It is common knowledge that different types of medication can lead to hair loss—including, most notably, chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy. Even so, it may come as a surprise to you to learn just how common medically induced hair loss is—and how many different forms of medication can have significant shedding as a side effect.
Why Do Some Medications Cause Hair Loss?
Why is this the case, though? Why do so many drugs lead to hair loss?
The short answer is that these medications interfere with the normal process of hair growth. The hair growth cycle normally includes an anagen phase during which hair grows, and the telogen phase, which is a resting phase. As the telogen phase ends, the hair falls out to make room for new growth, and the anagen phase begins again. This is all part of the normal, natural hair growing process.
Different medications might interfere with either of these hair growth phases. Some cause the telogen phase to be extended, or even for the follicles to go into a “permanent” rest or for hair to fall out prematurely. Other medications might inhibit the follicle’s ability to produce new hair during the anagen phase. Regardless, the result can be either the partial or even complete loss of hair on the head, and sometimes on the face, as well.
Which Drugs Are Most Likely to Cause Hair Loss?
That’s basically how some medications can lead to hair loss—and again, we’re talking about a fairly long list of drugs here. Just a partial list of the drugs that can contribute to hair loss might include:
- Acne medications
- Antibiotics
- Antidepressants
- Birth control
- Blood pressure regulating drugs
- Cancer treatments
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs
- Drugs that suppress the immune system
- Drugs that treat Parkinson’s disease
- Epilepsy drugs
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Mood stabilizers
- Steroids
- Thyroid medications
- Weight loss pills
Of course, many types of chemotherapy also belong on this list. Radiation therapy also contributes to hair loss, but only at the site of the treatment; so, if you receive radiation treatment at your hip, it’s unlikely to cause hair loss on your head, though radiation treatment to your head certainly would.
Solutions for Medically Induced Hair Loss
It’s always a good idea to review the potential side effects of any new medication you start taking, and to ask your doctor about the likelihood of hair loss. Also be encouraged that, in most cases, hair loss due to medication will grow back when you cease taking the drugs in question.
If that doesn’t happen, though, there are always solutions to help you—including laser hair replacement, hair restoration systems, topical hair solutions, and more. We’d love to talk you through them. Join us at Mane Image any time to begin that conversation!
