Graves Disease Hair Loss – A Basic Explanation on a Challenging Issue
Graves disease hair loss is a very challenging condition for many patients. Graves disease is a potentially serious condition that relates directly to the thyroid, a small gland that is located in the base region of the neck. This gland is directly responsible for producing hormones that the body needs in order to regulate your metabolism.
Individuals that have been diagnosed with Graves disease hair loss have an issue with the overproduction of the hormones of the thyroid. It is not at all uncommon for patients to find that their hair becomes exceptionally dry and coarse. As time progresses, they may find that large portions of the hair start to fall out. Not only can this be a frightening experience, but it may also be a disheartening one.
Why Does Hair Loss Occur with Graves Disease?
If an individual experiences hair loss once they have been diagnosed with Graves disease, it is basically because of the fact that the body realizes it is experiencing a crisis. As a result, the cells that control hair growth will immediately shut down. This is a natural process that helps the body direct the energy that it needs to other parts of the body that are in more of an immediate need of the energy.
In addition to this, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies and even certain medications may result in the onset of Graves disease hair loss. If you find that you are experiencing hair loss after being diagnosed with Graves disease, you should consult your doctor for further evaluation.
If you have or suspect hair loss due to Graves disease, it is first important to start by having an evaluation with a
medical professional. In most instances, you may go to a general doctor or a dermatologist.
If
you have already been diagnosed with thyroid disease, your doctor
should determine if the medication that you have been prescribed for the
issue is the underlying cause of the condition. It could be that you
are on the wrong medication, or you are not receiving a high enough
dosage for your condition.
In addition to this, a doctor will be
able to tell you – after testing – if you are suffering from nutritional
based deficiencies.
If you have not yet been diagnosed with Graves disease, you should ask your doctor the following questions:
- Do you believe that I have a thyroid condition based on the symptoms that I am experiencing?
Is my hair loss a direct result of an overproductive thyroid?
If I have an overactive thyroid, what types of supplements should I take to avoid Graves disease hair loss?
Should I start any thyroid treatment? If so, will it result in more hair loss or will it stop the hair loss that I am experiencing?
Should I make any dietary changes in order to overcome my hair loss issues?- Should I add Evening Primrose Oil as a supplement to my diet?
Ask
your doctor about Evening Primrose oil as a supplement. Many thyroid
patients have expercienced an added benefit of slowing down hair loss
and have found that they begin growing new hair within a couple months
of starting this supplement.
Graves disease hair loss is never an
issue anyone wants to experience. As a matter of fact, out of all of the
symptoms that an individual can experience with Graves disease, hair
loss is often deemed as the most challenging and disheartening,
especially for women.
However, there are certain types of
treatments that may be taken in order to overcome this complication.
Examples include dietary changes, taking supplements in order to treat
nutritional deficiencies and even taking prescription medications as
given by your medical professional.
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