Hi, I was just wondering if it is normal to notice some thinning of hair above the temple area. Like upper hairline on both sides and going inward about a little bit. Can that be normal or maybe not. I’m not sure if that makes sense, but I woke up one morning and noticed it and cant stop thinking about it now. Thank you for any input!

Also I was wondering what the chance of getting hypothyroidism in future pregnancies is..

Answered by: Maria/MD Health Forum.com Team

The hair cycle consists of three distinct stages. The length of each phase varies from person to person. The active growth phase is known as anagen in which the hair grows about 1 centimeter a month. The scalp hair’s growth phase may last for 2 to 3 years. Anagen is followed by catagen or intermediate phase. Catagen ends the active growth of hair, the duration of this phase is usually 2 to 3 weeks. The resting phase is known as telogen lasts for three to four months. At the end of telogen, the hair strand falls out and a new one begins to grow in its place. The growth phase again begins once the hair is shed.

Hair loss and hormone levels
Hormonal changes and imbalance can cause hair loss. Conditions that affect the hormone levels include: pregnancy, giving birth, discontinuing birth control pills. Overactive or underactive thyroid gland can both cause temporary hair loss.

Hair loss may happen three months after hormonal change and may take three more months for new hair to grow back. Temporary hair loss for a few months after giving birth is quite common. Hair loss will cease once the hormone balance is restored.

Hair loss and stress
Aside from hormonal factors, there is a type of hair loss which occurs because of some changes in the normal hair cycle. This condition is as tellogen effluvium, a type of hair loss
which is thought to result from emotional or physical stress. Hair roots are forced prematurely into the resting stage. The growing hairs from the affected roots fall out. Telogen effluvium may follow emotional distress such as loss of a family member or physiological stress, such as a abrupt or excessive weight loss, surgery, nutritional problems, metabolic disturbances or high fever. Once the underlying condition is treated or corrects itself, the hair grows back but it typically take months.

Hypothyroidism
Result from a study have shown that hypothyroidism occurs in 2.5% of pregnancies. It has also been observed that there is an increased chance of permanent hypothyroidism in women who had thyroid problems during pregnancy.

You mentioned constipation and memory loss, although those are among the symptoms of hypothyroidism, there are also other disorders that may have the same manifestation. Memory loss is also experienced by people who are suffering from depression or anxiety. There are still other factors that can affect one’s memory. Hence, a physicians thorough evaluation is vital.

Some women develop postpartum thyroiditis within a few months after giving birth. This form of thyroid inflammation is characterized by symptoms of hyperthyroidism during the first weeks. Later on, the thyroid gland may not be able to produce sufficient thyroid hormone, thus causing temporary hypothyroidism.

You should go to your doctor and inform him or her about the symptoms that you have been experiencing. The decision whether you need to undergo tests will rely on your doctor’s evaluation based on your medical history and findings in physical examination.

This blog entry is only for your general information. I recommend that you discuss your symptoms with your own doctor.

References:
Hair loss. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Feb 1, 2008
Lazarus JH; Epidemiology and prevention of thyroid disease in pregnancy. Thyroid. 2002 Oct;12(10):861-5.
Michael B. Harper and E. J. Mayeaux Jr. Thyroid Disease. 2002. Family Medicine: Principles and Practice, 3d ed.

Tags: anxiety, constipation, hair thinning, hairloss, hairloss in women, hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism in pregnancy, hypthyroidism, memory loss, telogen effluvium