Hair loss can be traumatic for women. When it is caused by medications, it leads to all kinds of dilemmas and concerns. But why does some medication cause hair to fall out and what we can do about it?
Hair Loss in Women
When hair loss occurs in women because of the medication they are taking it affects two parts of the growth cycle. The anagen phase of the hair growth cycle is the growing stage when hair cells are developing. The telogen phase is when the cells are resting and have completed their growth. Most medication related hair loss occurs in the telogen phase.
Medication Causing Hair Loss in the Telogen Phase
It is normal for women to lose around 100 hairs in the telogen phase daily. However, some medications can lead to hair loss. They include birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and amphetamines. Beta blockers, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and some antidepressants can also lead to hair loss. Fever and infection is another common cause of hair loss and some antifungal medication is associated with losing hairs in the telogen phase. Medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy can lead to hair loss.
Medication Causing Hair Loss in the Anagen Phase
Drugs that react with cell division are also linked to hair loss in the anagen phase. The most common type of medication affected is chemotherapy. Hair loss usually occurs two to five weeks after starting treatment and can be distressing for women. Other drugs that rarely cause hair loss at this phase are those that contain arsenic, thallium, and boric acid. Colchizine used in the treatment of gout can cause hair loss in the anagen phase.
What Women Can Do for Medication Linked Hair Loss
Most hair loss problems linked to medication are temporary. If you experience hair loss, seek medical advice and do not stop taking the medication unless they ask you to. If you want to, you can cover the head with a wig, hat, or scarf. Cold caps used in chemotherapy slow hair loss.
Being aware of the effects of medication is important for women so they can get support to manage the situation and stay healthy. With hair restoration, there are a host of options to consider but only one phone call you need to make. To schedule a free consultation call Genesis II at (315) 458-1074 or to contact us via email click here.
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