I’m just on Benapali now (stopped methotrexate) and increased folic acid from twice a week to six times a week. That was about a month ago when I saw my rheumatologist.
Luckily I have a good head of hair but I’m losing probably 10 or 20 times as much as normal. It’s not coming out in clumps.
I’ve had no trauma, either mental or physical. Bloods are normal for me. No new chemicals around me.
Far be it for me to be vain but I’m a bit worried.
I know I need to give it a bit of time before bothering any doctors again. Just looking for a bit of reassurance or advice.
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Esmereld
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My hair usually thins when starting new medications, but has always recovered within around 6 months or so. I got a shaped bob cut, which made my hair look thicker and pre washed with Olaplex, a bit expensive but you only need a little, so one or two bottles sufficed.
I also have stopped washing my hair so much, as my once rich glossy hair is much drier with some medications. If you can get through the first few (lanky looking) weeks of washing less I suspect you will notice a difference in texture and volume which makes your hair look less thin and in much better condition. I sometimes don't wash my hair for around 10 days, it never looks greasy or dirty. I used to wash it every day when I was working.
Edit: I've also found using less conditioner gives my hair more volume.
thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I too use Olaplex. I bite the bullet and buy the 2l salon size. Much cheaper that way. I wash my hair twice a week usually. I’ll give it a go, leaving it longer. I might just get that shorter Bob cut as you suggest. Thank you again. Much appreciated. X
I wash my hair every fourth day usually and it’s still silky and doesn’t look or feel dirty. I do brush it more and twice a day thoroughly at least, since it’s got much longer though. I seemed to have trained it to go longer for washing from 2 to 4 days! I read over washing can be more problematic for some hair. Mine is very long, half way down my back as I haven’t had a haircut for two years, but still in great condition. I use Kerastase products for many years which were/are used at my salon products and they are pricey but I adore them. Their Densifique and Volumifique ranges and styling products are fab. A little goes a long way. I used to and normally have my hair texturised, as in feathered, to give more layers and have it collar length. (Think a modern day Suzi Quatro style!!) I’ve not heard of the Olaplex but will have a look.
My hair has gone completely weird just due to being on medication. Once I was in the hairdressers and he got the rest of the staff to feel my hair so they would recognize people on medication.🙈 Remember RA and taking meds is quite traumatic for your body.
Hopefully it will settle down after a while. Take care of yourself. 😘
Methotrexate caused hair loss for me and a supplement called Biotin helped to reduce and then stop this over about 3-4 months. I carried on taking it for another 12 months and my hair grew back over the following year. Check with your health professional first, but it might be worth a try?
I have an awful lot of hair too and yes, mine comes out and has for a while now. Similarly to you, it’s not in clumps and doesn’t appear to make any difference overall.
Thanks for responding. It’s stopped shedding now thank goodness. Such a relief. I’ve been taking folic acid six days a week for about a month. I’ll continue to take it regularly but might go to every other day after a while. Trial and error eh.
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