Loss or thinning of the eyebrows, particularly at the outer edges, is a well recognised but often overlooked sign of hypothyroidism. For many people this change can be one of the most persistent and distressing cosmetic effects of thyroid disease which can sometimes remain long after blood tests have shown that thyroid levels have returned to normal.
This article explains why hypothyroidism affects the eyebrows and what the Queen Anne sign means. It finished with realistic options that exist for supporting regrowth once thyroid function has been stabilised.
The Queen Anne sign refers to noticeable thinning or loss of the outer third of the eyebrows. It is named after a 17th century queen that is depicted in paintings with thinning of her outer eyebrows. It is sometimes also called the sign of Hertoghe after an early 20th century Belgian doctor.
Historically and most commonly, it has been described in association with hypothyroidism but it is not specific only to thyroid disease and can be seen in other conditions. Importantly, its presence does not confirm hypothyroidism nor does its absence exclude it. In the right clinical context, it can be a useful visual clue.
Authoritative endocrinology texts and clinical reviews continue to describe eyebrow thinning as a recognised feature of hypothyroidism, particularly in long standing or previously untreated disease.
Thyroid hormones play a key role in regulating the hair growth cycle, including:
Hypothyroidism, caused by low levels of thyroid hormone, has a negative effect on all of these things. Reduced levels can cause eyebrow follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely and spend longer periods inactive rather than growing. This results in hairs that are finer, shorter, and more fragile.
This not only affects the eyebrows. It causes all hair to become straw like, brittle and fine. Over time this can result thinner hair, most noticeably at the outer portion of the eyebrows.
Yes. Most people with hypothyroidism will find that their eyebrows can return to normal but recovery is often slow. Often this can happen without any additional treatment to encourage regrowth.
Once hypothyroidism is treated (most commonly with levothyroxine) and thyroid hormone levels are stabilised, most people find that their eyebrows start regrowing after 3 to 6 months.Clinical experience and patient reports consistently show that eyebrow follicles can remain dormant for extended periods, even when blood tests are normal and other symptoms have resolved.
Clinical experience and patient reports consistently show that eyebrow follicles can remain dormant for extended periods, even when blood tests are normal and other symptoms have resolved. This means that some people have a slower or incomplete recovery.
While hypothyroidism is a classic cause of brow thinning, it is not the only one. Eyebrow thinning can also be seen with:
This is why eyebrow loss should always be interpreted in the context of overall health, blood tests, and clinical history, rather than as a single diagnostic sign.
Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analogue best known for its effects on eyelash growth. It works by prolonging the active growth phase of hair follicles, leading to thicker and more visible hairs over time.
Although it does not treat hypothyroidism, its mechanism of action is independent of thyroid hormones, which makes it a helpful cosmetic option once thyroid disease has been treated.
Medical studies and our own clinical experience have demonstrated that bimatoprost can improve eyebrow density and fullness in people with eyebrow loss due to thyroid problems, particularly hypothyroidism. Although the studies do not specifically focus on thyroid disease, they support the principle that viable follicles can be stimulated once systemic conditions are controlled.
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The Queen Anne sign, also known as Hertoghe’s sign, refers to thinning or loss of the outer third of the eyebrows. It has historically been associated with hypothyroidism, although it is not specific to thyroid disease and can occur in other conditions.
Yes. Hypothyroidism can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, causing eyebrow follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely. Over time, this can lead to thinning or loss of the eyebrows, particularly at the outer edges.
In many cases they will, but regrowth is often slow and may be incomplete. Eyebrow hair commonly recovers more slowly than scalp hair, and some people continue to notice thinning even after thyroid levels are stabilised.
If regrowth occurs, early improvement may be seen over several months, with fuller results typically assessed over three to six months. Timelines vary depending on age, duration of thyroid imbalance, and individual follicle responsiveness.
Bimatoprost does not treat hypothyroidism itself, but it may support cosmetic eyebrow regrowth once thyroid disease has been medically stabilised. It works by prolonging the active growth phase of hair follicles.
No. Thyroid disease requires medical management by a doctor. Bimatoprost is a cosmetic regrowth treatment only and should be considered an adjunct after the underlying thyroid condition is controlled.
Once any underlying medical or nutritional cause has been addressed, many people want to regrow their lashes and eyebrows.
Opti Laboratories are the eyelash and eyebrow growth experts. We believe that night time behaviours are under-recognised and that simple interventions can make a measurable difference.
We treat a wide range of clients, including those recovering from:
We also help a lot of people that simply want longer eyelashes and thicker eyebrows.
Based in the UK and led by a team of British doctors, we have helped thousands of clients since 2007 and we have been recognised in UK newspapers and magazines.
We continue to innovate. Our daytime lash and brow serum, the first in the world to offer UV protection for lashes and brows, supports growth and helps protect fragile follicles during your recovery.
This article is intended for educational purposes and does not replace individual medical assessment. Persistent or unexplained eyelash or eyebrow loss should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.
Reviewed by beauty editors from top magazines and newspapers
National Library of Medicine: Safety and Efficacy of Bimatoprost 0.03% Solution for the Treatment of Thinning Eyebrows
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01891487?cond=(HYPOTRICHOSIS)%20OR%20(CDSN)&rank=3
Sinclair R. Hair loss in endocrine disorders. Dermatologic Clinics.
British Thyroid Foundation: Hair loss and thyroid disease
https://www.btf-thyroid.org/hair-loss-and-thyroid-disorders