Drugs (Cause Hair Loss) – Page 18

December 16, 2008

Arimidex and Hair Loss? – Balding Blog

Hi
First a little background of my problem. i am a male of 26 years of age. I was suffereing from Erectile Dysfunction. My urologist diagnosed me with hypogonadism. He prescribed me arimidex (estradiol blocker). My current dosage for this medicine is 0.5 mg per 2.5 days. My sexual life has improved a lot after taking arimidex. For the last few weeks I am facing tremendous hair loss. On searching internet about it, I found that one cause could be high DHT. It is possible with arimidex to have high DHT? arimidex increases testosterone and reduces estradiol. The extra testosterone in my blood converts to DHT.

I am looking for solution so that the extra DHT doesnot damage my hair follicles. I am also concerned that if I use some kind of DHT blocker, how it will effect my sex life. I am under impression that less DHT can cause havoc in sex life eventually even causing erectile dysfunction. I am not sure about this behaviour of less DHT. Please help me to understand whether if DHT levels directly affects the sex life?

Although erectile dysfunction (ED) can be induced by finasteride (a DHT blocker), it is very rare. With proper treatment for your hypogonadism, you might ask your doctor about the use of finasteride which may not interfere with your treatment for ED. Arimidex (anastrozole) itself can cause hair loss in some rare cases — see Drugs.com for more.

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December 15, 2008

Sertraline and Hair Loss – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I am a 19 year-old male living in Turkey. At age 13 I’ve been diagnosed with depersonalization / derealization disorder and was prescribed half a dose of a sertraline-based anti-anxiety drug (known as Lustral here) daily.

I used it for about two years and since then used it on and off for a few weekly periods, including for about two months when I was 17. I heard about antidepressants causing hair loss and in the periods that I used the drug, I noticed that my hair strands were generally thinner and weaker, but no balding visible. And when I ceased using it, my hair returned to its normal strength and thickness. So my question is that, do these antidepressants really cause irreversible harm to hair (thinning / balding) or is it always “back to normal” when medication ends?

Thanks Doc, I’m really curious about this.

Zoloft The medication you know as Lustral (sertraline) is also commonly known as Zoloft. And as you may know, many antidepressants (including Zoloft) can cause temporary hair loss, possibly even permanent loss in those genetically inclined to lose hair. I can’t say for sure whether the stop/start method you’re using with the medication will always continue the same hair loss/regrowth you’re seeing.

The consumer drug information for sertraline mentions hair loss as a side effect when overdosing, but I suppose it is possible to see loss with normal dosing as well (possibly even half dosing like you were prescribed), depending on how sensitive your body is to it.

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December 11, 2008

Could Accutane Effect Growth of Transplanted Hair? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I am being treated by a dermatologist for cystic acne on my face, and my dermatologist wants me to begin a course of Accutane (isotretinoin) to treat the acne. I am considering a hair transplant procedure sometime in 2009.

I’d like to know the following:

a) Could the Accutane have any effect on the transplanted hair’s growth? I have read that hairloss is a potential accutane side effect, but wouldn’t that potential hairloss just be in the native hairs and NOT in the DHT-resistant hairs which were transplanted from the back of the head?

b) Is it safe for me to be taking accutane at the time of a hair transplant procedure (either FUE or strip)?

Thank you.

Accutane (isotretinoin) can cause hair loss. Hair loss from Accutane is not associated with hair loss from male pattern baldness (which is DHT related hair loss). So there is a potential you may lose hair (even transplanted hair), although that is unlikely. Unfortunately, this is theoretical and I do not have a clear answer for you as I have not seen anyone taking Accutane with a hair transplant. Also keep in mind you may not lose hair at all even if you take Accutane (is it is only a “potential” side effect). I would also consult with your dermatologist for a better understanding of your risks and benefits.

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November 24, 2008

Hair Loss InformationStopped Diane 35 (Cyproterone) After 10 Years – Now I’m Losing Hair! – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hi Dr
My hair started shedding very badly 4 weeks ago. I shed 200-300 visible strands after a shower, and 5-6 strands every time I run my fingers gently through my hair. My scalp has also become very oily and scalp pimples have formed.

The only change that has happened to my lifestyle in the last two months was the discontinuation of Diane 35 (after 10 years) just 2 weeks before I noticed the shedding. I have done all the necessary blood work two weeks ago. I am perfectly healthy, with the exception of a low LSH and low ferritin (at 27). I do not have a stressful lifestyle. Do you think the sudden massive shedding was triggered by the discontinuation of Diane 35? If yes, in your experience, how long will this last and will my hair grow back?

Big thanks in advance. Your advice will be very much appreciated.

Cheers!

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I am not an expert on hormone manipulation, but by stopping the Diane 35 (cyproterone) you obviously have made a change and your scalp hair has been impacted in some way by the withdrawal of the birth control pills. The blood work needs to be presented to your gynecologist with the questions you asked. Hair transplant surgeons do not have the patient population with women taking hormonal therapy or birth control pills.

November 14, 2008

Do Birth Control Pills Treat or Cause Hair Loss? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Bottom Line with hair loss and birth control pills?

I read conflicting information about the birth control pills and hair loss. It can trigger hair loss yet is also a treatment for androgenic alopecia.

I experienced heavy shedding after discontinuing Ovcon 35 several years ago. I became pregnant shortly after stopping the pill, and the hair loss ceased. I had moderate TE after all three of my subsequent pregnancies. I am now finished childbearing (at 32)and looking for contraception. My mother has severe androgenic alopecia and I’m quite sure I’m destined for the same fate.

