From the Guidelines
Low parathyroid function can cause hair loss through calcium imbalance in the body, and treatment typically involves calcium supplementation and active vitamin D to restore calcium balance. When parathyroid glands don't produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium levels drop in the bloodstream, leading to hypocalcemia, as seen in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome 1. This calcium deficiency affects hair follicle health and function, resulting in hair thinning, increased shedding, and potentially brittle hair. The hair growth cycle becomes disrupted as calcium is essential for proper cell division and growth in hair follicles. Additionally, the stress on the body from managing low calcium levels can trigger telogen effluvium, a condition where hair prematurely enters the resting phase and falls out. Some key points to consider in managing hypoparathyroidism-related hair loss include:
- Regular investigations, including measurements of pH-corrected ionized calcium, magnesium, parathyroid hormone, and creatinine concentrations, are recommended 1
- Daily calcium and vitamin D supplementation are recommended for all adults with hypoparathyroidism, with typical doses ranging from 1000-2000 mg of calcium daily and 0.25-1 mcg of calcitriol daily
- Magnesium supplementation may be necessary for patients with hypomagnesemia, as hypomagnesemia can worsen hypocalcemia 1
- Regular blood monitoring is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels, as both too little and too much calcium can be problematic, and over-correction can result in iatrogenic hypercalcemia, renal calculi, and renal failure 1.
From the Research
Low Parathyroid Hormone and Hair Loss
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that links low parathyroid hormone to hair loss 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is known that hormonal imbalances can affect hair growth and lead to hair loss 2.
- Parathyroid hormone plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the body, and its deficiency can lead to hypocalcemia and other biochemical imbalances 3, 5.
- These imbalances can potentially affect the health of hair follicles and lead to hair loss, although this is not explicitly stated in the provided studies.
- Further research is needed to establish a direct link between low parathyroid hormone and hair loss.
Related Conditions
- Hypoparathyroidism, a condition characterized by low parathyroid hormone levels, can lead to a range of clinical manifestations, including hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and soft tissue calcifications 5.
- While hair loss is not mentioned as a symptom of hypoparathyroidism in the provided studies, it is possible that the condition may contribute to hair loss indirectly through its effects on overall health and hormone balance.
- Other conditions that affect hormone balance, such as androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium, can cause hair loss 2.
- However, the relationship between these conditions and low parathyroid hormone levels is not established in the provided studies.