Abu Dhabi – On World Thyroid Day (May 25), medical experts across the UAE are urging men to take thyroid health more seriously, warning that undiagnosed thyroid disorders may be silently fueling issues like hair thinning, baldness, and sexual dysfunction.
Long misperceived as primarily a women’s health issue, thyroid disease in men is often overlooked until symptoms become severe. But as doctors explain, the small butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck plays an outsized role in regulating metabolism, hormonal balance, and even hair health—making early detection crucial for men as well.
The Thyroid-Hair Connection
“Thyroid dysfunction directly impacts the body’s ability to grow and maintain healthy hair,” said Dr. Abey Abraham, Specialist in Internal Medicine at Aster Medical Center, Sharjah. “In hypothyroidism, slowed metabolism reduces blood flow to the scalp, causing hair to thin and shed. Hyperthyroidism speeds up the hair cycle, leading to premature fallout before strands fully develop.”
Hair thinning or shedding, especially when accompanied by fatigue, dry skin, or changes in libido, may be an early warning sign of a deeper hormonal imbalance.
More Than Just Hair Loss
Dr. Geethu Antony, Endocrinologist at Medeor Hospital in Abu Dhabi, added that hypothyroidism also affects testosterone levels in men, impairing reproductive function and contributing to infertility. “Testosterone plays a key role in both metabolic regulation and sperm production. When thyroid function declines, so does testosterone,” she said.
Diet and lifestyle further complicate the issue. Sedentary habits and poor nutrition—particularly low intake of iodine, selenium, and zinc—can worsen thyroid imbalance and trigger additional health concerns, from metabolic slowdown to reduced energy levels.
Why Men Often Miss the Signs
Unlike women, who are more routinely screened and attuned to hormonal changes, men frequently attribute symptoms to aging or work stress. “They often dismiss early red flags like thinning hair or weight gain,” said Dr. Abraham. “By the time they seek help, the condition has usually progressed.”
In addition to hair loss and hormonal imbalances, there is also a growing concern around thyroid cancer in men. “Though still more common in women, men are presenting with more aggressive cases—and later in the disease course,” Dr. Abraham noted. This trend is partly due to delayed screening and lower awareness of signs like neck swelling or nodules.
Protecting Thyroid—and Hair—Health
The good news? Early detection can make a significant difference. Routine blood tests, lifestyle adjustments, and a diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, and micronutrients can help maintain a healthy thyroid and prevent complications like hair loss.
“Hair loss doesn’t have to be inevitable,” said Dr. Abraham. “With timely intervention and the right hair health tips, men can regain control of both their thyroid function and overall well-being.”
In a region where high temperatures and high-pressure lifestyles already challenge personal health, UAE doctors emphasize that understanding the thyroid-hair connection could be the first step toward a healthier—and fuller-haired—future.
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