Finding excessive hair in your brush or pillow can be alarming, but you’re not alone.
Hair loss can have many causes, and one that’s often overlooked is the medications you may be taking. Certain prescriptions are known to contribute to thinning or shedding, but understanding how they impact your hair health can empower you to take action.
By learning which medications may be affecting your hair, you’ll be better prepared to discuss concerns with your doctor and explore solutions. With expert guidance, you can take proactive steps to protect and maintain a healthy, full head of hair.
Understanding the Link Between Medications and Hair Loss
Medications are essential for managing many health conditions, but some can have unexpected side effects, like hair loss. This can happen when certain drugs interfere with the natural hair growth cycle.
Hair grows in three phases: the anagen phase (growth), the catagen phase (transition), and the telogen phase (resting). Some medications can disrupt this process by prematurely shifting hairs from the growth phase to the resting phase or by impacting the cells that drive hair growth. These disruptions can result in noticeable thinning or shedding.
Keep in mind that not everyone experiences hair loss from medications. Factors like dosage, treatment duration, personal sensitivity, and genetics all play a part.
If you think your medication is affecting your hair, talk with your healthcare provider. Together, you can explore alternatives or solutions to support your hair health while staying on track with your treatment.
Types of Hair Loss Caused by Medications
Some medications can lead to different types of hair loss. Understanding these types can help you recognize patterns, identify causes, and choose the right treatments.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is the most common type of medication-induced hair loss. It occurs when a significant number of hair follicles enter the telogen (resting) phase earlier than usual. Normally, only about 10–15% of your hair is in this phase at any given time. With telogen effluvium, this percentage increases, leading to noticeable thinning across the scalp.
This type of hair loss often starts two to four months after beginning a medication. You might see more hair shedding during brushing or washing. The good news? Telogen effluvium is typically temporary. Once the medication is adjusted or stopped, hair growth often resumes within several months.
Understanding that this type of hair loss is reversible can be reassuring. Work closely with your doctor to pinpoint the cause—whether it’s a specific medication or dosage. They may suggest alternatives or adjustments to restore your hair’s growth cycle. Supporting your recovery with a nutrient-rich diet and stress management can also make a difference.
Anagen Effluvium
Anagen effluvium impacts hair in the anagen (growth) phase, leading to rapid hair loss because hair production halts suddenly. This type of hair loss is often linked to chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer. Unlike telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium can result in more extensive hair loss, affecting not just the scalp but also the eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair.
Hair loss from anagen effluvium typically begins within days to weeks of starting treatment. While this can feel overwhelming, hair generally regrows after therapy ends. At first, the new hair may have a slightly different texture or color, but it often returns to its original state over time.
Knowing what to expect with anagen effluvium can help you prepare and cope during treatment. Sharing your concerns with your healthcare team can open the door to support and strategies, such as using cooling caps to reduce hair loss.
Common Medications That Can Cause Hair Loss
Several medications can lead to hair loss as a potential side effect. Being aware of these medications can help you have informed conversations with your doctor and make the best decisions for your health and hair.
Acne and Psoriasis Medications
Certain acne treatments, especially those containing vitamin A derivatives like isotretinoin, can lead to hair thinning. While these medications are effective at reducing oil production to control severe acne, they may also impact the hair follicles.
Accutane is one of the most well-known medications prescribed to treat severe acne. While Accutane is highly effective, about 10 percent of Accutane users experience hair loss. The reason why is that Accutane affects the pituitary gland’s hormone levels. Those hormone levels are responsible for making your hair grow.
Medications used to treat plaque psoriasis that calm the immune system can also cause temporary hair loss. Methotrexate and Remicade are two medications known for inducing short-term alopecia.
If you notice hair loss while using acne medication, don’t hesitate to talk to your dermatologist. They can adjust your dosage or suggest alternatives that are gentler on your hair. With professional guidance, it’s possible to balance both your skin and hair health.
Antibiotics
Long-term antibiotic use can indirectly contribute to hair loss. Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, affecting nutrient absorption (like B vitamins and iron), which are essential for healthy hair growth. They may also trigger telogen effluvium by causing physical stress to the body.