So, for my case (there are no other known health problems in myself or my family) should I take BCP’s to prevent the alopecia? I was thinking of trying Yaz or Yasmin because of the drospironone that is derived from spironolactone and has anti-androgenic properties. But is it the estrogen or the progesterone in the pills that cause the hair loss? Should I stay away from BCP’s completely due to my history?

You should have this conversation with your OB/GYN doctor. I do not prescribe or recommend birth control pills (BCP) in my practice, but more importantly you should not be taking BCP for hair loss. All medications have risks and benefits and potential side effects. As such, these matters are highly specific to each and every individual.

I wish I can give you a blanket answer saying one birth control pill is better than the other at hair loss or hair growth, but I do not know of any firm proof of what is good/bad for what. From a theoretical perspective (as you seem to have done your research), spironolactone does have anti-androgenic properties. From a practical and real world perspective, spironolactone does not stop or help with androgenic alopecia, which is why I do not prescribe spironolactone for hair loss either.

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November 12, 2008

Hair Loss InformationCan Just One Accutane Pill Cause Hair Loss? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

I was prescribed Accutane for my acne, but I only took one pill before deciding that it wasn’t the course I wanted to take after all. I’m scared that that one pill could have led to my thinning hair. I’ve read stuff that even one dose of finasteride binds to 5AR2 enzymes and the half life to unbind is 30 days! So I’m thinking there’s some similar mechanism in Accutane i.e. just one pill can affect more than just one day…

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Simply put — the answer to your question is “no”. While the mechanism of action for Accutane (isotretinoin) is not known, it is thought to reduce the secretion of sebum. I highly doubt it has any association with the mechanism of action of Propecia (finasteride). Plus, I would doubt that it would cause damage to your hair after taking just one pill (it is not cyanide).

Discuss your concerns with the doctor who prescribed you the medication. Your hair loss is most likely independent of Accutane and you may even benefit from that medication if it was prescribed to you be your physician. It isn’t a guarantee that everyone taking Accutane will see hair loss. Each person reacts to medication differently.

November 11, 2008

Giving Birth a Year Ago or NuvaRing Causing Female Hair Loss? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Hello Dr,

I am writing to you today because I am desperate. I am a 26 yr old woman. For as long as I can remember i have had thin hair. It runs in my family. I had a baby oct 1st of 2007 and noticed that my hair started falling out more than usual a couple of months ago. I don’t know if it is because of giving birth or because i started using the birth control NUVARING. I believe one of the side effects is hair loss but i am not quite sure. I am going crzy because as days progress my hair keeps falling and i don’t know what to do. I have not taken anything because i don’t know what to take or what shampoos or treatments are good for you. I don’t have insurance and i don’t have a lot of money where I can afford a visit to a dermatologist or even a doctor. I have been doing research and I came across alopecia areata (i think) and I actually think i might sufffer from that or maybe it’s the childbirth or even the birth control or even a combnination of all! Please advice me in what i should do. Thank you so much

We have discussed the NuvaRing birth control causing hair loss (see NuvaRing and Hair Loss). I can not advise you on what you should with with your birth control treatment, because if I tell you to stop using something which may be the cause of your hair loss, I would be taking on the role of your doctor (which I am not). Alopecia areata is probably not what you have here, unless you have distinct bald spots. There is no substitute to seeing a good, caring doctor.

We are both in California and you indicated that you live about 50 miles from my office. I see women for hair loss, and still do this free of charge (I do not expect to charge for these visits at least for the remainder of the year). I’d be happy to examine your hair to see if it is alopecia areata, at the very least.

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November 10, 2008

Sinus Medication Entex PSE and Female Hair Loss? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

(female)
I have been taking Guaifenesin and Pseudoephedrine (EntexPSE,Pseudovent400 etc.) daily for more than three years. I have noticed a drastic change in my hair’s texture and fullness. My hair has always been extremely thick and healthy. Recently, it has been thinning and now has the texture of brillo. I am definitely losing large amounts of hair, additionally, each hair seems thinner and more fragile and “wiry” but no bald spots. Could either of the components of my sinus medication be causing these disturbing symptoms?

I’ve read reports that guaifenesin can be associated with hair loss in some patients, though it is not listed in the official list of side effects. I am afraid I can not render you an opinion on your observations, but I suggest you see a dermatologist (or more importantly, your prescribing physician) for a proper evaluation.

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November 5, 2008

I Took HGH After a Hip Replacement, Now Seeing Female Hair Loss – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I’m a resonably healthy 45 year old female. However, I recently had to have a hip replacement and took HGH for 4 months prior to the surgery hoping it would help the recovery process. I stopped taking it immediately after the surgery and I have noticed considerable hair loss. The texture of my hair is also much drier and generally terrible. Is this going to be permanent?
Is there something I can do to improve these problems – particularly the loss?

Thank you

Human growth hormone (HGH) does cause hair loss and changes in hair texture. Discuss this with your physician, but I’d probably stop it and wait 8 months or so to see if you return to your normal state. If any of the readers have any experience here, I would love to hear from you at Balding Forum.

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October 22, 2008

Is Hair Loss from Prescription Medication More Treatable than MPB? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Is MPB caused from prescribed antidepressant use on a person without family history of MPB more aggressive and less treatable than MPB caused from natural occurrence?

Male pattern baldness (MPB) is from genetic causes. You may not have a noticeable family history of MPB, but it can skip generations… and you do not get it from prescription medication. MPB is generally treatable with medications such as Propecia (finasteride) or Rogaine (minoxidil).

As for hair loss caused by medication, as long as you are on the offending drug, the hair loss will not reverse. It may not reverse at all, even if you stop the medication. Some people get better from withdrawal of the drug and others do not. There is no way to compare this problem (worse or better) with genetic hair loss.

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