Thinning hair is an emotional issue for many people. Despite knowing that your hair doesn’t define you, a balding pate can make you feel vulnerable and unattractive. Sometimes heredity is at fault, but often other factors contribute to the condition. If you find yourself losing more hair than is normal, your medications may be to blame.
Hair Growth Cycles
Your hair goes through two cycles. The anagen (growth) phase lasts approximately two – six years. The telogen (resting) phase lasts approximately three months, after which those hairs fall out so they can be replaced by new growth. Medication can interfere with both of those phases, leading to a thin head of hair. Telogen hair loss usually occurs several months after taking a certain medication. Your hair goes into its resting phase too early and then falls out, leading you to lose up to 70% more hairs each day than the normal 100 -150 strands.
Anagen hair loss usually results from chemotherapy drugs and can take effect several days after receiving treatment. When you suffer this type of reaction, you may well lose all of your hair.
Medication Side Effects
When you are taking prescription and/or OTC medications, take time to look up the potential side effects of each. If thinning hair is a possible result of this treatment, do not stop taking the medication but do consult with your doctor about a possible alternative. Common medications that cause hair loss include:
Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as atorvastatin and simvastatin
Blood pressure medications such as captopril and lisinopril
Antacid medication cimetidine (OTC)
Anticoagulant medication warfarin
Medications containing testosterone and progesterone
Acne medications with isotretinoin such as absorica and accutane.
Hormone blockers and inhibitors such as tamoxifen, fareston or anastrozole given to breast cancer patients.
Help for Thinning Hair
In some instances, your doctor will be able to change your medications to an alternative that does not cause you to lose hair. If this step is not possible, your healthcare provider may suggest trying minoxidil, an OTC medication that has been effective for a number of men and women who suffer from hair loss. Some patients report some hair growth improvement after taking the supplement biotin, a form of vitamin B, although those results are largely anecdotal.
Cancer patients experiencing hair loss may benefit from using the cold cap, a headpiece worn during chemo that restricts the blood vessels in the scalp, limiting the amount of chemo that reaches the hair follicles. Studies show that using the cold cap does reduce hair loss during treatment.
Advancements in wigs, weaves and other cosmetic methods have also made disguising hair loss much easier.
Remember, some people see no hair loss with certain medications while others suffer from visible balding. If you suspect that a medication is causing hair loss, consult with your doctor about a possible alternative. When switching medications is not an option, consider using hair growth products or seek the help of a skilled cosmetologist. For many sufferers, this hair loss is temporary but if you’re looking for solutions, Genesis II can help.
To schedule a free consultation call Genesis II at (315) 458-1074 or to contact us via email click here.
Photo Credit: stevepb via Pixabay
