Eyebrows thinning? Serious health conditions that could be causing this

Time of India

5 days ago

It usually starts small just a few missing hairs near the arch, or the ends of your eyebrows looking a little less full than they used to. You might think it's from over-plucking, or maybe a bad brow pencil.
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But if your eyebrows have been thinning out for a while now, and you're not sure why, your body could be trying to get your attention.
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One of the first things doctors look at when someone complains about eyebrow hair loss is the thyroid. If your thyroid isn't working properly, whether it's overactive or underactive, it can seriously mess with hair growth. The outer third of your brows is especially sensitive to
changes.
And the scary part? You may not realize it until you're staring in the mirror, wondering where your tail-end brows went. Add in fatigue, mood changes, or unexplained weight shifts, and it might be time for a blood test.
Missing nutrients could be silently affecting hair growth
Another quiet culprit is diet. You might be eating enough calories, but are you getting the right nutrients? Iron, biotin, protein, and vitamin D all matter for hair growth. If you're low on any of them, your body prioritizes more important tasks over making you look good.
So if you've been skipping meals, eating mostly processed foods, or have gut issues that make it hard to absorb nutrients, that could be part of the problem.
Alopecia areata could be causing sudden, patchy loss
Skin issues like eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis can cause inflammation around the eyebrows. Sometimes you'll notice flaking or redness first. Other times, you won't see much at all, just slow hair loss. If your brow area itches or feels irritated after using new products, try pausing everything and going back to basics.
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Your skin might just be overloaded.
Then there's alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks hair follicles. It doesn't just affect the scalp it can show up in your eyebrows too. This condition usually comes on suddenly, sometimes overnight, and often leaves patchy spots. It's unpredictable and frustrating, but it's also treatable in many cases.
Hormonal shifts affect more than just your mood
Hormonal changes are another common reason, especially for women.
Menopause, pregnancy, and PCOS can throw your hormones off balance and affect how your hair grows. Even starting or stopping birth control pills can have an impact, and many women only notice it months after the change.
Stress can stop your hair growth in its tracks
Stress also plays a bigger role than most of us realize. When your body is under pressure, emotionally, mentally, or physically, it often responds by halting non-essential functions. Hair growth is one of the first things to go.
In extreme cases, people develop a condition called trichotillomania, where they unconsciously pull out their own brows or lashes during stressful periods. It's not just a habit it's a mental health condition that deserves compassion and treatment.
Some medications are also eyebrow enemies in disguise
Acne meds, antidepressants, or even high-dose vitamin A treatments can affect hair health. If you've noticed changes after starting something new, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
Age naturally thins out your brow hairs
Aging, of course, plays its part too. Hair follicles shrink over time, and the growth cycle slows down. So if you're over 40 and your brows seem a little sparse, it might just be part of the natural process. That said, using a gentle brow serum or nourishing oil can help support healthier growth, even later in life. Also, infections, especially fungal or bacterial, can also trigger hair loss if they hit the brow area. If you see redness, swelling, or feel pain near your eyebrows, don't wait.
Early treatment makes a huge difference.
Years of overplucking might catch up too
Finally, we need to talk about grooming. Over-plucking, harsh threading, or waxing too often can damage hair follicles over time. The damage might not show up immediately, but years of aggressive brow shaping can eventually lead to permanent thinning. Your eyebrows are more than just a beauty feature. They reflect what's happening under the surface. If yours have been thinning and you don't know why, don't just blame it on age or makeup.
Your body might be giving you a hint that something deeper needs attention.
Speak to your dermatologist or general doctor. They'll help rule out serious causes, guide you through testing if needed, and suggest ways to restore your brows without risking more damage. In the meantime, go easy on the tweezers and maybe start treating your brows with the same care you give your skin.