STATINS AND HAIR THINNING

[Red18]

Hello. My question is this.... I have been on Atorvastatin 20mg for a year now. Have no muscle problems whatsoever but have noticed that my hair has got really thin and is coming out. I have changed my diet for the better and take vitamins so I do not think at all it's anything to do with what I eat. Read up about Artovastatin and it does look like it could cause hair to thin. Has anybody experienced this and if so what other statin did they find didn't have this side affect? Thanks all.

[Pewse]

Hi Red18

Yes, same thing happened to me ...... I tried 4 different Statins - they just don’t agree with my body so I was stopped taking them. The hair did ‘Re- thicken’ a little but not back to former glory. Stress too can cause hair to fall out - if you’re stressed out about it (or anything else) have you tried EFT for Stress? (Nick Ortner/Brad Yates) free utube sessions. Amazing results. 🙏

[Red18 in reply to Pewse]

Morning Pewse. Thanks for reply. Yes I know stress and lack of protein can cause hair loss. I suppose getting the diagnosis of heart disease really did worry me. But I just of late really noticed my hair thinning ... I have read that the newer statin Rosuvastatin does not have this side affect?? I am considering ringing my gp to change. Have a lovely day and thanks again

[Shazzamac1 in reply to Pewse]

I have been on atorvastatin for several years now and suffered hair loss. I put it down to stress after having so many procedures on my back. After reading that the statin I was on could result in hair thinning and loss I went to I did mention it to my doctor but she said it was down to my age (62). On the advice of my hairdresser I have been using Nioxin products to wash and condition my hair. My hair is now a lot thicker, more healthier than it ever was and my light patches have nearly gone. I still do have some hair loss but not nearly as much as I did. These products are not cheap but worth buying. I still have some hair loss so I am intending to ask another doctor if I can change to Rosuvastatin. My cholesterol reading is 3.7 whilst on these tablets but I would like to see what happens to the reading should I stop taking them.

[Hily in reply to Shazzamac1]

My GP gave my hair a cursory flick and said "male pattern baldness". End of conversation. Yes, Atorvastatin.

[Hidden in reply to Hily]

As men, hair loss is completely dismissed as being no big deal. One of the few things I liked about my physical appearance was my hair. Got put on meds for inflammatory arthritis, lost almost 2/3 of it in the space of 12 months, and what’s left of my hairline has receded massively. I was waking up to hair all over the bedside cabinet each morning. Had I been female, the extent of the hair loss and saying it really upset me would have been grounds to stop the treatment I was on, as a man it was just shrugged at. To add insult to injury, the med that caused it didn’t work for me at all, but they made me stay on it for 13 months anyway, and given there’s no sign of any regrowth some 3 months after stopping, the damage is apparently done.

[Hily in reply to Hidden]

As a woman, I was still upset! No treatment given.

[presto816]

Hi Red18,

I've been on Atorvastatin 40mg. once daily for four years now, and for the record - I have had no hair loss problems.

Just from my own personal experience, I want to mention regarding hair - I have taken magnesium daily also during this period in addition to many prescriptions that I need to take. I read that it's good for the heart and sleep (I have problems with the latter). I don't take many vitamins and minerals, I'll add.

Anyway, I'm mentioning magnesium because I have said repeatedly to my husband that I wonder if it helps hair growth. My hair grows a lot quicker than it used to.

I do not want to mislead you, perhaps it does not affect hair at all. But as I'm writing and I appreciate your frustration regarding your hair loss, I figured I'd mention it. Just something you might want to try, perhaps.

I hope you find a solution to your problem, best of luck.

[Red18 in reply to presto816]

Hi Presto816. Thanks for replying. I may give it a try. I was wondering whether it may be down to the menopause??

[presto816 in reply to Red18]

Hi Red18 -

Could be due to menopause, sorry, I don't know about that and I did not have that problem. FYI I just Googled "hair loss due to menopause", and it came up with a number of articles.

I remembered after I wrote you that many years ago, I got my hair cut more than I wanted - which I mention because at the time, I went to a good health food store and I got some sort of supplement meant to specifically help with hair etc.

I just checked for you on a website that I use a lot (am I allowed to mention a business here, I don't know?, anyway, it's called Victoria Health, I've bought from them for years, I think they are very good and reliable) to see about hair loss products and I see they have got some supplement too.

I want to stress that along with reading whatever a website says about contraindications with medications, I still always check things out thoroughly. I find it's essential to do that, websites can't cover all the different medications.

Anyway... here's the direct link to a product they sell. But I haven't got a clue if it's good or not, just trying to help, okay?:

victoriahealth.com/product/...

[Red18 in reply to presto816]

Hellooooo presto816. Thankyou so very much for trying to help me. I have an appointment tomorrow to have my haircut. I must admit I am really anxious. Hopefully I will not feel too bad. I do know for sure I do need this cut but very apprehensive. Will check the website out. Have a lovely evening. Take care

[presto816 in reply to Red18]

Hellooooo back to you, Red18. My pleasure, glad to be of help.

