cause of hair loss (effluvium) is a thyroid dysfunction, it is necessary to perform a laboratory examination. This involves determining the level of the hormone TSH (Thyroidea (thyroid stimulating hormone) in the body. If the TSH is below 0.1 uIE/ml, the thyroid is overactive and if the TSH is above 20 uIE/ml, the thyroid is underactive.
Hair loss in hyperthyroidism is reversible. This means that the hair loss stops when the underlying disease is treated correctly and the hair becomes stronger again. It is not a so-called scarring alopecia. In such a case, the hair would not grow back.
Prognosis
A thyroid dysfunction is often not completely cured, but kept at a tolerable level by medication. If the malfunction is not sufficiently cured, it is possible that the hair structure will not regenerate completely. Nevertheless, significant improvements can be seen compared to an untreated thyroid dysfunction.
Prophylaxis
In order to prevent hypothyroidism, babies are examined very early after birth to detect congenital hypothyroidism and thus counteract it before symptoms occur. Although iodine deficiency is rarely a cause of hypothyroidism, it is important to always consume sufficient amounts of the trace element. This works very well with iodized salt, for example.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women have an increased need for iodine and must pay particular attention to proper nutrition. Sea fish have a very high iodine content, so they should be eaten several times a week. It is difficult to prevent overactive thyroid glands, since the cause is usually another disease that you cannot influence yourself.
Nevertheless, there are a few reasons for hyperthyroidism that you can prevent yourself. Hyperthyroidism can be caused by an overdose of thyroid hormones. Furthermore, one should prevent an overdose of other iodine-containing substances, such as drugs or iodine-containing contrast media.
Hormones T3 and T4
In the body, T3 is mostly bound to protein. Only a very small amount is freely available in the organism. This free T3 is the hormone useful for the body.
It depends on the time of day how much T3 is present. One finds lower values during the day than at night. Outside the thyroid gland, most T3 is made up of T4.
T4 is produced by the thyroid gland and serves as a precursor of T3. Hormone production is originally stimulated by the hypothalamus. This is a center of the brain, which is stimulated by physical exertion or heat, for example.
The hypothalamus stimulates the release of TRH. TRH in turn stimulates the release of TSH from the pituitary gland.TSH causes an increased formation of T3 and T4 at the thyroid gland and a release into the blood. T3 and T4 increase the body’s energy metabolism and adapt it to cold and movement.
At the same time, they also inhibit the release of TRH. This is called negative feedback.
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