Hair Loss
In the U.S., 35 million men and 21 million women struggled with hair loss in 2014. Excessive hair loss is estimated to be in the range of 100 or more scalp hairs a day, although losing one’s body hair is also a possibility. Hair loss may be an inevitable part of life. Thinning hair is probably a combination of genes and aging. But certain medications, ones you may presently consume, can cause predominately two different types of hair loss.
Telogen effluvium, the most common form of medicine-induced hair loss typically appears two to four months after the start of the offending medication. The drug causes the hair to go into the telogenic phase too quickly, which then causes the hair to fall out prematurely. In most cases, the hair follicles are the affected part of the hair to be affected by these meds. Usually there is shedding of about 150 or more scalp hairs a day.
Anagen effluvium, is less common and affects the hair in the growth phase. Matrix cells, which construct new hairs, are prevented from normal functioning. The effects of the medications on hair development happen relatively quickly, usually within a few days or weeks. This type of hair loss is most commonly seen in chemotherapy patients. The side effects are often severe with hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes and other body hair.
Commonly Prescribed Medications That Could Cause Hair Loss
There are a surprising number of commonly prescribed medications that could cause hair loss. Please remember that all medications do not affect different people the same way so hair loss could be non-existent, mild, moderate or severe. But if you are at all concerned about your hair, consult your physician. There may be alternatives that don’t have the same kind of bothersome side effects.