Thyroid Problems

The thyroid gland converts iodine and the amino acid tyrosine, found in our food, into the thyroid hormones: thyroxine and triiodothyronine which are abbreviated to T4 and T3 respectively.

Thyroid cells are the only ones in the body that can absorb iodine. Unless we obtain these two elements in our diet regularly the thyroid may begin to malfunction.

Look at the dietary sources and try to include them into your food. For example Iodine is found in seaweeds (kelp). Tyrosine can be synthesized in the body from the essential amino acid Phenylalanine which is found in many high protein and dairy products.

The Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid gland releases T3 and T4 into the blood stream where it is then transported throughout the body to control metabolism (conversion of oxygen and calories to energy). We would quickly die if the thyroid were to be removed and the hormones not replaced.

The normal thyroid gland produces about 80% T4 and about 20% T3, however, T3 possesses about four times the hormone “strength” as T4. Within the brain the hypothalamus, releases a hormone know as Thyroid Releasing Hormone.

This alters the level of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone released. It can be viewed like a thermostat. As levels of T3 and T4 rise the thermostat kicks in and shuts of TRH, which reduces TSH and then tells the thyroid to cut it’s production of thyroid hormones. If this delicate hormonal balance should falter the thyroid can become under active (or overactive).

Thyroid Problems and Hair Loss

The most common pattern of hair loss we see with an under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a diffuse pattern of loss (general thinning across the top of the scalp). However it is common in alopecia areata too, so needs to be excluded if you have these patterns of loss.

The least invasive way to check the thyroid is by measuring basal temperature. The logic being that when thyroid function is normal, temperature and pulse rates will be in a given range. When temperature falls below the ideal range, it is often indicative of hypothyroidism, so further investigation is needed.

A blood test can measure the levels of the thyroid hormones and if the body is producing antibodies against its own thyroid (Hashimoto’s Disease). However some doctors have found that the cells may not be taking up the hormones efficiently and that the blood hormone levels can be in normal range, but the patient still exhibit signs of under-activity.

The temperature test is a quick non invasive test, however it is advisable to follow this up with more thorough tests if you suspect an under-active thyroid.

How To Do A Basal Temperature Test

Before going to sleep, shake down a glass thermometer to below 90 degrees Fahrenheit and place it within easy reach. Do not use a digital thermometer because they are often not as accurate as the glass version. First thing in the morning make sure you take your under arm temperature before getting out of bed. The temperature should be recorded after ten minutes. The correct range should be 97.8 – 98.2. However a couple of things can alter this: women’s temperature can rise around 1 degree at the point of ovulation. This needs to be factored into the reading. More importantly, in female hair loss it is wise to see if your temperature does actually rise at ovulation because it can indicate a hormonal cause to your hair loss.

Treatment For Under-active Thyroids

If your thyroid is found to be under-active the conventional treatment is thyroid hormone replacement. This is where you are given a drug that resembles the body’s thyroid hormones.

Certain drugs contain only T4, while others contain only T3 and yet others a combination of both.

There are basically two different approaches: thyroid replacement started with desiccated pigs thyroid and was dominated by the brand Amour.

Synthetic versions were then developed and marketed and are more popular these days.

What is extremely important to note is that these drugs are extremely potent and should only be taken with strict medical supervision.

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride (marketed under many names but the most well known are Proscar and Propecia) similarly to minoxidil was not originally intended to cure hair loss, but was used as a treatment in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. It is a synthetic antiandrogen that acts by inhibiting type II 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT (Dihydrotestosterone).

And as DHT is largely responsible for balding. So in essence it was by preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT that would also prevent hair loss and this side effect was duly note in patients who had been taking Finasteride. In 1997, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved finasteride to treat male pattern hair loss. Merck sells it under the brand name Propecia.

Effectiveness of Propecia

In a 5-year study of men with mild to moderate hair loss, 48% of those treated with Propecia (finasteride 1 mg) experienced some regrowth of hair, and a further 42% had no further loss. Average hair count in the treatment group remained above baseline, and showed an increasing difference from hair count in the placebo group, for all five years of the study.

Propecia is effective only for as long as it is taken; the hair gained or maintained is lost within 6-12 months of ceasing therapy. In clinical studies, Propecia, like minoxidil, was shown to work on both the crown area and the hairline, but is most successful in the crown area. All sounds promising right?

Side Effects of Finasteride?

But there is a reason why I recommend my patient to use minoxidil instead of finasteride and that is the side effect. However do not let that put you trying finasteride for at least a week as the effects can vary dramatically from person to person. It has been reported to me that some men experienced a sharp pain in their testicles, severe enough to make walking difficult on occasions when they tried it, however I also know of people who has used it for over 5 years and has had no side effect.

Other Risk of Finasteride

The Swedish Medical Products Agency and the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) say that use of Propecia may result in erectile dysfunction that persists after treatment has stopped. While you might love your hair, but I love my libido a little bit more.

Previous studies had indicated the results of Finasteride on sexual dysfunction were negligible, as a percentage causing complications at the following rates: impotence (1.1% to 18.5%), abnormal ejaculation (7.2%), decreased ejaculatory volume (0.9% to 2.8%), abnormal sexual function (2.5%), gynecomastia (2.2%), erectile dysfunction (1.3%), ejaculation disorder (1.2%) and testicular pain.

It should also be remembered that unlike Minoxidil, Finasteride is a prescription only medicine and should be bought only on the advice of doctor after informing about your general health conditions and any medicines that you may be taking.

Like I said earlier I would suggest taking Finasteride but while closely monitoring, perhaps via blood test or semen count, the potential side effects.

Are you suffering from hair loss? Make sure you read this article now to learn some of the best remedies and cures for hair loss. After you read this article, you will dramatically improve your chances of being to recover your lost hair. All this can be achieved in just a few short months.

Big promises I know, but it is possible. Many people have achieved great successes by using some of the methods that you will learn in a moment.

1. Herbal Remedies

Do herbs really work? That is one of the question that gets asked on a very frequent basis. Herbs do work! I know, because I have personally received plenty of healing benefits by just using herbs and other natural remedies. A lot of times, people doubt the efficacy of herbs, and I understand why.

The reason why certain herbs work so well to treat, slow down and cure hair loss is because they contain natural DHT inhibiting substances. DHT, or dihydrotestosterone is the number 1 underlying cause of hair loss. This hormone, which is converted from testosterone by an enzyme known as 5 alpha reductase, has the tendency to block and ultimately kill your hair follicles.

Herbs like saw palmetto and nettle roots as well as pygeum are great DHT blockers. As such, they work as a great natural therapy to control and reduce hair loss. Make sure you give herbal treatment a fair try before you call it quits – because it might just do the wonders for you!

2. Your Diet

It just goes without saying that the foods you consume everyday have a direct and profound effect on your hair follicles and the amount of hair left on your head. The reason for this is very simple. A good diet provides vital nutrients that are very vital to maintain and improve the health of the hair follicles. A vital mineral zinc, is required for healthy hair growth and has been found to have an inhibiting effect on DHT.

Other than that, when you eat in healthy foods, your body will get all the beneficial nutrients that are all required for optimum hair growth. Without certain nutrients in your daily diet, there is simply no way for your body to produce hair at a healthy volume.

3. Scalp Massage

One of the triggers of hair loss is poor blood circulation in the scalp area. The solution for this is simple – you massage your scalp regularly on a daily basis. Regular scalp massage will help improve the blood flow in the scalp area. This increase in blood circulation in that particular area means more nutrients and oxygen will get to the hair follicles. By massaging your scalp, you will be able to improve your hair’s growth and volume quickly and easily.