Table Of Content
- Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online »
- Chemotherapy
- Signs and symptoms of drug-induced alopecia
- The role of vitamins and minerals in hair health: Essential nutrients for strong and healthy hair
- How Do Drugs Cause Hair Loss?
- How to Get Testosterone Replacement Therapy
- What are the side effects of hair loss medication?

Chemotherapy drugs often lead to the anagen effluvium type of hair loss. As these drugs kill cancer cells throughout the body, they also can damage healthy cells, including hair matrix cells. The hair typically starts to fall out within two weeks of starting chemotherapy and progresses more rapidly after one to two months, according to the American Cancer Society. Hair loss is more common and severe in patients taking combinations of chemotherapy drugs than in those who take just one drug.

Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online »
The study participants experienced increased hair growth and reduced shedding. However, this study had several limitations, and more research is needed to confirm its results. Or patients may be prescribed a number of medications simultaneously, further confusing the diagnosis.
Chemotherapy
In one study of 127 patients with patchy alopecia areata, more than 80% who were treated with these injections had at least half of their hair regrow within 12 weeks. But medications for other conditions can also cause hair loss, and certain drugs can contribute not only to hair loss but excessive hair growth and changes in color and texture as well. "With telogen effluvium, your hairs shift prematurely into the telogen/resting phase, stop growing and then shed, usually a few months after starting a medication," Dr. Massick says. As with most hair loss medications, don't expect to see hair growth overnight. After starting Rogaine, it can take a few months to notice changes.
Finding the Best Shampoo for Hair Loss - Health Essentials
Finding the Best Shampoo for Hair Loss.
Posted: Wed, 13 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Signs and symptoms of drug-induced alopecia
Some research connects excess intake of vitamin A or selenium with an increased risks for hair loss. Hair transplant surgery involves moving small plugs of skin, each with a few hairs, to bald parts of your scalp. If your blood test reveals that you’re not getting enough biotin, iron, or zinc, your dermatologist may recommend taking a supplement.
The role of vitamins and minerals in hair health: Essential nutrients for strong and healthy hair
Aldactone is a brand of medication containing spironolactone, but generic versions are also available. Medications are available to treat male and female pattern hair loss. Many are designed to slow hair loss, stimulate new hair growth, or both.
How Do Drugs Cause Hair Loss?

Female-pattern baldness typically starts with scalp hairs becoming progressively less dense. Many women first experience hair thinning and hair loss where they part their hair and on the top-central portion of the head. If you have already inherited male or female pattern baldness, a form of permanent hair loss, taking drugs for arthritis might trigger or accelerate it. Anagen effluvium is less common, but will occur during the anagen phase of the hair cycle, when the hairs are still actively growing. It will prevent the matrix cells, which are responsible for the production of new hairs, from dividing normally. This type of hair loss will usually occur within a few days or weeks after you start taking the medication responsible.
Diet can't reverse your hair loss, but it can help minimize some of the damage, Dr. Massick says. "A well-balanced diet with vitamins, minerals, nutrients and protein is important," she adds. Blood thinners are an important medication for those at risk of blood clots and those with heart conditions like irregular heart rhythm, heart attack or stroke, per the Oklahoma Heart Hospital. Here are some of the more common drugs that can cause both, per the American Hair Loss Association. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records.
What are the side effects of hair loss medication?
Exactly how these biologics cause hair loss isn’t known, but clinicians suspect it’s because these drugs change your body’s natural balance of messenger molecules called cytokines. It’s important to keep in mind that hair growth is a complex process and multiple tests may be needed to understand what is causing your hair loss. A biopsy may also be taken if it is initially very unclear what the root causes may be.
You may have to use these medications for a certain period of time before you see results. For example, it may take six months or more to see results from Rogaine treatment. If you’ve recently begun taking a new medication and have noticed hair thinning or loss, talk to your doctor about switching to another medication. They may be able to choose a medicine that doesn’t cause the same side effect.
They can help you find an alternative medication and ensure a safe switch if necessary. Be patient, though, as hair regrowth after discontinuing the medication may take several months. However, individuals who receive the same drugs and undergo the same treatment can still have different hair loss experiences. On the whole, it’s important that you speak with your doctor about any symptoms you’re experiencing. A dermatologist can provide a proper diagnosis, and select a personalized treatment that will help restore health to you hair and scalp. Baldness is often hereditary, and is activated by a shift in your hormones.
Cooling caps before, during and after each chemotherapy session may help stave off hair loss. Male-pattern baldness typically appears first at the hairline or top of the head. With telogen effluvium, hair loss may not be severe and may not affect much hair. Usually, the hair loss goes away on its own without any treatment. The doctor will discuss any alternative treatment options and ensure that a person switches safely to any new medications. Read on to discover which medications can cause drug-induced alopecia and learn how to stop or reverse hair loss.
Lemonaid claims that a doctor will review their information within 24 hours. Although the cohort was much smaller — 126 males in total — over 85% saw an improvement after using finasteride for 5 years. A person should consider the following advantages and disadvantages before trying spironolactone.
DHT is responsible for causing hair follicles to shrink, resulting in hair loss. Rogaine was originally developed as a medication for blood pressure. When it was first being studied, doctors observed hair regrowth in those taking it.