Definition
The eyebrows are an area over the eyes that is covered with hair. The term eyebrow loss means that an above-average amount of hair is lost at the eyebrows. This leads to a strong thinning of the eyebrows.
In some cases, this can lead to a complete loss of these eyebrows. A loss of eyebrows can be genetically determined. But it can also occur in the context of different life situations and different diseases. The frequency of eyebrow loss is controversially discussed. Whether eyebrow loss occurs rarely or frequently remains unclear.
Causes for drooping eyebrows
Eyebrow loss can have a variety of causes. Most causes are usually hereditary or hormonal. – hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy or the menopause
- Dysfunction of the thyroid gland
- Metabolic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus
- Skin diseases and allergies
- Fungal infections
- Poisoning
- Signs of vitamin and nutrient deficiency
- Stress or psychological tension, in exceptional cases also the compulsive pulling out of the eyebrow hairs (trichotillomania)
- Undesirable side effects of drugs or chemotherapy
- Contact allergies to certain cosmetics, shampoo, creams or the glasses
According to some authors, about half of all women with thyroid disease are affected by hair loss, including eyebrow hair loss.
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can trigger this loss equally. In case of hyperthyroidism, hair growth is accelerated by the increased thyroid hormones. Due to this faster growth, they also fall out more quickly.
In the case of hypothyroidism, the growth of eyebrow hair is impaired by a lack of thyroid hormones. Consequently, this can also lead to hair loss. Also, in some cases, drug treatment of the thyroid disorder can cause eyebrow hair loss.
But usually the previous disorder causes the eyebrow hairs to fall out for some time. It takes some time before the metabolic situation has regulated itself again. Since the so-called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland, which affects the body’s own defence system, it leads to permanent inflammation of the thyroid gland.
In the course of this, the eyebrows can also fall out. It is characteristic that initially an overactive thyroid gland develops and finally an underactive thyroid gland and thus a lack of thyroid hormones. Since thyroid hormones also control hair growth, this can have an effect on the eyebrows.
If Hasimoto Thyroiditis is suspected, a medical clarification is strongly recommended. During the menopause, the so-called menopause, there are changes in hormone concentrations. The level of the hormone oestrogen decreases.
Since this also plays a certain role in hair growth, it is assumed that a decreasing oestrogen concentration can cause eyebrow loss. During the menopause, the concentration of the so-called progesterone also decreases, which can additionally promote eyebrow hair loss. Since the hormone level is permanently altered, a well-considered hormone therapy can be advisable if necessary. This treatment can be carried out with certain hormone preparations or with the help of hormone implants or so-called phytohormones, i.e. herbal hormone preparations.
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