If you notice increased shedding after antibiotic therapy, it’s a good idea to discuss nutritional support with your healthcare provider. Restoring nutrient levels through diet or supplements can help promote hair health, and taking probiotics may rebalance your gut flora.
Anti-Inflammatories & Arthritis Medications
It’s not unusual for methotrexate, Humira, and other arthritis medications to cause hair loss. The reason is that the medication is designed to stop cells that cause inflammation from growing. In some cases, people’s hair follicles are affected cells.
Some prescription NSAIDs, including oxaprozin, ketoprofen, fenoprofen, diclofenac, and celecoxib (Celebrex), have been reported to cause alopecia as well. Over-the-counter NSAIDs taken in moderate doses typically don’t affect patients’ hair.
Chemotherapy Drugs
Chemotherapy medications target rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells and hair follicles. Drugs like cyclophosphamide and paclitaxel can lead to anagen effluvium, causing significant hair loss on the scalp and body.
While hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy, it can still be emotionally challenging. The good news is that hair growth after chemo is possible after treatment ends. Some patients use cooling caps during chemotherapy to help reduce hair loss.
Talking to your oncology team about options can provide additional support and guidance.
Antidepressants
Certain antidepressants, like sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil), have been linked to hair thinning. These medications may trigger telogen effluvium, often a few months after starting treatment.
If you think your antidepressant is affecting your hair, don’t stop taking it without consulting your doctor. They may adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.
It’s important to carefully balance mental health and hair health with professional guidance.
Blood Pressure Medications
Blood pressure medications can contribute to hair thinning, especially beta-blockers, like metoprolol (Lopressor) and atenolol (Tenormin), and ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril.
These medications change your body’s response to adrenaline and other stress hormones to reduce your heart rate and blood pressure, but they may disrupt the hair cycle, pushing more hairs into the telogen (resting) phase.
If you experience hair thinning after starting blood pressure medication, it’s worth discussing your concerns with your physician. They may offer alternatives or suggest ways to minimize side effects, ensuring your cardiovascular and hair health are well-supported.
Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
Some cholesterol-lowering medications, like statins such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor), may cause hair loss in rare cases. While this side effect is uncommon, some patients do experience increased shedding.
If hair loss becomes a concern, talk to your doctor about possible alternatives. They can evaluate the benefits and side effects of different options to find a solution supporting your cholesterol levels and hair health.
Epilepsy and Anticonvulsant Medications
If you’re taking medication for epilepsy and notice that your hair is thinning, you’re not alone. In a 2015 study, hair loss was the second-highest reported side effect of epilepsy medications after weight loss. The study indicated that pregabalin, phenytoin, and valproic acid are the culprits.
If you think you’re experiencing hair loss due to one of these medications, check with your neurologist about taking supplements such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and folic acid or modifying your prescription.
Hormone Therapies
Hormonal treatments, including birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and prostate cancer medications, can affect hair growth.
In women, certain contraceptives may lead to hair thinning, while men undergoing treatment for prostate conditions might experience hair loss due to hormonal changes.
Adjusting the type or dose of hormone therapy under medical supervision can often alleviate hair-related issues and permanent hair loss. Working with your healthcare provider will help you balance your hormonal needs while supporting healthy hair growth.
Weight Loss Drugs
Some weight loss medications and the rapid weight loss that can occur with drugs such as Ozempic can result in hair loss. Drugs like phentermine may cause nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalances that affect hair.
Additionally, rapid weight loss can trigger telogen effluvium due to physical stress on the body.
Maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients while pursuing weight loss is key. If hair loss persists, consult your healthcare provider for advice. They may recommend dietary changes or supplements to support your weight loss goals and hair health.
Blood Thinners
Certain blood thinners (anticoagulants) can contribute to hair loss by disrupting the hair growth cycle.
Medications like warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and apixaban (Eliquis) have been associated with telogen effluvium. This type of hair loss typically occurs a few months after starting treatment and may be temporary.
Since blood thinners are essential for preventing serious conditions like blood clots and strokes, stopping them abruptly is not an option. If you notice hair thinning, speak with your doctor about potential adjustments or ways to support hair health, such as ensuring optimal iron and nutrient levels.
What Medications Cause Hair Loss in Females?
Most medications that cause hair loss do so by affecting the hair growth cycle, altering hormone levels, or inducing nutrient deficiencies, which can impact individuals regardless of sex.
