Hair thinning

[Liz61]

Hi there,

Does anyone who is on Letrozole, know of a brand that does not thin hair?

I’ve tried various brands, but they all seem to have this side effect.

I would love to hear from anyone who has found one!

Many thanks

x

[Happyrosie]

There are three types of medicine like letrozole - the other two are anastrazole and exemestane - so if one doesn’t suit you can ask for one of the others. Personally I didn’t have hair loss with this, but severe joint and muscle pains instead.

We all react differently to these medications so it’s well worth while swapping around - your breast cancer nurse is the best one to talk to.

[Liz61 in reply to Happyrosie]

I hadn’t thought of that! Thank you x

[Mintygreen]

Hi Liz61

I haven't experienced thinning of my hair but the texture is certainly different. I'm not sure if everyone is affected the same way. Might be a good idea to ask your consultant for alternatives. Good luck.

[Eliactida1955]

I think they all do those estrogen blocking meds. I was on letrozole and she’d hair with it but not bad. I was on aromasin and fulvesterant too. On the latter no hair was shed but hurt my joints hurt and shots unbearable. I hope you find another med that works..

[mathematics]

I was on letrozole for 5 years after tamoxifen and I used Plantur shampoo for over 40's you can find in most supermarkets and also found Growme on line which I sent for through Amazon, both shampoos helped with hair loss. Due to the chemo I lost all my hair and it has never grown back properly especially as I went through an early menopause after the chemo. I continued with letrozole as I found the benefits outweighed the negatives and after having a grade 3 cancer I have been now nearly 13 years cancer free. I am no longer on letrozole as they took me off it after 5 years. Take care and I hope you get some solution that suits you.

[Liz61]

Thank you for your info. I’ll try and get the shampoos you recommended. I too am 13 years post diagnosis. I was told to keep taking Letrozole for 10 years after 5 years of Tamoxifen , so I still have a way to go!

[hummingbirdspirit]

To all you ladies... God bless you!! I agree with Happyrosie, no hair loss (a bit of thinning around the face tho), you can try to switch meds. Personally I didn't. Was more fearful of weight gain and hair. 3 years in and really only sleep and hip/joint issues and my face seems fatter even tho my weight hasn't moved much. Redken has a shampoo/conditioner called "extreme lengths" to help your grow faster. I don't feel topical oils/serums work. for me (I've tried a lot of products but not all so LMK if you find success with one). I up'd my vitamins - D especially, magnesium, omegas, tumeric and added "adapto b complex" by Vimergy (medical medium's fav brand). It has biotin in it for hair. My Onco Naturopath suggested "Saw Palmetto" for hair loss. Odd, as it's for mens prostate, but there's studies out there. google! Making sure I take my calcium too ("Bone UP" brand is what she also recommended to me). and Strontium - That's for bone loss side effect. Stay strong Liz61!

[Liz61]

Thank you for your reply. I seem to have been unlucky with my hair loss! I will take onboard what you said and I will look into the prostate drug!! X