Jump to content

Choose locationChoose Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Ask an Expert
  • Thinning Hair
Content

Ask An Expert

Thinning Hair

Ask the Expert Team

Ask the Expert Team

Sutter Health

Question:

Are there any safe oral supplements you would recommend for thinning hair? I believe this is happening because of hypothyroid medication.

Answer:

There are a number of things that can cause hair loss. Diffuse hair loss - hair loss at the temples and the top of the head - is the most common type of hair loss. It tends to run in families and becomes more pronounced as we age. If family members have had hair loss, you are more likely to experience this yourself.

Stress is another big contributor to hair loss - you may notice that during particularly stressful times in your life, your hair tends to fall out more easily. The good news is that once the stressful event has passed, hair growth should improve.

An underactive or overactive thyroid can also lead to hair loss, but this tends to improve once the disorder has been treated and your thyroid hormone levels have returned to normal. However thyroid hormone replacement itself may also cause hair loss.

There is also an autoimmune disorder known as alopecia areata which leads to discrete patches of hair loss on the scalp. This needs to be treated by a dermatologist. Some nutrient deficiencies can also contribute to changes in the hair and nails, including zinc and selenium.

Finally, a number of medications can cause hair loss, including blood thinners, hormones, some antibiotics, some medications for high cholesterol, and certain meds for high blood pressure.

There are currently no definitive ways to prevent hair loss caused by aging, family genetics, or alopecia areata. There are certain medications that can stimulate hair growth, however, including spironolactone and minoxidi. Finasteride is another medication used for hair loss, but it is only indicated for men.

And of course, if stress is contributing to your hair loss, then consider starting a daily stress reduction practice like meditation or guided imagery. Don't forget to eat a healthy diet, loaded with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, to help prevent any nutrient deficiencies. A daily multivitamin/multimineral tablet may be protective, but talk with your doctor first if you have any medical issues for which vitamin or mineral supplements may be contraindicated.

Related Questions

Question
  • Facial Moisturizers and Serums
    What does serum used under a moisturizer do, and is it necessary? What is the best moisturizer?
  • Laser Treatment for Adult Acne?
    I have adult acne, but I'm also getting saggy skin now that I'm in my 40s. Would laser treatments help both?
  • Breast Lifts Without Implants?
    Is it possible to lift small breasts without needing implants to fill up the sagging skin?
  • Acute vs. Chronic Pain
    What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?
  • Aging Skin Prevention and Treatment
    What can be done about aging, thinning skin on the arms and legs as we get older? Is there a best ingredient in over-the-counter products? This is happening despite excellent nutrition and otherwise very good health.

Back to Mind Body

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare Advantage
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Residencies and Fellowships
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2022 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

    Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences