Once in a while, a concern that may seem unimportant could actually point to a more significant problem. We are intrigued that thinning eyebrows could sometimes play this role for thyroid disease. Here are a couple of stories. Keep in mind that occasionally eyebrow loss is due to skin conditions such as alopecia areata or psoriasis. In any event, a physician should take this condition seriously enough to look into possible underlying causes.
Thinning Eyebrows Have Reader Worried:
Q. I am worried about my eyebrows. They started thinning at the outer edges, but now they are nearly gone. I have no clue what to do, and nothing I’ve tried has made them grow back.
I feel self-conscious about this and would appreciate your advice. I am embarrassed to make a doctor appointment about my appearance.
A. You should actually make an appointment with your doctor. Ask to have your thyroid function tested.
For reasons that remain somewhat mysterious, low thyroid hormones can sometimes make the outer third of the eyebrows disappear (CMAJ, Feb. 14, 2022). Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, puffy eyes, weight gain, dry skin, cold sensitivity and constipation. Occasionally people experience thinning eyebrows when the problem is too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism, aka Graves disease) rather than too little.
Understanding Thyroid Lab Tests:
Q. I have taken thyroid medication for decades. In addition I take amitriptyline, calcium, multivitamins, Prempro and aspirin. My eyebrows have become so sparse that I need to use an eyebrow pencil to look normal. I have also lost hair on my legs and arms as well on my head. When I mentioned this to my dermatologist, he suggested I try Rogaine. It hasn’t been very effective.
My TSH level is between 5 and 6 and my cholesterol is over 240. I am a vegetarian and eat a very healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. No matter how much I exercise or watch my diet, I can’t seem to lose weight. When I ask my doctor about all this, he dismisses my symptoms as unimportant. I’d be grateful for any advice.
Thinning Eyebrows Might Indicate Low Thyroid Hormone:
A. Many of your symptoms, such as high cholesterol, thinning eyebrows, hair loss, depression and trouble losing weight, are consistent with too little thyroid hormone. Your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is somewhat high, another indication of inadequate thyroid function.
Estrogen (found in Prempro) may affect your thyroid test. Taking thyroid with a multivitamin or calcium could interfere with absorption and effectiveness. You might wish to take these pills at different times.
Learn More:
You can learn more about thyroid conditions in our eGuide to Thyroid Hormones. This extensive online resource also provides information about symptoms, treatment and lab test interpretation.
