Loss of Hair Induced Through Prescription Drug Side Effects : Here at Dr U Clinic, we emphasize to hair loss sufferers how important it is to determine the cause(s) of their condition. This will certainly help prevent impulsive purchases various treatment products whose results may end up being disappointing.

Although genetics accounts for the vast majority of worrisome shedding and thinning , this is not the only factor.

Hair loss in male — Pattern baldness is the most common form of hair loss. But it is not the only one.

Certain medical conditions (e.g. thyroid disorders) may be the cause of hair loss. In which case the correct treatment approach must include thyroid replacement. Also hair loss (albeit temporary) can result as a side effect from taking certain prescription medications. .

Most drugs have relatively extensive lists of side effects. Patients are generally aware of a few, but not every one of these items.

Loss of Hair Induced Through Prescription Drug Side Effects : Medications Associated With Hair Loss Risk

Anyone who is noticing more hair falling out than usual may want to find out if this has to do with any type of prescription drugs they are taking.

Here is a summary of some common categories of medications that can elicit hair loss.

Depression
Acne
Weight Loss
Cholesterol
Blood
High Blood Pressure
Fungus
Thyroid
Epilepsy
Gout
Parkinson’s Disease
Ulcers
Inflammation
Hormonal Imbalances.

The list above is not all inclusive. Those who suspect that their condition may be linked to their prescription(s) may want to research their drug to see if hair loss is included as a side effect.

To understand why hair shedding occurs from taking certain drugs, it may help to be familiar with the different components of the hairs’ life cycle.

Anagen
Catagen
Telogen

During the Anagen phase, the hair shafts are actively grow from their respective follicles for about three to four years.

Hair then enters the Catagen phase. This is a transitional period of two to three weeks as it prepares for the last part of its lifespan, the Telogen phase. This is where the hair stops growing. The older shafts shed as new ones start to emerge.

Hair follicles are highly sensitive. Drugs may have certain components that inadvertently affect certain stages of the hair growth cycle. There are essentially two ways for this to occur:

(1) Affecting the Anagen phase – Anagen effluvium

(2) Affecting the Telogen phase – Telogen effluvium

During the Anagen phase, a drug may impair the ability of matrix cells in the hair follicles to divide correctly. These are the cells that actually produce the hair shafts. As a result, hair may fall out within a matter of days or weeks.

Telogen effluvium which results as a drug side effect is far more common. The medication may cause hair follicles to enter the telogen phase much sooner than they normally would. However, shedding will not be noticed until about two to four months after the patient starts taking the drug.

Loss of Hair Induced Through Prescription Drug Side Effects : Stopping The Side Effects of Losing Hair

If you are noticing that you are shedding more hair than usual after taking a particular medication, discuss this with your doctor immediately. He or she may be able to recommend a different drug or adjust the dosage. And if it is safe to do so, it may be possible to stop taking it altogether.

To learn more about other factors affecting hair loss, click here to learn more.