I hope this doesn't sound sarcastic, but does exposure to any certain chemicals affect thyroid function? Like chemicals used in hairdressers' salons?
I doubt it Joe, there are chemicals that can affect the thyroid, one of the worst is in our water supply according to a recent government report (perchlorate). My stylist actually uses a brand of hair dye that has fewer bad chemicals than the standard types.
I think it's less cause and more effect - people with autoimmune diseases have more hair problems (thinning, premature graying) and are more likely to go to the stylist? I know I NEVER went - even cut my own hair - until I had to start covering my premature gray. Now I have to go every two weeks unless I want to be completely gray.
And thyroid and other autoimmune diseases are rampant. Probably a combination of environmental factors, increased passing on of genes for susceptibility due to available treatment for hypothyroidism (we don't die off as quickly as we used too!), and the aging boomer generation (since midlife hormonal issues sometimes trigger dormant thyroid issues.)
