The average person can lose from 50 to 100 hairs each day. This is a normal part of the hair life cycle, but several factors can disrupt this cycle. One of the most common causes of excessive hair loss is the use of certain medications, and this is known as drug-induced alopecia. When this occurs, a person can lose hundreds of strands per day, which can be alarming.
Not all Alopecia is the Same
Alopecia simply refers to hair loss. The most widely discussed form is known as alopecia areata. This is a condition in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles and causes hair loss while also preventing new growth. However, Alopecia areata is only one of many different types of alopecia and is different from hair loss caused by medications. Others like androgenetic alopecia (or male/female pattern baldness) are caused by genetics and generally require a different approach for treatment. On the other hand, drug-induced alopecia is a direct side-effect of certain medications.
Drug-Induced Alopecia
If you are taking medications and have experienced hair loss as a result, it’s likely that your medication is to blame. Some of the most common drugs associated with hair loss include acne, antibiotics, anti-fungal medications, anti-depressants, birth control, high-blood pressure medications, hormone replacement therapy, steroids, and medications used to treat epilepsy.
Hair loss occurs because the drug disrupts the natural process of hair growth. Generally, after several months of taking a medication that causes hair loss, the hair follicles enter the resting stage instead of the growth phase. This makes your hair fall out in clumps when brushing or slowly throughout the day. Fortunately, this is reversible after the drug is discontinued, but medications should never be stopped without a doctor’s approval.
Getting Help with your Hair Loss
If the medication cannot be stopped or altered, there are other ways to cope with drug-induced alopecia. Hair treatments available over-the-counter, like minoxidil, can help some individuals, while others may benefit from PRP hair restoration or laser therapy. In many cases, the medicine’s benefits outweigh the side effect of hair loss. Still, a doctor can re-evaluate the dosage or prescribe a new medication if hair loss becomes problematic. In less severe cases, many sufferers of this form of alopecia find that a new hairstyle helps hide the loss, while a wig may be needed in more severe cases.
Although hair loss itself does not directly impact a person’s health, it can take a toll on their emotions and can be a sign of an underlying illness. If you are unsure if your medications are causing your hair loss, be sure to consult a doctor to discuss your concerns and rule out any other causes. If you’re suffering from hair loss due to medications you’re taking, contact Genesis II today by clicking here to discuss your options.
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