Have you got a good hairdresser, I hope? I live in Cambridge, and my hairdresser here is terrific. If by chance you live in this area, I could recommend him.

Have you asked your GP about your hair loss? Maybe he or she could help you?

Have you got a specialist doctor otherwise? Maybe they would know more if by chance any of your medications are the catalyst for your problem?

Maybe you could postpone your visit to the hairdresser if you are feeling too anxious?

Not to upset your plans, okay? Just figured I would mention that, however.

Victoria Health has a pharmacist named Shabir. He writes a lot of articles for the business. He is also available to talk to customers, I have talked with him in the past.

Maybe he could offer some advice?

Whatever you choose to do - best of luck, and you take good care too.

[Red18 in reply to presto816]

Hellooooo Presto816. Hope you keeping well and are enjoying this lovely warm weather. Been to hairdressers and didn't have too much cut off. I did mention about the hair loss and she mentioned that my scalp looked a little inflamed. Could it be the menopause or is it the damn statins?? Going to ring my go on Monday. Have a lovely evening and thankyou do very much for all your help

[presto816 in reply to Red18]

Helloooooo Red18. Thanks, and yes, I'm enjoying the hot weather but frankly somewhat worried that such high temperatures here are a further sign of the climate crisis. I've got dual American/British nationality, I'm from the States, my husband is English, I've lived here for more than 20 years. As we all know from living here, it's relatively rare if unheard of to have such high temperatures. Of course, I'm used to it from the USA but I'm always 'shocked' when it gets genuinely hot here. Right, back to your hair: Good, I'm glad for you that things went well at the hairdresser. As I said, I don't know about what you mentioned as I haven't had that ever occur to me. Yes, I think you should call your GP. Maybe if your scalp is inflamed as your hairdresser thinks - perhaps there is medication to treat this? I would think there is. Hey, speaking of hair: Have you ever tried Aveda products, come to think of it? I use their hair products a lot. Terrific. Natural ingredients. Not cheap, but really wonderful quality. I highly recommend them. Have a lovely weekend, enjoy all this glorious sun, and best of luck moving forward with your hair.

[Red18 in reply to presto816]

Hi Presto816. I have heard of Aveda products. I am going to John Lewis tomorrow I shall check this product out. I have just put a deep intense conditioner on so here's hoping this helps with the condition of my hair . You take care. You seem a really lovely, genuine person. Thankyou

[presto816 in reply to Red18]

Hi Red18 - As you mentioned it, I happen to get my Aveda products at John Lewis too.

Deep conditioning generally helps all hair. I have long, curly, wavy hair, and curly hair in general needs lots of moisture and conditioning. Aveda is great.

Also, I don’t wash my hair excessively or too often, which I used to do much more when I was young. That can also be bad for the hair’s condition.

But now that I think about it, the brand John Frieda does a lot of really good products too if you are looking for intense moisture and the like.

His brand is far cheaper, by the way, and readily available in Boots, etc.

Thanks so much for your final comment here, what a kind compliment! You seem likewise.

It’s been my pleasure to try and help you out.

You take care too, and best of luck. 😊

[Red18 in reply to presto816]

Thankyou so much 😊

[presto816 in reply to Red18]

You’re welcome ! 🤩

I just looked again at Victoria Health who I mentioned to you earlier, and I see this - I have no idea if it’s helpful or not, but it looks like it’s full of beneficial nutrients:

victoriahealth.com/product/...

[Red18 in reply to presto816]

Thankyou I may give these a try. Anything would help. Getting older isn't nice x

[presto816 in reply to Red18]

Getting old is tough - but there's no alternative except for death, frankly speaking... That's taboo to say in many conversations, but those are the cold, hard facts.

However, I understand, it sounds like you're really frustrated. Believe me, I have been there. I had such terrible medical care on several levels that I only narrowly did not die. It's a long, painful story. And I get frustrated now, quite a lot of the times. I do understand!

Has your GP not offered any suggestions? Or can he refer you to someone who might have some sort of better idea of what may be your problem?

I see here someone is helping you with words of caution about biotin. I have heard but not used biotin. I am very familiar with troponin levels, however. That sounds like important advice.

Take heart - uhhh, no pun intended!... x

[Red18 in reply to presto816]

I am immensely grateful that I have been given a second chance so to speak. I do truly value my life. I really do. I now look after myself and treat food as my medicine... keep safe and well 😊

[presto816 in reply to Red18]

Hi again, Red18 - I have a complicated case, I was undiagnosed and misdiagnosed on several levels first by my GP and then by two hospitals when I went to A&E. I am abbreviating things, it’s a long story...

Basically speaking, I have an incurable rare blood cancer that caused a thrombosis which caused my heart attack. All went undiagnosed and then misdiagnosed, as I said. I managed to live through it.

