Can thyroid problems cause hair loss?

Yes, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to hair loss. In hypothyroidism, the lack of thyroid hormones slows down hair follicle regeneration, leading to thinning hair, particularly on the scalp and eyebrows. Hyperthyroidism can also cause hair loss due to the body's increased metabolic activity, which speeds up the hair growth cycle, resulting in premature hair shedding. If you experience unexplained hair loss, a thyroid function test (TFT) can help determine if an underlying thyroid issue is contributing to the problem. Proper treatment can often reverse hair loss associated with thyroid dysfunction.