Hair loss while tapering Prednisone

[bluegirl7]

Hi. Yet another issue. My hair has started falling out in clumps. I am devastated. I had some loss when I was on Pred at different times over the last 5 years especially in the beginning. I began tapering to 2 mg then 1 in late spring and maintaining that except with some flares when I took more. This started in September and continues. I know I am very anxious and tired and dealing with a lot because of my husbands many illnesses and then I developed Achilles tendonosis also recently. Anyway blood test said my cortisone levels were good but I think that is not the best test of adrenal sufficiency.

Has anyone experienced hair loss as they were winding down off Prednisone ?

Thank you !!!

[SheffieldJane]

Yes, I lost hair during PMR and Pred treatment. However, it was never as dramatic as coming out in clumps. This sounds more like Alopacea Areats. I believe that there are treatments available . It tends to be caused by stress. My daughter had a bald patch through this. It grew back in about 6 months. An appointment with a dermatologist, hair loss specialist would be a good idea. I believe that Biotin is a good supplement.

[Kendrew]

Hi bluegirl17,

Although my hair definitely became thinner when I was on higher doses, it didn't ever "fall out in clumps".

However, my sister has suffered from alopecia areata for most of her adult life and has seen many specialists and undergone many different treatments and therapies.

Hers was most likely triggered initially by severe stress, but it is well known that as well as stress, illness and injury can also be significant factors...... as can the link between autoimmune diseases and alopecia.

Most people will find a treatment or therapy that will help improve the hair loss ..... unfortunately for my sister this hasn't been the case though.

There's lots of help and advice on the Internet but always make sure you access legitimate and endorsed websites.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

There are plenty of related posts to view now you have written yours and thus was posted a couple of days ago,-

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

See this from FAQs as well -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[SnazzyD]

Hello, I had my second worst hair loss episode at the low dose stage, the first one being 5 months after diagnosis. I did have recordable adrenal insufficiency but even when it was good on paper I couldn’t sustain it if life was a bit busy or stressful. It did get better but took its time.

[Broseley in reply to SnazzyD]

I think my pattern of loss is the same as yours. There was a period when I was on around 12mg that it started growing back. Now I'm on 2mg it's falling out again.

[Holycow2]

I suffered hair loss. I was advised to take Folic acid and Biotin. Really has helped a lot!😀

[bluegirl7 in reply to Holycow2]

Hi thank you. I have always taken biotin 10,000 mcg a day and it would strengthen hair and nails. Now both are breaking. How much folic acid do you take and does it upset stomach? I have extreme Gerd and tricky colon. Thanks again.

[Gimme]

This question was asked a while back and, 7 months into taking pred, I smugly stated that my thick shiny hair was fine. Ha! Very soon after, I started shedding hair at a rate of Knotts and the frizz looks like I just poked my finger in the electric socket. I started on a multi B vit and although my hair is still thin and frizzy, there are signs of regrowth. Though I wasn't trying to reduce the dose, I had been on 5mg for months. It just happened. It is hard to tell whether it is the pred or the autoimmune activity.