WTS Hair Symptoms

In WTS, as the metabolism slows the body conserves energy by cutting down on  expendable functions that are not absolutely necessary for survival – like hair growth. Dry hair, brittle hair, or even hair loss are common symptoms of WTS. But there is evidence that suggests that healthy hair may be restored.

Dry Hair
Dry hair is a common complaint and can include the hair shafts breaking off at the ends. Hair manageability and luster can begin to return within two weeks of beginning proper thyroid hormone therapy, suggesting that the condition of the hair is greatly dependent on the oils secreted by the scalp and not just the composition of the hair shafts themselves.

Hair Loss
Most WTS patients notice generalized hair loss, especially from the top of their head, near their hair line, and on the sides of the head also (at the temples).  Their hair may become so thin that one can often see their scalp.

It is usually first noticed as hair on the pillow in the morning or clogging the shower drain.  Everyone knows that losing some hair from day to day is normal.  But they often notice a significant increase in the amount of hair being lost each day, especially when it comes out seemingly by the handfuls as one passes one’s fingers through one’s hair.

One such patient had noticed a 50% decrease in the amount of hair present on her head.  This thinning of her hair had been persistent for several years. With proper T3 treatment, the 50% loss of hair was restored, giving her back her full head of hair.

While this is obviously an isolated case that may not apply to everyone, it suggests that by normalizing body temp, we may optimize metabolism – escaping “conservation mode” and enabling the body to direct energy towards the otherwise expendable task of growing lustrous, healthy hair.

So what do you think? Do you have any tips on how to restore hair’s glossy, healthy appearance while dealing with low body temperature? Let us know in the comment field below!

Cheers,

Denis Wilson, MD

P.S.: Patients with decreased thyroid system function (DTSF) often find their symptoms to be improved with vitamin supplementation. These patients will frequently respond even better to concurrently treating the underlying problem with proper thyroid hormone treatment. It may be that low body temp affects absorption or utilization of vitamins, so supplementation improves with normalized temperature. After low body temp is normalized the patients’ dry and brittle hair symptoms often remain improved — even after vitamin therapy and thyroid hormone therapy have been weaned.