There are different factors that cause hair loss side effects. For one, a woman may experience this during the latter part or towards the end of her pregnancy. This is because estrogen levels drop during this stage. As a result, the hair seems to fall on a quicker pace. A woman also experiences hair loss as the side effect stopping a birth control pill intake.
We all know that there is a list of medications for chemotherapy that also leads to the causes of hair loss. Regardless of the side effects patients still go on with the therapy. It is also a fact that many of the available drugs in the market to treat various illnesses can lead to hair loss although neither of the pharmaceuticals nor the doctor mention about these adverse reactions. Therefore if you want to get rid of hair loss as side effects of taking in certain medications, you must read on through this page.
Drugs Causing Hair Loss Side Effects
There are different types of drugs that become hair loss causes. These range from cholesterol medications and ulcer drugs to gout agents and antidepressants. Anticoagulants such as Coumarin and Heparin may also lead to the problem. Antiarthritics such as sulindac and penicillamine trigger the problem. Blood thinners and anabolic steroids may also lead to this particular incident.
Every time a physician prescribes some drugs for your medication always question him if it causes hair loss. He may be aware of the fact that these side effects do transpire. At a sadder note, he may recognize the adverse reactions but he is afraid to convey the message to you. You can ask for another medicine as a substitute if it does result to the plight. For confirmation you can also ask your pharmacist as well.
Hair Loss Side Effects from Chemotherapy
Hair loss is one of the primary side effects of chemotherapy. It affects not only the hair of your head but also facial hair, pubic hair and body hair. It also includes hair loss along the eyelashes and eyebrows.
Hair loss occurs when chemotherapy damages healthy cells. It is so common because hair follicle cells multiply very quickly like cancer cells. It also depends on the dosage of your medication and how frequent the dosage and how aggressive the treatment is. We cannot prevent hair loss during chemotherapy but we are sure for hair re-growth within 6 to 8 weeks after treatment ends.
In this regard, it pays to learn about how to treat these hair loss side effects. There are some ways to manage hair loss during chemotherapy:
- Maintain shorter hair. It is less distressing to lose short hair
- Wigs. You can purchase wigs before your hair starts falling. Your hair stylist can help find one that matches your looks.
- Caps and scarves – people find caps and scarves the easiest and most comfortable option in providing a solution for hair loss side effects brought about by chemotherapy.
Hair Loss as Side Effects of Head and Neck Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy of head and neck causes hair loss as well. In some treatments, hair loss only occurs on the part you are having treatment for. But your hair will grow back after the treatment is done. Only it will not be as thick as before the treatment. Head can be covered by a soft cap or scarf to protect the exposed skin and to keep the head warm. Hair washing is difficult during the treatment because it is not advisable to wash the treatment area. Some people advise that lukewarm water and baby shampoo can do since these can do no harm.
With these list of hair loss side effects from medications, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, you need not despair. This is because there are great solutions to these problems. What you need to do is follow what your doctors advise you to do. When consultation periods come, feel free to raise your queries as well.
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