Don't Panic...Check your medications.
Normal hair sheds about 100,000 hairs in four years or about 500 a week. When
shedding rate is faster than replacement rate it results in thinner hair. Faster
shedding during spring and autumn is normal for up to six weeks. For anyone to
notice hair loss, you would have to lose about 15% of your hair.
Never stop taking your medication because of hair loss or avoid
taking it because you are concerned about hair loss. Discuss the problem with
your doctor. There are, however, some steps you can take to help your body
resist hair loss when using medication.
MEDICATIONS
Aspirin can lower hemoglobin levels which results in a mild
anemia. Iron is essential for hair growth and a deficiency may cause thinning or
shedding hair. Your doctor may suggest iron supplements. You should include more
iron rich foods, such as spinach or lean red meat, in your diet.
Thyroid drugs can result in hair loss or hair being brittle,
dry and dull. When you have a hyperactive thyroid, the reproduction of hair
follicle cells speeds up and hair falls out faster than they can be replaced. If
you have hypothyroid, hair does not grow back as quickly leaving thinning
patches. Your doctor may need to adjust your medication. You need to be sure to
discuss the problem with the doctor when you first notice the problem. You can
also use shampoos, conditioners and other hair products that work to add volume
and luster to your hair.
Hormone Replacement Therapy drugs and
Contraceptive
Drugs are androgenic, meaning they contain male hormones. This can
lessen hair growth. Natural microscopic shrinking of hair follicles occurs
naturally as we age. This results in smaller hair. You and your doctor can
decide if a drug that is anti-androgen would be an effective right choice for
you.
Cholesterol inhibitors may be the thinning hair culprit in
about 1% of cases. It’s the same for anti-depressants. If taken regularly for
over three months, anti-inflammatory painkillers can also cause hair thinning in
about 3% of cases. Again, discuss it with you doctor. Do not stop the
medication.
Psoriasis Drugs may slow down the product of new skin cells
but may have the side effect of changing the hair color or making it curly. The
reasons are unclear, but it is thought the drugs interfere with the structure of
the hair’s root. Hair returns to its normal state when treatment ended.
Acne medications containing retinoid, which is derived from
vitamin A, may cause hair loss. Vitamin A protects hair follicles, but too much
may temporarily shut down the follicle. They affect the cells that produce
keratin so can cause changes in density, appearance and color. In all cases
these changes were temporary and hair returned to normal within a few months
once treatment ended.
Antibiotics reduce hemoglobin and can lower vitamin B levels
that make hair fall out faster. You can take a vitamin B supplement while you
are on the antibiotics. Remember, the illness you’re being treated for may also
be the culprit so discuss it with your doctor.
VITAMINS
Vitamin A is essential for healthy hair. However, taking
more than 10,000 IU’s a day can make your hair fall out as it increases cell
reproduction in hair follicles. This means they reach the end of their growth
phase faster. You should lower your dosage.
Vitamin C can be over-used. Many people take large doses of
vitamin C, especially when fighting a cold. Although the body may flush out
excess Vitamin C, there are side effects. Vitamin C affects skin cell
reproduction and increases the levels of pityrosporon ovale yeasts which cause
flaky, inflamed scalps. You need to reduce your dosage.
Vitamin E used to excess can lower the absorption of iron in
the body. Brittle, thinning hair results when your body does not have enough
iron. Taking both vitamin E and iron counteract. If you are taking both, take
one in the morning and the other in the evening.
HAIR CARE
Using a shampoo, conditioner and styling products designed for fine or
thinning hair will help keep your hair at its possible best while taking a
medication that is causing hair problems. A couple of favorites worth mentioning
are
Alterna’s Caviar
Brand Line and
L’Anza
Healing Nourish. Both help extend hair growth cycle and prevent hair
breakage.
Finding the Hairstylist
that Fits your Style 
