hair loss: is hair loss normal with ra? before I was... - NRAS

NRAS

36,423 members45,072 posts

hair loss

achybreaky profile image
8 Replies

is hair loss normal with ra? before I was diagnosed I noticed lots of hair loss...now that im on pred and plaquenil its no better. any similar stories?

Written by
achybreaky profile image
achybreaky
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
8 Replies

I think some people who are taking methotrexate get a small amount of hair loss. I don't know about the drugs you take though. It could perhaps be caused by stress. An RA diagnosis is very stressful, but I could be wrong.

Speaking personally my hair grows like mad and I have to get it trimmed every four weeks. I have been on methotrexate for approx 6 yrs now, and I was expecting some hair loss but was very pleased that my hair is still thick and healthy. I always use a mild shampoo and a conditioner, maybe that's helped me!! Lynda x

Hello

MTX can cause hair loss I am not sure on steriods although they do thin the skin.

You can check on NHS CHOICES internet site

All the best

BOB

helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

As far as I'm aware, hair loss isn't a symptom of RA itself. As others have mentioned it is listed as a possible side effect for some of the drugs, but not pred or plaquenil. However, particularly if you're a women, I think you can go through patches where hair does thin as a result of fluctuations in hormones - and not necessarily menopausal. Might be worth mentioning it to your GP to check thatno imbalances? Polly

in reply to helixhelix

As well as menopause, hairloss is also a symptom of other autoimmune diseases such as Lupus and Hypothyroidism, so it is important to get these ruled out too. Plaquenil/ Hydroxy is a first line drug for Lupus and people often complain of hairloss on it but it's assumed this is as a result of the Lupus rather than the drug. I only take Hydroxy and haven't suffered any hairloss from it to date.

sallyeb profile image
sallyeb

I was once told it was nothing to do with drugs personally I don't believe them. On mtx I lost loads it has calmed down with lefluomide but we have had a stressful last six months and has all started again so I am sure stress does have a part to play. X

11shirls11 profile image
11shirls11

aye came off the planqui because off hair loss

shareasmile profile image
shareasmile

I was having quite a lot of hair loss before my diagnosis of RA. Then it slowed down for a bit and now that I am on MTX and hydroxy, it seems to be slightly more again. I purchased a set of hair products for hair loss which I believe has helped. Check with a specialty shop for hair to see if they have a product to help. Best wishes.

You may also like...

methotrexate hair loss

solution to Methotrexate hair loss. I have been on it since 2012 and my fringe is now so scant and...

Hair loss and Methotrexate

(injections). I've now been on 15ml for 9 weeks with 7 weeks of 10ml prior to increase. No hair...

Methotrexate and hair loss

was wondering if anyone knows of any magic potions to stop the hair loss altogether or at least...

Methotrexate Hair Loss

some of you experience hair loss. I'm wondering what that means exactly. Is your hair shedding more...

Methotrexate Hair Loss

all the meds have hair loss as a possible side effect. Has anyone who has hair loss from MTX and...