Unexpected hair loss can be a symptom of a wide range of health conditions. This is due to hair cells being some of the fastest growing cells in the body. Any disruption of normal health often impacts cellular growth and development. Therefore, hair loss is an easy indicator of an ongoing problem. One of the more prevalent hair loss conditions is hypothyroidism, otherwise known as an underactive thyroid. Here are eight steps you should take to combat hypothyroidism and, by extension, combating your hair loss.

1. See a Professional

While it may be tempting to self diagnose yourself from home, the best way to determine if you are suffering from hypothyroidism is to see a medical professional. The thyroid gland is a very important regulator of the metabolism. Trying to ascertain whether yours is improperly functioning is almost impossible without professional help.

2. Be Patient and Hold Tight

Sudden hair loss can feel like you have to beat the clock before you go bald. Hypothyroidism only very rarely causes total baldness and this often takes years to happen. As you are waiting for your test results or to begin treatment, make sure you are patient enough. Don’t drive yourself crazy in the meantime.

3. Educate Yourself

Once you begin to receive treatment for hypothyroidism, take some time to understand how this condition can impact hair growth. Hair grows in a cycle. A regular strand of hair will grow half an inch for three to four years before entering a several month long resting period where no new growth occurs. After this period a new strand of hair will push out the existing one and begin the cycle over again. Hypothyroidism can interrupt this cycle because an underactive thyroid does not allow the body to properly use its consumed calories for new cellular growth, thus depriving your hair of fuel and causing your hair to prematurely enter its dormant state.

4. Check Other Medications

As you continue on your treatment, make sure you are not taking any other drugs, such as hormone replacement treatments, that can cause hair loss. You’ll be handicapping your treatment if you keep taking these medications.

5. Be Mindful of Being Under Treated

Treating the thyroid is a tricky proposition as the slightest change can have drastic changes on the body. If your treatment is not producing results even well after the window of time prescribed, speak to your doctor about possibly increasing the dosage or being retested.

6. Report Side Effects

If you are experiencing harsh side effects due to low thyroid treatments, make sure you speak to your doctor to try a different medication. Very often the cure may be worse than the disease.

7. Try Alternatives

Similar to number six, if you are unresponsive to a certain treatment for hypothyroidism, do not be afraid to ask your doctor to consider alternatives, such as swapping an oral medication for an injection. Different patients respond to different treatments.

8. Seek Support

Don’t remain in isolation while undergoing treatment. Look for support from friends, family members and other patients with hypothyroidism and hair loss. Having a support group can increase the chances of success due to better emotional and mental health.