Hair falling out

[Jane06]

Does anyone have any experience of hair thinning? Mine seems to be coming out in handfuls every time I have a shower. I used to have such lovely thick hair and now it's really thin! Could this be a sign of RA or could it have anything to do with steroids? That's the only thing I've been taking in recent months. Just thought I'd ask!

[Hidden]

Hi Jane

Im having the same issue. My hair is so thin I had to have quite a lot chopped off a few weeks ago, I take Avara , I have done the steroids but started bloating- ho such joy - not!

I dont think RA causes hair loss but certain the drugs are a fault here. Let your team know how much distress its causing you- I did this last week- I still await an answer, what with it been August, I should have known all the staff are taking there hols-

Best of luck on this one, Try taking some some suppliments - I take Borage and Sillica. Good for skin and hair, Take some time to kick in but may be of benefit xx

[Jane06 in reply to Hidden]

It's not really worth saying anything to my consultant as she just wants to get people in and out quickly. She is very efficient, but only interested in joints and nothing else! Thanks for the tip though - will have to try them. xx

[Hidden]

Hi Jane, my hair started thinning before my diagnosis in May and I put it down to stress and pain. Since starting mtx the thinning got much worse and like you I was getting handfulls in the shower which I'd have to throw in the bin. I've had my folic acid increased from 5mg once a week to 6 times a week and it does appear to be helping. I'm think this is only useful for mtx related hairloss though. Do you have access to a specialist nurse as that's who I spoke to.

Paula x

[Jane06]

Yes I do have a specialist nurse - I didn't think of that. My hair has been getting thinner over many years I suppose, and I was on MXT up til 9 months ago, so it could have been that. It seems to have got worse since stopping it / taking steroids though. Thanks for your reply anyway. Jane x

[k3let]

Hi, I noticed my hair which was always fine got thinner and thinner over 8years of using methotrexate. During this time my B12 was low and at times I was very run down. My gp thought they were all interconnected. I am now on Anti Tnf treatment and my hair although still fine has stopped falling out. I would try and eat well and takes some supplements , be kind to yourself and hopefully you will see a difference xx

[Hidden]

I use extra conditioner and am very careful not to brush my hair when it's wet. I had alopecia twice in my life when I had chronic eczema - I think it's hormonal with me but the MTX seems to have made it finer although I'm not going bald again at least. I've also noticed it's dryer and gone whiter since taking Hydroxichloraquine but this could be just coincidence or menopause/ ageing and having hypothyroidism - all of which can also account for hairloss. TTx

[Jane06 in reply to Hidden]

I also have hypothyroidism - diagnosed a few years before RA - and I know this did have an effect. It was mainly in the beginning though, along with flaking nails. My thyroid levels have been good for years though (on 125mcg), and I'm also on HRT. It's only in the last 9 months that I've really noticed the hair loss. I'm sorry you've had to cope with far worse than me though with alopecia. Thanks for the reply anyway xx

[Gina_K]

Re hair loss, my hair is much thinner (& grey) around the temple,I assume methotrex is culprit? Luckily t is quite thick so fingers crossed.

My biggest worry re hair is the middle part of my upper eyelashes still look like they have been cut and are only growing halfway, weird problem, I have asked every healthcare professional I have come in contact with, and they just look at me clueless .!

I am usinghe rapid lash boots make but that seems to be making lashes thicker as in the lash itself, but still only a half length in middle . I don't think u can notice, but it s strange, is it not? Anyone? I think it is an autoimmune response, but what does it mean?

I'm back, Gina.