hair loss

[achybreaky]

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?

[Hidden]

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.

[Hidden]

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

[Hidden]

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]

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

[Hidden 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]

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]

aye came off the planqui because off hair loss

[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.