Medications That Lead to Hair Loss in Men and Women

Reviewed by Zang and Ridwan
Medications That Lead to Hair Loss in Men and Women

Are You Taking Medications That Cause Hair Loss?

Many common prescription medications can actually cause hair loss, and it's something that often goes unnoticed. Are any of the following ten medications affecting your hair?

Hair loss is a prevalent issue affecting millions of men and women around the world. By the age of 50, nearly 85% of men will experience some degree of hair thinning.

The causes of hair lossare varied, ranging from stress and poor diet to conditions like alopecia. Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy or menopause, can also lead to hair shedding.

However, one aspect that’s often overlooked is the impact of prescription medications. Certain drugs are notorious for triggering hair loss, though many patients don’t realize it until they start noticing thinning or shedding.

Drugs like diuretics, beta blockers, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most common culprits. These medications can either directly interfere with hair growth or cause hormonal imbalances that lead to hair thinning.

Curious about which medications might be affecting your hair? Let’s dive into a few that are commonly linked to hair loss:

1. Beta Blockers

Beta blockers are often prescribed to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, and angina. In some cases, they may also be recommended for individuals dealing with anxiety or hyperthyroidism.

However, one of the side effects associated with beta blockers such as Inderal, Betaloc, and Emcor is hair loss. These medications can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle by increasing the number of resting hair follicles, which can lead to hair thinning or shedding over time.

2. Arthritis Medications

Arthritis affects more than 54 million Americans, and this number is projected to grow to 78 million by 2040. As a result, arthritis medications are commonly prescribed, with popular drugs like Humira, Enbrel, Arava, and Rheumatrex often used to alleviate symptoms.

While these medications can provide relief from joint pain and stiffness, they come with some serious side effects, including hair loss. Methotrexate, for example, cancause hair loss in 3 to 10 percent of patients with psoriasis and in about one-third of individuals taking it for other conditions. The drug not only disrupts the function of hair follicles but also impedes the absorption of folate, a crucial nutrient needed for hair growth.

3. Antidepressants

Between 2011 and 2014, approximately 12.7 percent of people aged 12 and older were prescribed antidepressants, and the number of prescriptions has only continued to rise since then.

While antidepressants are often life-saving for many, they do come with potential side effects, including hair loss. This can occur in one or more areas of the scalp and may happen relatively quickly after starting the medication. Additionally, the longer the use of antidepressants continues, the higher the risk of experiencing hair loss.

4. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

It may be surprising to learn, but Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can contribute to hair loss by causing hair roots to prematurely enter a resting phase.

Not all NSAIDs are equally likely to cause this effect, but some are more prone to triggering hair loss than others. Medications containing oxaprozon, ketoprofen, fenoprofen, diclofenac, and celecoxib are among the most common culprits.

5. Birth Control Pills

Oral contraceptives are widely used to regulate hormone levels and prevent pregnancy, but they come with a variety of potential side effects, including hair loss, fluid retention, and weight gain.

Women who are genetically predisposed to hair loss or are particularly sensitive to certain hormones in birth control pills may experience thinning hair as a result.

This risk extends to other birth control methods, such as vaginal rings, skin patches, and hormone injections, all of which can similarly impact hair growth.

Should You Stop Taking Medications That Cause Hair Loss?

Certain medications can contribute to or worsen hair loss, and unfortunately, discontinuing these drugs isn't always an option, especially for those dealing with serious conditions such as heart disease, blood disorders, or depression.

If you find yourself in this situation, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist or other healthcare providers. They can recommend specialized shampoos, topical treatments, and other products designed to reduce hair loss and promote hair growth.

For those experiencing significant hair loss, scalp micropigmentationmay be a viable solution. This innovative treatment enhances hair density, creates a defined hairline, and provides the illusion of a fuller head of hair.

Interested in learning more? Contact us today to discover how we can assist you.

Back to Explore Insights and Solutions on Our Scalp Micropigmentation Blog