Hair

[Chamom]

Hi everyone, long time RA and on MTX . Has anyone experienced hair loss with this drug and if so does anyone have a suggestion. Thank you in advance for being there for all😊

[Lyn-h]

I did also, but started adding oregano oil to shampoo and conditioner and it has worked I also swapped the folic acid prescribed to folate

[ABwn]

I'm on folic acid and it seems to work. Take 1 a day apart from the day I take mtx. Good luck.

[CagneysMum]

This happened to me when I first started taking methotrexate 3 years ago. My rheumatologist suggested a tablet supplement called Biotin which I bought through Amazon. It took 2-3 months to get my hair loss under control and encourage new growth …. but it worked really well for me. My hairdresser was very impressed with the result. After 6-8 months my hair was back to almost normal volume and growing back in around my hairline (where I’d lost most) and I stopped taking the biotin after about 12 months. I then Introduced a marine collagen powder that I take everyday now. It looks like milk powder and so I stir a heaped spoonful into a coffee once a day - it doesn’t taste of anything. The collagen is good for hair, skin , nails and bones. I’ve noticed my nails and eyebrows grow a lot better so hope it’s benefiting my bones too. I’m 59 years old.Obviously I wouldn’t advise any of this without first checking with your own medical team as I did … but good luck 🤞

[Runrig01]

I haven’t lost any hair, but it’s changed from thick & wavy to fine and curly. It’s just frustrating as it doesn’t stay in its style anymore. I have a very full head of hair I’m told, so others don’t notice it’s thinner.

[Deeb1764 in reply to Runrig01]

Biotin and sea kelp supplements are great I went from dry and hair loss to back to thick hair really quickly. My niece a hairdresser recommended as well as someone on here

[barbieg]

Oh yes, I did for months. It was awful and only stopped coming out when I stopped taking Methotrexate. It came out in handfuls . I think I was unlucky though as it doesn’t seem to happen to most people.

[Deeb1764 in reply to barbieg]

No quite a few of us have had hair loss with RA it’s just horrible when it happens x

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Chamom. I've been on MTX 13 years, initially (for one year) tablets but ever since injections, currently 17.5mg. I had some hair thinning when I first started it so my folic acid was increased from the day after MTX to the day before as well. It has to be said that out daily dose is 5mg, you'll be prescribed 1mg I would think, so if you were to ask for your folic acid to be increased it may not have much effect on helping your hair. Nowadays I'm prescribed it 6 days a week, so a dose of 30mg weekly. I believe that there you're more regularly prescribed folinic acid, so not sure if that would be the way you'll be helped, something to ask your Rheumy.

What I'm sure did help & has helped when I've needed an MTX dose increase & accompanying hair thinning is a change in cut of my hair & it needing less styling (& styling product). The less we mess with it the more you retain, fewer hairs in my brush attest to that. Like Maureen (above) my hair has changed texture over time though mine has gone from from straight to a definite wave/curl, resulting in it needing even less attention. I feel I must add that whilst I’ve not had any hair thinning for a good while (due to no MTX dose increases) the feel of my hair is better since using a Dyson hairdryer. Even with the diffuser it takes less time to dry than with my previous hairdryer, less heat too, resulting in better hair quality.

I have considered biotin supplements in the past & still am thinking of trialling it. This is because whilst my hair is ok I’m having nail problems even though my diet includes daily Brazil nuts (check the benefits!) & twice weekly avocado, plus 30mg folic acid a week. They have become thin & as such I’m having problems with them breaking very low down to the nail bed which can make them sore, something I don't need with RD & OA affected fingers!

I don't know if any of this helps but I do know it can make a difference to how we feel about ourselves when we have hair loss. It's one more thing we can do without so I do hope you find a solution & yours is resolved.

[medway-lady]

Many years ago I did have extreme hair loss associated with MTX, so I took the hair from the shower trap and showed the consultant and I also explained it felt like I was on fire inside. He said a reaction and stopped it that day. I had had Folic Acid but it made no difference and so it might be worth talking to your RA team.

[Chamom in reply to medway-lady]

Thanks for the info Medway-lady, I have an appointment coming up in August. I will take your advice. Stay safe!

[BMCV]

I've had the same problem but increased the folic acid on advice of the consultant and also added folate one day a week, day after MtX and the hair loss has definitely slowed down, almost stopped

[liveinwoods]

I probably lost half my hair when I was on Methatexate. I stopped taking it and took biotin and use Nioxin shampoo and conditioner and my hair returned to normal. Am now on Leflunomide.

[----54]

I also experienced hair loss on MTX. My dermatologist recommended topical minoxidil, which I didn’t expect to work, but it definitely has. I’m not losing excess hair, and I’ve had new growth, including at the hairline. I tried a generic brand, which has exceeded my expectations. I was pretty distressed about the hair loss and so glad that my dermatologist knew what to recommend to help. Best wishes with whatever you try!