title: Zinc deficiency associated with hypothyroidism: an overlooked cause of severe alopecia.
abstract: Hypothyroidism is a common and well recognized cause of diffuse hair loss. Zinc and other trace elements such as copper and selenium are required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and deficiency of these can result in hypothyroidism. Conversely, thyroid hormones are essential for the absorption of zinc, and hence hypothyroidism can result in acquired zinc deficiency. The hair loss attributed to hypothyroidism may not improve with thyroxine unless zinc supplements are added, as demonstrated in our case.
authors: Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Government Medical College, Calicut, Kerala, India.
authors: Ambooken
authors: A
authors: Betsy
authors: Mp
authors: M
authors: Binitha
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Sarita
keywords: Alopecia; hypothyroidism; zinc deficiency
references: Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2012 May-Jun;78(3):237-41
references: 22565422
references: Ann Genet. 1990;33(1):9-15
references: 2142391
references: J Nutr. 2001 Apr;131(4):1135-41
references: 11285315
references: J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 2007 Dec;10(8):611-22
references: 18049926
references: Skinmed. 2007 Jul-Aug;6(4):199-200
references: 17618180
references: Biol Trace Elem Res. 1999 Mar;67(3):257-68
references: 10201332
references: Jpn J Physiol. 2005 Aug;55(4):211-9
references: 16255843
references: Dermatol Online J. 2012 Mar 15;18(3):1
references: 22483512
references: Int J Trichology. 2011 Jul;3(2):132-3
references: 22223987
references: Am J Clin Nutr. 1979 Apr;32(4):856-71
references: 107785