Medication and Hairloss

Hair loss is an unfortunate, yet real, part of growing older, and if you’re still young, you may think you have at least a few years before you start seeing signs of balding. Case in point — 30 to 50 percent of men experience male pattern baldness by age 50.

But if you’re in your 20s or 30s and you’re noticing your hairline creeping further back or bald spots growing bigger each day, you’re probably thinking, “What the heck?! Isn’t hair loss only for old guys?”

Ageism aside, there can be many reasons for the extra shedding you’re seeing — one of which is hair loss from drugs. Yep, there are certain medications that cause you to lose hair.

Fortunately for you, we’ve covered what medications cause hair loss, as well as how to grow healthy hair again below.

If it seems unfair that you can lose hair because of drugs that are necessary for other health conditions, we get it. But it does happen, and we’re here to help.

Medications can cause hair loss in several different ways. Some medications disrupt your hair’s growth cycle, causing it to shed before it reaches its full length. Other medications may increase your production of hormones that cause male pattern baldness, such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Most medications with this side effect only cause temporary hair loss, although there are some that can cause permanent loss of hair. Some of the different types of hair loss medications can cause include:

• Telogen effluvium is a type of nonscarring, temporary hair lossthat can happen to both men and women. It develops as a response to stress, infection, surgery or medication use. When using a new medication, the sudden shock to your system may prematurely push hair follicles into the resting (telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle. Unlike male pattern baldness, which causes a receding hairline, telogen effluvium usually causes diffuse hair loss all over your scalp.
• Anagen effluviumis another type of temporary hair loss that’s commonly linked to medications, particularly chemotherapy medications used to treat cancer. This type of hair loss occurs when medication affects your hair in the anagen (growth) phase of the growth cycle. Most people notice hair shedding within a few weeks of starting medication.
• Male pattern baldness (which can also happen to women and is referred to as female pattern baldness in that case) is the most common form of hair loss. It’s caused by genetic and hormonal factors, particularly the effects of dihydrotestosterone(DHT) on your hair follicles over time. Although male pattern baldness isn’t directly caused by medication, medications that affect your production of testosterone and DHT can speed up the progression of male pattern baldness. Unlike telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium, male pattern baldness results in permanent hair loss.

And although it may seem obvious if you’re losing hair (one day it’s there and the next it’s not), some signs are less clear. If you’re curious, read our guide to ways to know if you're going bald, from hair shedding to random bald spots and more.

So what medications cause hair loss? Does Lexapro cause hair loss, or do other antidepressants? Which blood pressure medications cause hair loss? Is hair loss from isotretinoin a possibility? Keep reading to learn more about the drugs that cause hair loss.

What Types of Drugs Cause Hair Loss?

Many different types of drugs are thought to cause hair loss, including:

• Acne medications containing vitamin A(retinoids)
• Antibioticsand antifungal drugs
• Antidepressants
• Birth control pills
• Anti-clotting drugs
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Drugs that suppress the immune system
• Drugs that treat breast cancer and other cancers
• Epilepsy drugs (anticonvulsants)
• High blood pressure medications (anti-hypertensive), such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Mood stabilizers

How to Treat Hair Loss from Drugs

Hair loss from all these different medications is often temporary and can be treated with several different options.

If you’re prescribed medication, it’s important that you don’t stop taking it without first talking to your healthcare provider. While dealing with hair loss can be frustrating, stopping medication suddenly may worsen your medical condition or cause you to experience other side effects.

This is especially important if you’re taking medication for a life-threatening condition, such as cancer or severe depression.

Here’s what to know about treatments for hair loss from medication:

• If you notice hair loss after starting a specific medication, letting your healthcare provider know is a good first step. They may suggest adjusting your dosage or using a different medication that’s less likely to cause hair loss.
• Hair growth medications such as minoxidil (Rogaine) can stimulate the hair growth process and help you to grow back your hair faster. But Minoxidil is know for its various side effects and doesn’t work for everybody. Instead we recommend using Root2tip’s GrowIt Long Scalp Serum know for its natural ingredients and proven results for hair growth. There are many natural alternatives to Minoxidil.
• While your diet won’t contribute to (or stop) male pattern baldness, some vitamins and minerals may affect your hair growth. Try to eat a balanced diet that’s rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients for healthy hair.
• Stress can also cause hair loss, as it can lead to more hairs falling out or even cause you to pull your hair out. While a couple of days of stress won’t suddenly make you bald, being in a stressful environment for a long time can increase the potential for hair loss. Reducing or eliminating stress may help hair grow back strong and healthy.

In conclusion, experiencing hair loss, whether due to aging or medication, can be distressing at any stage of life. While medications play a significant role in this process, causing temporary or sometimes permanent hair loss, it’s essential to approach treatment with caution and patience. Consulting healthcare providers about adjustments in medication or exploring alternative options is crucial. Remember, maintaining overall health with a balanced diet, managing stress levels, and considering specialized treatments like minoxidil or natural alternatives can support hair regrowth. By taking proactive steps and seeking appropriate guidance, you can navigate hair loss with resilience and work towards restoring healthy hair and confidence. Visit www.root2tip.com for haircare products.