😱 The Common Symptom You Never Hear About: An Itchy Scalp | Issue 205
Did you know this can be a symptom?
If there’s one thyroid symptom I’ve been asked about more times than I can count, yet have never seen discussed before, it’s an itchy scalp. Just what is the thyroid and scalp link? Keep reading to find out!
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This Week’s Topic: An Itchy Scalp
How is this linked to thyroid issues? Let’s discuss.
Since thyroid hormone is needed for every function and cell in the body, effects when it is too high or too low can be far-reaching. Our metabolism, weight, energy levels, fertility, libido, brain function and even skin health can be impacted.
It is well-recognised that hypothyroidism can cause dry, tight skin, and conditions such as eczema and psoriasis often go hand in hand with a thyroid issue. But why?
Causes can range from low thyroid hormone levels (T3 and T4), to low or deficient nutrient levels, a poor diet or unavoidable genetics. Taking these in to account, what may help to improve this frustrating symptom?
After all, an itchy scalp that feels embarrassing, painful or distracting, especially impacting a good night’s sleep, can be really frustrating to live with. I know, because I have this issue myself.
Let’s explore what can help:
1. Optimal Thyroid Hormone Levels
Optimal thyroid hormone levels are different to just being ‘in range’. Optimal results are the places most thyroid patients say they feel best within the range. They’re more specific.
Optimal thyroid levels are stated to be a TSH below 2 or 2.5, and Free T4 midrange, with a Free T3 in the top quarter of the range. However, these can differ from person to person, but generally, if you have optimal thyroid levels, you shouldn’t be seeing thyroid symptoms linger, unless they’re being caused by something else.
It is worth knowing that some thyroid patients need to try a different type of thyroid medication in order to optimise their levels. This may include T3 and NDT medications.
If your doctor won’t test the full thyroid panel (maybe they just run TSH), it is worth knowing that you can order your own full thyroid test online. Find a UK option here and a US option here.
2. An Optimised Diet
The vitamins and minerals we get from food can play a big role in our skin health. Lots of water, healthy fats and nutrient-rich foods can support skin health. Obtaining enough Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C and iron from our diet can support healthy skin.
We can obtain these from foods such as: fish, meat, avocados, eggs, berries, spinach and nuts. Considering supplementing Omega-3 if you don’t already.
3. Optimal Vitamin and Mineral Levels
Low iron levels can cause skin to feel tight and dry. If you have a dry scalp accompanied by hair loss, then iron may well be the culprit. Read more about iron and thyroid health here.
Low Vitamin D levels can be a contributing factor to poor skin health, too. Many people are low in Vitamin D alongside having hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s.
Zinc plays a role in cell reproduction and the managing of the glands that attach to your hair follicles, so when your zinc levels are low, these follicles can become weak, causing strands to break off or fall out, or dry skin. Read more about how so many of us with thyroid conditions are deficient in zinc, here.
As with all supplements, it’s not wise to take them unless you know you need them via testing first. You should always let your doctor know about starting new supplements too.
Related Post: Which Supplements Should I Take For My Thyroid?
4. Rehydrate From The Outside
We can also hydrate and nourish skin from the outside. Applying a daily scalp moisturiser to the parts of your scalp that are prone to dryness, may help. As may deeply nourishing shampoos and conditioners. I have found that learning about the typical ingredients in hair products and understanding which ones trigger my scalp itching, and then avoiding these, to be super useful too. I avoid sulphates and anything too harsh, for example.
Also be mindful of hairsprays and hair styling products which can exacerbate itching and irritation.
You may also reduce how often you wash your hair. No more frequent than every 2 days is often stated, but for some people, their scalp needs the natural oils to keep it healthy for a up to a week before being washed away and starting afresh.
5. Consider Genetics and Ageing
As we age, our skin may be more prone to fragility, dryness and irritation. Addressing the areas mentioned above may help, but understanding that changes with age are also part of life.
Many of us inherit skin conditions through genetics, such as eczema, although focusing on good gut health may help them. Many people find help through supporting a healthy microbiome, although I did not see any changes in my itchy scalp personally, with protocols for this.
6.Know When To Use Prescriptions
Sometimes, prescription steroid creams or injections, or heavier moisturisers are a very useful tool. We can also keep in mind that these may be helpful for relief or to help us get on top of a flare.
However, most doctors will recommend avoiding overuse of steroid creams, so a combination of all the tips mentioned here is often useful. Optimise your thyroid and nutrient levels, optimise your diet, drink enough water, avoid ingredients in products that make it worse and use medicines where needed (if needed).
Keeping any skin prone to drying out or itching moisturised, with the daily application of a moisturiser, can go a long way.
And let me know: do you have any tips to share on this symptom?
I Want To Hear From You
Which thyroid questions or topics would you like to see in future newsletters? Reply to this email or leave a comment below with your suggestions. This week’s topic was suggested by a reader!
Personal Health Check-in
My Medichecks test results came back! My Free T3 is now optimised but my Free T4 is still low within range, so my doctor has increased my Levothyroxine to hopefully improve this. I’m glad the NDT has optimised the Free T3 at least!
If all has gone to plan with my back injections, you’ll also be reading this on the day it’s taking place! Wish me all the luck to be in and out of hospital on the same day and home without much issue!
Recent newsletters:
🥵 Can’t Cool Down? It Might Be Your Thyroid
🍓 The Foods I Wish I’d Avoided Sooner With Hypothyroidism & Hashimoto's
🧀 Foods That Help Hypothyroidism & Hashimoto's
Social Media Spotlight
My most popular posts in the last week were:
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This Medichecks test is the thyroid test I always use - it’s a finger prick test I complete at home and pop back in the post! Very easy and I fully recommend them for keeping on top of your thyroid health.
What Happens to Your Blood Sugar When You Eat Mango Every Day?
An interesting health read!
Thyroid UK International Thyroid Awareness Week Webinar
I was part of this online event in May 2025 and the recording is now live, so if you missed it on the day, you can catch up!
You can find my talk specifically from the 2:16 mark.
The 3pm Slump or “Thyroid Crash”
Do you get to 3pm and feel a sudden dip in energy? Perhaps coupled with brain fog? Do you feel as is you could really go for a nap at this time each day?
Read my last newsletter here: 🥵 Can’t Cool Down? It Might Be Your Thyroid | Issue 204
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I’ve had itchy scalp since at least high school. I didn’t know about my thyroid issue until my late 40s. Starting meds helped a bit. Going gluten free helped a bit more. Being consistent with vitamins helps as does getting an extra hour of sleep than usual.
Other tips not mentioned: Changing my pillowcase more frequently, drying hair near scalp after washing (to prevent any fungus), using an apple cider vinegar rinse.
It’s helpful to know there’s a hashimotos connection though because just like those symptoms ham can vary, the scalp issues seem to flare and ebb as well. Probably levels of stress and restorative rest have a lot to do with both.