However, women may be more susceptible to medication-induced hair loss due to hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, menopause, a genetic predisposition to conditions like female pattern hair loss, and unique physiological factors.
Birth control pills containing androgenic progestins (such as levonorgestrel and norethindrone) can trigger hair thinning, especially in those genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used during menopause, particularly formulations containing synthetic progestins or high doses of testosterone, can also contribute to hair shedding.
Certain fertility treatments, including gonadotropins such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), may cause temporary hair loss by disrupting hormonal balance.
Additionally, thyroid medications, such as levothyroxine, can lead to hair thinning if hormone levels become unstable.
Women taking chemotherapy drugs, isotretinoin for acne, or high-dose corticosteroids may experience more pronounced hair loss due to their effects on hair follicle cycling.
Consulting a healthcare provider can help identify alternative treatments or supportive strategies to minimize hair loss while maintaining overall health.
How To Address Medication-Induced Hair Loss
Dealing with hair loss caused by medication can be tough, but the good news is that you can take steps to manage it. We're here to guide you through it.
Consulting Your Doctor
If you think a medication is causing hair loss, the first thing to do is talk to your doctor. Never stop taking prescribed medication without consulting your healthcare provider first. They can help pinpoint the cause and may adjust the dosage or recommend an alternative.
Open and honest communication is key. Your doctor can help you manage your health conditions and hair health, providing guidance tailored just for you.
Possible Treatment Options
Your doctor may suggest treatments to support hair regrowth. For instance, topical solutions like minoxidil can stimulate hair follicles and promote growth.
You might also consider prescription medications from providers like Happy Head, who offer customized hair treatments designed by board-certified dermatologists. These treatments use FDA-approved ingredients and are conveniently delivered to your door.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Supporting your hair health can be as simple as making a few lifestyle adjustments. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is key for hair growth. Focus on foods high in protein, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E to nourish your hair from the inside out.
Reducing stress is just as important—activities like meditation, exercise, or yoga can help manage stress-related hair loss. When it comes to hair care, gentle practices are essential. Avoid harsh chemicals and minimize heat styling to protect your hair from further damage.
Taking Control of Medication-Induced Hair Loss
Drug-induced hair loss can be frustrating. Your health is a major priority, but nobody wants to deal with hair loss as a side effect.
Understanding which medications can cause hair loss is a crucial step in managing this side effect. By recognizing the potential impact of certain medications, you’re empowered to have informed conversations with your healthcare provider.
Whether it's adjusting your medication, exploring personalized treatments like those offered by Happy Head, or making simple lifestyle changes, there are options to help manage medication-induced hair loss. Taking proactive steps not only supports your hair health but also boosts your confidence in your appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What medication is linked to hair loss?
Several medications can contribute to hair loss, including blood thinners like heparin and warfarin, antidepressants such as Prozac and Zoloft, beta-blockers like metoprolol, anticonvulsants, hormone therapies, and chemotherapy drugs. While hair loss is often temporary, it may improve once the medication is adjusted or stopped.
What causes sudden hair loss in females?
Sudden hair loss in women can be triggered by hormonal changes such as those occurring with pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid issues. Medications like birth control pills or antidepressants, as well as medical conditions like alopecia areata, severe stress, or nutritional deficiencies, can also lead to rapid shedding.
How do I stop my hair from thinning from medication?
If medication is causing thinning, consult your doctor about switching to an alternative. Hair typically begins to regrow within six months after stopping the medication. In the meantime, be gentle with your hair care routine, avoid harsh styling, and consider treatments recommended by your doctor to support hair health.
Which blood pressure medication causes hair loss?
Beta-blockers like metoprolol (Lopressor) and timolol (Blocadren) are commonly linked to hair loss. Some ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers can also contribute to thinning hair in certain individuals. Fortunately, hair loss is usually reversible once the medication is stopped or changed.
Can diabetes medication cause hair loss?
Some diabetes medications, such as metformin and certain SGLT2 inhibitors, have been linked to hair loss as a rare side effect due to nutrient deficiencies or hormonal changes. However, hair loss in diabetes patients is often caused by the disease itself, stress, or other underlying health issues rather than the medication alone.
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