Category: Drugs (Cause Hair Loss)

Here’s a link about Human Growth Hormone from the MayoClinic, a trustworthy source. It does not list baldness as any of its side effects. Although when you go to testosterone under the MayoClinic, it does list baldness as a side effect.

MayoClinic.com – Human growth hormone (HGH): Does it slow aging process?

I do believe that human growth hormone (HGH) can precipitate genetic male pattern balding, as it has some androgenic properties. I can’t explain why Mayo Clinic doesn’t list this side effect; perhaps they overlooked it or connection between the androgens and the HGH? Aside from a few patients over the years taking HGH (none that were taking anabolic steroids, which many bodybuilders use concurrently HGH), I don’t have a ton of patient references for real-world examples — but those that were taking HGH did experience increased hair loss since starting their HGH regimen.

There have also been reports on the Internet that HGH can actually help hair growth, but I’ve yet to see that at all. Unfortunately, this is not one of the areas of my particular expertise.

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(male)
I stopped taking gabapentin due to hair loss;however after stopping it, I am still experiencing hair loss. When will it stop if indeed the hair loss is due to gabapentin?

I do not have any experience with this drug. Stopping it and switching it with another epileptic drug under your doctor’s direction would be the proper thing to do. You must wait it out. Neurontin (gabapentin)’s rare side effects list (see RXList.com) does include “hair disorder” — I suppose this could mean hair loss.

Generally, effluviums will last less than a year when the offending drug stops being used. Women will need a proper medical workup for hair loss. For more, see WebMD – Telogen Effluvium and Other Effluviums.

I read that the FDA has issued a warning about the oral supplement Total Body Mega Formula being unsafe because of high selenium and chromium levels. So my question is why does the FDA not have control over the sale of these supplements, but they do have control over the recall of them?

I saw the official FDA warning and the Center for Disease Control advisory (PDF file). Apparently it took the Florida Department of Health to send reports to the FDA about the potential toxicity of Total Body Mega Formula and Total Body Formula before they were actually looked at by the FDA. The reason for this is because as dietary supplements, there isn’t a requirement of the FDA’s approval processes for safety or effectiveness. This is quite unfortunate, and just goes to show that you really don’t know what could possibly be in these supplements. So for these particular products the FDA found that, “In all cases, the reactions included significant hair loss, muscle cramps, diarrhea, joint pain and fatigue.” Yikes.

The FDA itself didn’t recall the product — after they issued their warning, the manufacturer voluntarily recalled the toxic products to avoid lawsuits and more bad press.

I took an anabolic steroid called Pheraplex(progestin), and believe my hair has thinned a bit. My scalp is feeling inflamed today (2 months down) so I’m curious what I can do now?

Steroids can accelerate hair loss, so if this is an anabolic steroid…

You need to see an expert. You should get your hair mapped out for miniaturization to see where and to what degree your hair loss is occurring.

Howdy Dr. R!

As a faithful reader of your excellent blog, I wanted to pass along some (hopefully) useful information to your readers. I have been taking Propecia for 6 months now and have been VERY pleased with the results. It has strengthened and increased the hairs on my crown and even some in the front hairline! About a month ago I noticed that my hair was becoming thinner, and I was seeing more hair come out in the shower, and seeing more scalp than normal. After looking into what might be causing this change, I realized that I had been taking Lorazepam on an almost nightly basis during this period. After realizing this, I stopped taking Lorazepam completely and saw an almost immediate return to healthier, thicker hair. I understand that many factors vary from one individual to the next, but I think people should be aware of the negative effects that I experienced with Lorazepam.

Thanks for your comments. Perhaps other people will have had similar results to report. Lorazepam (also known as Ativan) does list hair loss as a possible side effect. I’m not suggesting that readers discontinue any medication without consulting their prescribing doctor first.

Hi Dr.,
I have acne & a dermatologist keeps recommending accutane in a low dose (10mg) for about 20 weeks. I have rejected the idea cause Ive read enough to believe that it can cause hair loss, but Im wondering if the dosage matters, will taking a low dose like 10mg lessen the possibility of hair loss?

Thanks

Firstly, you need to discuss these issues with your doctor. How can you simply reject the plan set up by a doctor who has (1) seen you, (2) examined you, (3) established a relationship with you, and (4) recommended a treatment plan with you — and then expect me to advise otherwise?

Accutane (isotretinoin) can cause hair loss, just as other medications can cause hair loss. The most common cause of hair loss in men is genetic balding. You and your doctor should decide what is the cause of your hair loss and if Accutane is the focus of that cause, then you have decisions to make with your doctor under his/her guidance. You also need to consider why you are taking the medication and think of the risks versus the benefits.

I can’t answer your question, because I simply don’t know. I don’t prescribe Accutane and from what I’ve researched on it, there isn’t one certain amount of Accutane that can cause hair loss. Accutane doesn’t cause hair loss for everyone that uses it.