Which Treatment Is Best For You?

Take our quiz to find out!
Medi-Tresse-logo

Can My Medication Cause Hair Loss?

Many medications have side effects, but one side effect from medications that is often not discussed is hair loss.

Many medications have side effects, but one side effect from medications that is often not discussed is hair loss.  If you asked most people if they know of any medications that can cause hair loss, they would probably answer with chemotherapy, which is certainly the most extreme case.  However, there are many other more common medications that patients take that can cause hair loss.  However, before we continue, please note that you should never stop a prescription without speaking to your prescribing physician and in some cases there may not be a safe alternative.

Typically, when hair loss is caused by a medication you are taking, it is classified as Telogen Effluvium.  Telogen Effluvium usually presents as a diffuse hair loss, meaning coming from all parts of the scalp.  While it is normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day, during a Telogen Effluvium episode you can notice more excessive shedding.  The telogen phase of the hair cycle is the resting phase, which is when shedding normally occurs, however, during a Telogen Effluvium either the telogen phase is extended or an abnormal number of hairs enter this phase. The good news is that hair loss due to Telogen Effluvium is usually reversible and complete regrowth occurs in about a year.  However, it is extremely important to treat the Telogen Effluvium and try to determine the cause.

Some examples of the more common types of medications that can cause hair loss are beta blockers, anti-depressants, hormone replacement therapies, anticonvulsants, or birth control that contains certain progestins.  Again, if you are taking one of these medications we are not advocating that you should immediately stop it.  However, if you think your hair loss coincides with when you started a medication, we would recommend taking the following steps:

  • See a hair loss specialist that can help determine the cause of your hair loss.
  • Start a combination of Low Level Laser Therapy and Formula 82M to treat the Telogen Effluvium
  • Work with your hair loss specialist and prescribing physician to see if there are any safe. alternatives that are less likely to cause hair loss.

If you have any concerns about your medications or hair loss do not hesitate to reach out to the medical staff at Medi Tresse.

Posted by Your Medi Tresse Team

Back to Blog

Take Control Of Your Hair Loss

Speak with a Medi Tresse medical expert in person or virtually and get your personalized hair loss treatment plan.

Our Locations

Boston, MA

888 Worcester Street, Suite 95
Wellesley, MA 02482

Medical Director: Mary Wendel, MD

Phone: (774) 314-3900Visit Medi Tresse Boston Office

Worcester, MA

108 Grove Street
Worcester, MA 01605

Medical Director: Mary Wendel, MD

Phone: (774) 314 3901Visit Medi Tresse Worcester Office

New York, NY

65 W 36th St, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10018

Medical Director: Mark DiStefano, MD

Phone: (347) 704-2370Visit Medi Tresse New York Office

Westchester, NY

2 Overhill Road, Suite 320
Scarsdale, NY 10583

Medical Director: Mark DiStefano, MD

Phone: 914-704-3070
Visit Medi Tresse Westchester Office

Chattanooga, TN

7305 Jarnigan Rd, Suite 110
Chattanooga, TN 37421

Medical Director: Deborah DiStefano, MD

Phone: 423-664-4494Visit Medi Tresse Chattanooga Office

Welcome to Medi Tresse

The Medi Tresse team is composed of experts in female hair loss. We are committed to offering innovative, non-surgical treatments for hair rejuvenation in women. Whether you are simply looking to increase your hair’s thickness or want to stop more extensive hair loss, Medi Tresse has a wide array of solutions ranging from platelet-rich plasma therapy to low-level laser therapy.

Contact Us

You can reach us by phone at one of our 5 convenient locations or by email at info@meditresse.com

Sign up for our Newsletter

linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram