The specialist attributed the thinning of the eyebrows to problems with thyroid function

Thinning or disappearance of hairs in the outer third of the eyebrows (the so-called "Herth—Hertwig symptom") is most often associated not with liver diseases, as many believe, but with thyroid pathologies, primarily hypothyroidism. Kirill Masliev, Candidate of Medical Sciences, member of the State Council Commission on Active Long-term Life, Head of the Department of Preventive Medicine at the Rudn University, founder of the Heroes Charitable Foundation, told Izvestia about this on July 28.

As the expert explained, this is a classic, long-described symptom of insufficient thyroid function. With hormone deficiency, nutrition and hair growth are disrupted — they become brittle, sparse, and their growth slows down not only on the head, but also in the eyebrow area.

Masliev refuted the widespread opinion about a direct link between localized eyebrow prolapse and cirrhosis of the liver. Although in the advanced stages of liver failure, general dystrophic changes are possible, including impaired protein metabolism, micronutrient deficiency, and general hair loss, this applies to the entire hairline and is usually accompanied by other, more noticeable symptoms: jaundice, ascites, vascular asterisks, and changes in consciousness.

"In addition to hypothyroidism, such a symptom can be observed in atopic dermatitis and eczema, especially in chronic cases with constant friction and combing; alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which selective hair loss is possible in different areas; Leprosy (Hansen's disease), a rare infectious disease that is practically not found in developed countries nowadays. countries. Theoretically, this can also be the case with anorexia, iron, zinc, and biotin deficiency," Masliev said.

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In some cases, as the expert notes, the thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows does not indicate any disease. This may be an individual feature of hair growth, especially with age. In menopausal women and men after the age of 50, natural thinning of hair in the eyebrow area is a common phenomenon caused by hormonal changes.

In addition, the condition of the eyebrows can be affected by aggressive cosmetic procedures: frequent plucking, tattooing, peels or allergies to paint.

"If you notice a thinning of the eyebrows, especially with other symptoms: dry skin, swelling, drowsiness, weight gain, it makes sense to check the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, T4 and exclude hypothyroidism. But you should not be afraid of cirrhosis of the liver right away, this diagnosis requires completely different reasons," the specialist concluded.

On July 24, endocrinologist Elena Fedorova told Izvestia that hypoglycemia, a condition caused by a sharp decrease in blood glucose levels, can manifest itself in various symptoms during sleep, which it is important to recognize in time. According to her, nocturnal hypoglycemia is accompanied not only by excessive sweating, but also by other alarming signs: unreasonable feelings of panic, trembling in the body, rapid heartbeat, severe hunger, dizziness and general weakness.

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