I am on a mild chemo daily (speaking of hair, luckily my chemo does not cause hair loss which many chemos do, not does it cause tumours and patients can live for years with it if it is treated and managed) and a battery of cardiac meds. I am a heart failure patient but I do really well and I am active, etc. I do not look ill at all, people are always surprised about my medical history. But the truth is not so good.

I lived because I have clear arteries, and because I have a specialist heart implant (without which I would have died a while ago). It’s complicated, as I said...

Anyway, sure, I hear you, and I agree with what you said here.

What I have learned is - read tons; always question; some supplementary things can be helpful; respect the knowledge your doctors have (well, the good ones, that is!) but keep reading and always try to fill in the inevitable gaps (like meds that are changed and how one affects the other, or side effects that are either dangerous or troubling); ask other patients if something comes up that doctors have not sorted out like what you are doing here; and trust your gut instinct too about matters.

You keep well and safe too. Again, I wish you the best - and thanks for listening to me too! 🌺

[Red18]

Hi Sevenstar1. Thankyou for replying. I do take vitamin b12. Since diagnosis of CAD I have ate really healthily. I am at a loss really... I may try Rosuvastatin, this is a fairly new statin that supposedly doesnt effect hair loss???

[Hily]

Hello, I too had hair thinning and loss thanks to Atorvastatin (Glucophage). A GP had a quick flick and pronounced that I had male pattern baldness. It is 18 months since I stopped taking the statins (they are voluntary) and my hair in recovering slowly, still losing it but cannot see bald pate any more.

My chemist agreed Atorvastatin could cause hair loss so that and the incredibly painful cramps in my legs and feet thanks to the statins. I was already on 3 monthly B12 shots but feel no benefit whatsoever.

I hear that the Pharmas encourage GP'S to prescribe statins a great deal. With benefits.

Good luck.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Just a word of caution about biotin.

It can effect your blood tests in particular tropinin levels and NTproBNP.

The tests used to help diagnose a heart attack or heart failure.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Have you checked with your Cardiologist?

[Red18]

Thankyou so much for info. Going shopping tomorrow and I'm going to purchase some biotin

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Red18]

dicardiology.com/article/fd...

[Red18]

Thankyou for replying. I am in limbo. Not sure what to do?? Do I stop the statins but maybe risk my health?? I think I am going to continue with the statin and start taking biotin??

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Red18]

Hi Red18

I suggest you talk to your GP, Cardiologist or a Pharmcist before taking any supplement or stopping your statin.

Biotin can effect your blood test results in particular tropinin levels which are used to help doctors diagnose a heart attack.

[Red18 in reply to Milkfairy]

Hellooooo Milkfairy. Can you believe it?? On top of my heart disease, I now have hair loss... My diet is very good. Well the last 2 years it has been since my diagnosis. Very nutritional and very healthy so I do not think it's down to my diet. I do truly think it's the statin I'm taking. Will speak to my GP before I take any supplement or stop my statin. Thanks for info on biotin. Take care

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Red18]

I know it's horrible when your hair thins.

My hair has never been the same since my heart problems developed.

Stress or the medication I am not sure.

My GP checked my thyroid levels which can effect your hair growth. Maybe discuss this with your GP too?

I hope you find a solution!

You take care too.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

dicardiology.com/article/fd...

Can you provide evidence based research to support your view that biotin is safe to take if you are at risk of a heart attack?

Biotin can lower the levels of Troponin an important blood test used by doctors to diagnose a heart attack?

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Are you at risk of having a heart attack or any other heart condition?

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Antiphospholipid syndrome

APS or Hughes syndrome is associated with heart problems such as Microvascular angina.

Microvascular angina can cause heart attacks, strokes and Heart Failure.

aps-support.org.uk/about-ap...

[Red18]

Nite. Be good

[Helen_BHF]

Hi Red18 , you might like to take a look at the BHF's page on statins and potential side effects bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

If you have any questions on this you can also contact our cardiac nurses on 0300 330 3311 bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

Although as others have suggested, if you have concerns about medication and side effects please do speak to your GP - hope this helps.

[Shazzamac1]

Hi Red18, I had the same problem and I askedmy doctor to change my statin back to lipotor. He did and along with the change of tablets and a hair growing serum which I bought, my hair is now thickening up and very little hair loss. Hope this helps. If you want to know then name of the serum I will find out the name and let you know, as I have forgotten the name of it, sorry.

[Red18 in reply to Shazzamac1]

Thankyou that would be great 👍

[Shazzamac1 in reply to Red18]

Red18. These are the products that I used. The serum and shampoo have to be used for 45 hair washes and then stopped. I havent used the rest of the products as shown in the picture. The products are expensive but worth every penny. If you Google Davines you will find the businesses who sell it. Good luck and please let me know how you get on.

Davines hair treatments

[Red18 in reply to Shazzamac1]

Thankyou so very much. I'll give them a try. Best wishes