Hair Loss Tracking with Thyroid Conditions: Document the Connection
Hypothyroidism is one of the top causes of diffuse hair loss, affecting up to 5% of the US population. If you have a thyroid disorder and notice thinning hair, tracking the relationship between your thyroid levels and hair density provides the objective data you need to work with your endocrinologist on an effective treatment plan.
Why Thyroid Conditions Cause Hair Loss
Thyroid hormones regulate your hair growth cycle directly. When your thyroid is underactive, it slows down cellular metabolism throughout your body, including your hair follicles.
The result is a shift from the anagen (growth) phase to the telogen (resting) phase. Unlike androgenetic alopecia, thyroid-related hair loss is typically diffuse, meaning it thins evenly across your entire scalp rather than in a specific pattern.
| Thyroid Condition | Hair Loss Pattern | Typical Onset | Reversibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypothyroidism | Diffuse thinning | 2-4 months after TSH rises | High with treatment |
| Hyperthyroidism | Diffuse thinning, fine texture | 1-3 months after onset | High with treatment |
| Hashimoto's | Diffuse + patchy possible | Gradual over months | Moderate to high |
| Post-thyroidectomy | Diffuse thinning | 2-6 months post-surgery | High with HRT |
How to Track Thyroid-Related Hair Loss
Step 1: Establish Your Baseline
Before or immediately after starting thyroid medication, take your first set of tracking photos. Record your current TSH, T3, and T4 values alongside your density readings.
This baseline is critical. Without it, you cannot measure whether medication adjustments are improving your hair density.
Step 2: Log Every Medication Change
Each time your endocrinologist adjusts your Levothyroxine dose, record:
- The date of the change
- Your previous dose (in mcg)
- Your new dose (in mcg)
- Your TSH/T3/T4 values at the time of the change
Step 3: Track Density at Regular Intervals
Take standardized photos every 4 weeks. Consistency matters more than frequency. Use the same lighting, angles, and camera distance each time.
| Tracking Interval | What to Record | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Every 4 weeks | Photos from 5 angles | Captures gradual density changes |
| At each blood draw | TSH, T3, T4 values | Links lab data to visual evidence |
| At each dose change | Old dose, new dose, date | Maps medication to density trends |
| Every 3 months | Overall density assessment | Identifies long-term trajectory |
Step 4: Correlate Density with TSH Levels
The key insight from thyroid hair loss tracking is the relationship between your TSH levels and density readings. Most patients see density stabilize when TSH reaches the 1.0-2.0 mIU/L range, though individual responses vary.
Plot your TSH values on the same timeline as your density readings. Look for a 2-4 month lag between TSH normalization and visible density improvement.
What Your Data Tells Your Doctor
A visual timeline showing density readings mapped to dosage changes gives your endocrinologist something no blood test alone can provide: evidence of how your body responds to specific doses over time.
This is especially valuable when:
- Your TSH is "normal" but you are still losing hair
- You are considering dose adjustments
- You need to differentiate thyroid loss from androgenetic alopecia
- You are tracking recovery after thyroidectomy
Separating Thyroid Loss from Other Causes
Not all hair loss in thyroid patients comes from the thyroid. Androgenetic alopecia affects 50% of men and 30% of women independently of thyroid function.
If your TSH normalizes but density continues to drop in specific zones (temples, crown), your tracking data can help identify a secondary cause. Documenting hair loss for your dermatologist with this dual-timeline approach makes referrals more productive.
Women with thyroid conditions should also explore female hair loss tracking protocols that account for hormonal factors beyond thyroid function.
Start Tracking Your Thyroid Hair Connection
The sooner you begin logging medication changes alongside density readings, the faster you build the dataset your endocrinologist needs to optimize your treatment.
Upload your first set of tracking photos at myhairline.ai/analyze to establish your baseline and start documenting the connection between your thyroid health and hair density.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your endocrinologist or dermatologist for personalized treatment recommendations.