There are many reasons an individual may go through hair loss, but one that is not mentioned as often is drug usage. The term “drugs” has a mostly negative connotation, but it is meant as an umbrella term to cover these four main types:
- Over-the-counter
- Prescription
- Recreational
- Illegal
Because there is no such thing as a perfect drug, most of them have side effects. Whether minor or major, they affect at least some of the population. Hair loss can be found listed in the fine print of some “everyday” medicines. When hair loss is related to a drug, discontinuing it normally stops future hair loss, but stopping medication should only be done under advisement of your physician.
Telogen
Keep in mind that some drugs affect hair during the resting phase (telogen), and some affect hair during the growth phase (anagen). It is normal to lose 7-8 dozen hairs daily if going through telogen, and even more if environmental and internal factors are in play. They can include diet, illness, and medication to boot. When experiencing drug-induced hair loss during telogen, the hair tends to thin and fall out instead of in patches as it does during alopecia. Below is a list of some drugs showing hair loss in its fine print or that have been discovered during lab studies:
- ACE inhibitors
- Acne medications derived from Vitamin A
- Amphetamines
- Antidepressants
- Antifungals
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Antiseizure medicine
- Beta-blockers
- Birth control pills
- Blood thinners
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs
- Heart / high blood pressure drugs
- Indigestion and ulcer drugs
- Naproxen
- Parkinson’s disease medications
- Steroids
- Thyroid disorder drugs
Anogen
The most notable examples of drug-induced hair loss during the anagen phase are chemotherapy drugs. They attack fast-growing cells, such as hair and nails. Other drugs affecting hair during the anagen phase include medicine for treating gout, which is a type of arthritis.
Major League
Methamphetamines and Cocaine
Methamphetamine use (as well as cocaine use) can lead to hair loss in several ways. Firstly, these drugs can cause a weakened immune system and nutritional deficiencies, particularly in essential vitamins and minerals required for healthy hair growth, such as biotin, vitamin D, and iron. These deficiencies can result in hair loss, thinning, and even premature greying.
Secondly, they can cause significant stress on the body, leading to a condition called telogen effluvium, which can result in sudden and widespread hair loss. Telogen effluvium occurs when the body experiences significant physiological stress, such as illness, surgery, or drug abuse, and causes hair follicles to enter a resting phase, leading to shedding and hair loss.
Lastly, their use can also lead to compulsive behavior, which can result in hair pulling or trichotillomania. This condition involves a person pulling out their hair, which can lead to permanent hair loss if left untreated. Personal hygiene may also be affected, which could lead to hair damage if neglected.
If you or someone you know is struggling with methamphetamine or cocaine abuse, it’s crucial to seek medical and psychological help. There are treatments available to start on the road to healing and recovery. The underlying effects of nutritional deficiencies, stress, and compulsive behavior can be addressed and reversed in most cases.
Minor League
Marijuana
While some studies have suggested that marijuana use may increase levels of the hormone testosterone, which is associated with hair loss, more research is needed.
Adderall
While hair loss is listed as a non-permanent side effect of Adderall, it is not necessarily from the medicine itself. Those taking Adderall are more likely to have hair loss from the higher stress, less sleep, or other side effects that are enhanced by the need to take Adderall in the first place.
Anabolic steroids
Steroids are used in bodybuilding to help train longer and more often, and with quicker recovery times than normal. This combination leads to enhanced lean muscle tissue growth. But it also speeds up alopecia in those predisposed to it.
Asterisks
Stress
Stress is mentioned here for two reasons. By itself, it is a known cause of hair loss. And secondly, stress can lead to a need for medication, which could create a double-whammy.
It is beneficial to practice stress-relieving techniques, such as yoga, meditation or another form of exercise. The relationship between acute hair loss and stress is cyclical in many cases. Losing your hair can create unwanted stress, and that stress can make hair loss even worse.
COVID
While a majority of cases are short-term, COVID can cause chronic telogen effluvium that lasts several years. People who experience long COVID symptoms are most likely to be affected by chronic hair shedding. It is in line with the timeline seen from fevers and illnesses, with hair shedding 2-3 months afterwards. Much is still unknown about long-COVID, and definitive answers may be in the distant future.
Our default reasoning for hair loss is genetics, but it may be surprising that many of the medicines we take have hair loss listed as a side effect. Always consult with your doctor when it comes to medications that may cause new problems while trying to solve old ones. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Williams, to get answers to your questions or to set up a procedure.
