WHEN HAIR LOSS MEANS MORE: THE THYROID CONNECTION YOU NEED TO KNOW (A. Mazza)

By: Lennard Goetze, Ed.D / from the transcript of ThyroidTalks Podcast (Produced by: Dr. Angela Mazza) Episode 13 - aired Nov 23, 2022

Is your hairbrush looking fuller than usual? Noticing more hair down the drain? It might be more than stress or aging — your thyroid could be trying to tell you something.

In the latest episode of Thyroid Talk, Dr. Angela Mazza — a Central Florida-based integrative endocrinologist — teamed up with patient and co-host Dawn Sheffield to unravel one of the most distressing, yet overlooked, symptoms of thyroid disorders: hair loss. The episode delivered compassionate insights, science-backed explanations, and practical tips for patients and providers alike.  We’re breaking down their most important takeaways right here.

 

Meet Dr. Angela Mazza: Advocate for Thyroid Awareness

Dr. Angela Mazza isn’t your average endocrinologist. Beyond treating thyroid, endocrine, and metabolism disorders in her integrative practice, she’s made it her mission to educate the public on these vital yet often misunderstood glands. Through Thyroid Talk, Dr. Mazza shares accessible, expert-backed advice for those navigating thyroid health challenges — including the confusing world of hair loss.

“Our hair is an external reflection of what’s going on inside our body,” Dr. Mazza explains. “Healthy hair usually signals good overall health.” When hair turns thin, brittle, or starts shedding in clumps, it’s worth investigating — because it could be the first outward sign of an underlying issue.

 

HAIR LOSS - THYROID CONNECTION

It turns out, your thyroid plays a pivotal role in regulating hair growth. The hair follicles on your scalp (you have between 80,000 to 120,000 of them) don’t grow continuously. Instead, they cycle through phases:

·   Anagen (growth) phase: lasts 2 to 6 years

·   Catagen (transition) phase: a brief few weeks

·   Telogen (resting and shedding) phase: lasts 2 to 4 months

When thyroid hormone levels are off — whether too high (hyperthyroidism) or too low (hypothyroidism) — it can disrupt this delicate cycle.  “Hair loss from thyroid dysfunction tends to be diffuse,” says Dr. Mazza. “It affects the entire scalp, not just patches.”

Not All Hair Loss Is Immediate: Here’s a little-known fact: noticeable hair shedding often reflects disruptions from months earlier. So if you adjusted your thyroid medication or experienced significant stress recently, the increased hair loss you’re seeing today might be rooted in events from three or four months ago. That’s why timing and a detailed health history are crucial in determining the cause.

Autoimmune Links: More Than Just the Thyroid: Most thyroid disorders in the U.S. have autoimmune origins — namely Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (hypothyroidism) and Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism). And once the immune system is in overdrive, it may start attacking other areas too. One condition, Alopecia Areata, causes patchy hair loss on the scalp and sometimes the body. While it isn’t always connected to thyroid disease, people with one autoimmune condition are statistically more likely to develop others. 

Beyond Thyroid Trouble: Other Hair Loss Triggers: Thyroid issues aren’t the only reason for shedding strands. Dr. Mazza reminds us of other common culprits:

·        Nutrient deficiencies (iron, protein, vitamin D, biotin)

·        COVID-19 (many experience hair loss around 3 months post-infection)

·        Hormonal shifts (pregnancy, menopause)

·        Stressful life events

·        Aggressive hair styling and chemical treatments

·        Scalp infections

·        Certain medications and medical therapies

“There’s no one-size-fits-all cause,” she emphasizes. “That’s why a thorough workup matters.”

Can It Be Reversed? Good News: Often, Yes : Perhaps the most comforting message from the episode: hair lost due to thyroid imbalance is typically reversible. Once thyroid levels are properly managed — through medication adjustments or integrative treatments — hair tends to regrow. That said, patience is key. Hair growth is a slow process, and improvements may not appear for several months.

Natural Ways to Support Hair Health: In addition to correcting hormonal imbalances, Dr. Mazza recommends targeted nutritional supplements to support hair follicles from the inside out. Her personal go-tos include:

·   Biotin (B7)                              • Vitamin D                • Grape seed and green tea extracts

·   B-complex vitamins               • Zinc

But a word of caution: “Always check with your healthcare provider before adding supplements,” she stresses. Another fascinating option? Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, where a patient’s own plasma is injected into the scalp to stimulate follicles. “It’s been very effective for many of my patients,” Dr. Mazza says.

Does Scalp Massage Really Work? Actually, Yes : Dawn confessed to testing a spidery, handheld scalp massager — and while it might feel gimmicky, science suggests there’s merit. “Studies show scalp massage can increase hair thickness by stretching the dermal papilla cells,” Dr. Mazza confirms. The theory? It boosts blood flow and follicle stimulation, potentially encouraging new growth.

The Bigger Picture: Don’t Dismiss Hair Changes: Hair loss isn’t “just a cosmetic issue.” It can be a visible red flag for deeper imbalances — particularly within the endocrine and immune systems. Both Dr. Mazza and Dawn urge listeners (and readers) not to dismiss excessive shedding as a normal part of aging without a proper evaluation. “If you’re noticing significant changes, talk to your healthcare provider,” Dr. Mazza advises. “It’s worth looking into — for your hair and your whole health.”

A Final Thought: Hair loss can be scary, but it’s also a powerful reminder of how interconnected our systems are. Your hair is more than a fashion statement — it’s a health marker worth paying attention to. And if you’re searching for smart, integrative thyroid advice, you might want to keep an eye out for Dr. Mazza’s upcoming book, Thyroid Talk: An Integrative Endocrinologist’s Guide to Optimal Thyroid Health. Judging by her podcast, it’s bound to be a must-read.

For more thyroid health resources, visit:

📖 Metabolic Center for Wellness

📺 YouTube: Dr. Angela Mazza

📧 Questions? Reach the show at thyroidtalk.ma@gmail.com

ALSO, get all the wisdom of Thyroid Talk in one complete package.

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