Hair Loss Due to Medication: What Causes Thinning Hair & How to Treat It | ExpatWoman.com
 

Hair Loss Due to Medication: What Causes Thinning Hair & How to Treat It

Are you noticing more hair fall or your hair has gone thinner? Here is why medications can cause hair loss, and how to treat thinning hair effectively

Posted on

7 May 2024

Last updated on 8 May 2024
Hair loss treatments in Dubai due to medication

Understanding hair loss due to medication...

Hair loss, mainly when induced by medication, is a concern affecting many men and women worldwide. Recognising the different types of hair loss and their specific causes can help manage this condition more effectively.

In this article, esteemed clinic Dr. Kamil Al Rustom Skin and Laser Centre in Dubai, breaks down why does some medication cause thinning hair in individuals and how to manage hair loss due to medication.

What are the different types of hair loss?

Genetic Baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia):

This type is primarily due to genetics and may be exacerbated by hormonal factors.

Men typically experience receding hairlines and thinning at the crown, while women might notice thinning along their part lines or at the crown.

Treatments like minoxidil and finasteride can be effective if started early, as they help slow down hair loss without necessarily promoting new growth.

Why do some medications cause hair loss

Telogen Effluvium:

Triggered by severe stress, dramatic weight loss, illness, or significant life events such as pregnancy, this type of hair loss involves many hairs entering the resting phase simultaneously, leading to widespread thinning.

Fortunately, this condition is usually temporary, and hair growth returns to normal once the stressor is removed.

Alopecia Areata:

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss in patches that can affect the scalp and other body parts.

Despite its unpredictability, treatment options like corticosteroids can promote hair regrowth, and many patients see significant improvement.

Drug-Induced Hair Loss:

Various medications can lead to hair loss, including chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners, and some antidepressants.

This type of hair loss typically ceases once the medication causing it is discontinued, with the hair often re-growing after a few months.

Treatments for hair loss caused by medication in Dubai

Causes of medication-induced hair loss

Medications can cause hair loss in two primary ways:

1. Anagen Effluvium:

Commonly associated with chemotherapy, this rapid hair loss occurs because some drugs interfere with the growth phase of hair, causing hairs to stop growing and fall out quickly.

2. Telogen Effluvium:

More familiar and less severe, this occurs when medications cause hair follicles to go into the resting phase prematurely, leading to gradual hair thinning and loss.

Effective treatments for hair loss caused by medications

Dr. Kamil Al Rustom Skin and Centre recommends these tried-and-true comprehensive treatment strategies for thinning hair and hair loss induced by medications.

Medications for Hair Growth:

  • Minoxidil (Rogaine): This over-the-counter topical treatment is applied to the scalp and can help stimulate hair growth. Results can vary, with initial effects typically visible within three to six months.
  • Finasteride: Prescribed primarily for male pattern baldness, it can sometimes slow hair loss and promote regrowth.

Diet and Nutritional Supplements:

Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to hair loss. Ensuring a balanced diet and possibly supplementing with nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin D, and omega fatty acids can support hair health.

Alternative Remedies:

  • Pumpkin Seed Oil: Has potential anti-androgen effects that may reduce hair loss.
  • Essential Oils: Rosemary and peppermint have been studied for their potential to stimulate hair growth when applied to the scalp.

Advanced Therapies:

  • Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): This non-invasive treatment uses laser light to stimulate hair follicles, promoting growth and thickness without side effects.
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Involves processing a patient's blood to enhance the concentration of growth factors, which are then injected into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles.
  • IV Therapy for Hair Loss: This innovative treatment involves intravenous infusion of nutrients and vitamins to support hair health, potentially improving scalp condition and promoting hair growth.

Hair loss due to medication can be distressing, but there are numerous treatment options available that can help manage and often reverse this condition.

Whether through dietary adjustments, topical treatments, or advanced medical therapies, individuals have a range of strategies to consider.

Consultation with healthcare providers or specialists at clinics like Dr. Kamil Al Rustom Skin and Laser Centre can offer tailored advice and treatment plans based on individual needs and conditions. All mentioned treatments are used regularly for their patients according to their needs.

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To consult with a doctor about hair loss or thinning hair, simply get in touch below.

Dr. Kamil Al Rustom Skin & Laser Centre
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Dr. Kamil Al Rustom Skin & Laser Centre
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