Ibance 125m and Letrazole Hair loss

[1stgradeteach1]

I've been on Ibrance 125 and Letrazole since April 2021 after Verzenio for about 6 months. I had to get off the Verzenio do to horrible cramps and diarrhea. My hair started thinning about 3 months in to ibrance/Letrazole. I ended up putting in tie in extensions and they were great, but I want just my own hair. My hair is super short now and frizzy. Will my hair ever return from this miss? As much as I dislike short hair on me, I'd even be alright if it just grew nicely to about an inch above my chin. Any body have any experience with this?

[Southside25]

I had really pretty curly hair; strangers would compliment me. I've been on Ibrance/letrozole for almost 4 years and have lost enough hair that I have to wear wigs. The hair loss will probably stop at some point; it did for me, but unfortunately I had too much loss to go without the wig. I have most of my eyelashes and eyebrows, so with a nice wig and my regular makeup, I look like myself. That's the downside.

The upside is that I'm still alive and stable four years into treatment, so there's that.

[1stgradeteach1 in reply to Southside25]

Thank you! I might look into a wig. Do you worry the wig will fall off? Does it get hot?

[Southside25 in reply to 1stgradeteach1]

I never wear hats so it took me a while to get used to something on my head. Hardly even notice it now. Yes, wigs are warm in the summer but not much you can do about it. Never worried about me wigs falling off, they stay quite secure with a wig cap. I have synthetic wigs which are more affordable and maintenance is a snap. I don't have the money or patience for upkeep on a human hair wig. Search "wigs online" and you'll find many resources. Paula Young Wigs, Wigs.com, etc. Ordering online means some trial and error, but I eventually found a couple that I like and look very realistic. They are pre-styled, all you do is shake it out and put it on. If you have a hair stylist, ask him/her for resources.

[1stgradeteach1 in reply to Southside25]

Thank you! I think I'll check out Paula Young Wigs and talk to my stylist.

[bracelets1]

Hi! I was wondering the same, as I am about the start my 4th round of the same med combo and my hair is thinning and I am losing eye lashes. The last time I spoke to my onc, he said eventually my body would accept these meds as the "new norm" and it would balance out. ie - hair loss would would stop. Does this tend to be true, does your hair start to grow back while still taking the meds? I haven't had to purchase the wig just yet, but it maybe in the near future.

🤗 As always, thanks for any and all insight!

[JMPhD in reply to bracelets1]

Hi,

I have found very natural looking strip lashes made by Ardell and Kiss, and an easy to use brush on glue without formaldehyde made by Duo. My hair has thinned and eyelashes, and the lashes perk me up and make me look brighter

[Jhshl512]

I was on ibrance for 6 months. I started out with very thick hair and then the thinning started. I did some research and ordered Biotin shampoo by Hask. I also ordered their conditioner. Hair loss completely stopped and my soft hair returned. I hope this works for you. CVS Carries this and also Amazon.

[DDIL1 in reply to Jhshl512]

I’m on my 5th month and hair falling out. I’ll try the shampoo and conditioner! I have very thick hair too, now just less of it.

[Jhshl512 in reply to DDIL1]

As in many of these posts, I also take 5000 mcg. I do believe this helps as well

[DDIL1 in reply to Jhshl512]

5,000 mcg of Biotin?

[Jhshl512 in reply to DDIL1]

Sorry 5000 mcg of biotin pills

[bracelets1 in reply to Jhshl512]

Thanks for the info- I ordered the shampoo and conditioner- hoping it helps!

[1stgradeteach1]

I have been using Bosley for thinning hair and I think the new growth is soft. It's just taking so long for the old frizzy, broken stuff to drop off. I only have about 3-4 inches of decent new growth. I started getting professional tape in extensions in October and was able to move on to tie in extensions in March. I took them out about a week ago to see if I could live with what was left. I've hated it! I'm putting the tie ins back in on Friday and hoping for some more growth and to try again without in July.

[Hidden]

My hairdresser told me my hair was getting thin and I should go to the doctor and have it checked out. I did and had Stage IV breast cancer. I started taking Biotin that helps in restoring hair loss and strengthening nails. It helped me. Some people say it does not help them. I take 5000 mcg tablet each morning and it does help me.

[1stgradeteach1 in reply to Hidden]

I am taking 10000mcg of Biotin a day along with the Bosley shampoo. I am crossing my fingers that I will continue to see new growth. It is just taking a VERY long time to see any growth.

[Hidden]

It does take a long time. Kind of like watching grass grow or water boiling. Just hang in there. 🙏

[Laskia]

I'm on the same drugs as you and much to my dismay, my hair has thinned a similar amount too. I've been on the medication for 11 months.

I noticed in particular, that it was thinning at the front - a receding hairline and temples. My oncologist explained that, due to oestrogen being blocked, the body is susceptible to the circulating androgens, such as testosterone. so, in effect, we are suffering from male pattern baldness.

I was becoming increasingly depressed and paranoid about it. It is getting to the point where the shedding hair is clogging up the vacuum cleaner too!

I use minoxidil 5% every day, It has helped. I also use a laser cap for 15 minutes a day.

To attack it from another angle by blocking the effect of testosterone, I am trying a supplement called astaxanthin ( valasta), which is supposed to block the effect of testosterone on the hair follicles. I've also started taking saw palmetto and stinging nettle root which are supplements for balding men.

[1stgradeteach1 in reply to Laskia]

I am seeing the exact same hair loss pattern as you. Thank you for the information. I will discuss this with my oncologist.

[Dancing in reply to 1stgradeteach1]

Hi everyone, I have just finished my first 21 days cycle of Ibrance...and happy to share that i have tolerated it very well other than feeling tired.... now on my 7 days off.. I am experiencing Shortness of Breath....and I am not sleeping at night. I am also on Exemestane since Feb. 2021. I went to see Oncologist and he showed me 2 CT scans. my first Ct scan which showed I had MBC... and In March I had gallbladder surgery....after 6 weeks of that surgery I still was not feeling well and surgeon ordered another CT scan...I saw my Onc. and he showed me those 2 scans...and one of my lung nodules shrunk....great news. Had blood work and my WBC Platlets neurophils and monocytes had plummeted...My Onc lowered my Ibrance from the 125 to 100.

I always had thin hair but alot..... if that makes sense. I also love to wear hats. I noticed my hair was getting thinner....from my crown ....down... I ordered this scalp powder from qvc and its like eye shadow in a small jar with a large attached powder puff....It comes in different colors to match to your color hair. My husband puts it on all my bald spots and it blends with my hair color and looks good and I am not as self conscious. I also recently made an appointment at a wig boutique. It took me 2 hours and the women were very patient with me. Wigs have come a long way. they are not as heavy. I bought my wig and I am happy with it and now i am ready for when i need to wear it. You wear a band around the front and velcro it to the back to keep wig in place.