Hair loss due to medication? Cause, treatment, and what you can do
Hair loss caused by medication: when is it temporary – and when should you see a doctor?
Introduction
Hair loss caused by medication is a well-known side effect and occurs more often than many people realize. There are broadly two ways in which medications can cause hair loss: telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium.
Telogen effluvium is the most common form. Hair shedding usually starts weeks to months after beginning the medication, and the hair loss is evenly distributed across the entire scalp. The hair roots remain intact, and hair usually grows back once the body adapts or the medication is adjusted. This can occur with a wide range of medications, such as blood thinners, retinoids (used for acne), beta blockers (for heart and blood pressure conditions), anticonvulsants (for epilepsy), and certain antidepressants.
Anagen effluvium occurs less frequently and is mainly associated with cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. In this case, cell division is abruptly inhibited, resulting in sudden and severe hair loss, often within days to weeks after starting treatment.
Both forms can have a significant emotional impact. In most cases, hair loss caused by medication is temporary, and hair regrows. In this article, you will learn:
- which medications can cause temporary hair loss;
- how long it takes before hair loss becomes noticeable;
- what you should never do yourself (do not stop medication on your own);
- when it is advisable to consult your GP or dermatologist;
- what doctors may recommend (such as hair growth treatments) to help hair grow back healthier and thicker.
For an overview of all forms of hair loss related to illness, stress, or medication, you can also read our blog: hair loss due to illness, stress or medication.
For sudden diffuse hair loss caused by illness or stress: telogen effluvium.
How do medications cause hair loss?
For most medications, hair loss is not due to permanent damage to the hair root, but rather to a disruption of the normal hair growth cycle.
Normally, 80–90% of hairs are in the growth phase. Some medications cause a larger number of hairs to prematurely enter the resting phase (telogen). Several weeks to months later, these hairs fall out — this is known as telogen effluvium.
Important to know:
- The hair roots usually remain healthy and intact.
- Hair loss is often diffuse, occurring evenly across the scalp, without distinct bald patches.
- Hair typically grows back within 3–6 months once the underlying cause is removed.
Which medications can cause hair loss?⁵
For the following medication groups, an association between hair loss and use has been documented. In most cases, the likelihood of this side effect is relatively low.
Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
Studies¹ show that blood thinners can cause hair loss, most commonly in the form of telogen effluvium. This means the hair roots enter the resting phase more quickly, leading to thinning hair several months after starting the medication. Not everyone experiences this side effect.
Mechanism:
Hair roots transition more rapidly into the resting phase. You typically notice thinning hair 2–4 months after starting the medication.
Examples of medications:
- Traditional anticoagulants: heparin, enoxaparin, Innohep, Fraxiparine, warfarin
- DOACs: rivaroxaban, apixaban, Xarelto, Eliquis
The risk of hair loss appears to be highest with traditional agents such as heparin and warfarin, but reports also exist for DOACs, although less frequently.¹ The exact incidence is unknown because hair loss is often mild and not always reported.
Never stop a blood thinner on your own initiative. Always discuss hair loss with your doctor. Stopping or switching medication without guidance can be dangerous.
Good to know:
- Hair loss sometimes improves spontaneously, even while continuing the medication.
- There are blood thinners with a lower reported risk of hair loss — decisions about switching are always made together with your doctor, never independently.
- If you are considering a hair growth treatment to speed up regrowth or improve hair thickness, discuss the options with your dermatologist.
Medications for mood or the nervous system and hair loss
The use of medications such as antidepressants may cause diffuse hair loss or changes in hair texture in a small proportion of users. This typically occurs weeks to months after starting treatment and usually presents as telogen effluvium, with overall thinning across the scalp.²
Examples of medications:
- SSRIs (such as sertraline, citalopram, venlafaxine)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Lithium, valproic acid
Hair loss is generally temporary, and regrowth usually occurs after stopping or reducing the dose.² It is important to first investigate other possible causes of hair loss, such as stress or illness, together with your doctor. Only then should medication adjustments be considered. Never stop medication abruptly.
Hair loss and thyroid medication
Hair loss related to thyroid medication may be caused by both the thyroid disorder itself and by starting or adjusting treatment. The thyroid medications listed below may contribute to diffuse hair loss, usually in the form of telogen effluvium. Hair roots enter the resting phase more quickly, often weeks to months after starting or changing therapy.
Hair loss is usually temporary. Once thyroid levels stabilize, hair often regrows. Hair loss is more common with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) than with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).³⁻⁴
Examples of medications:
- Levothyroxine
- Thiamazole / carbimazole
- Strumazol, methimazole
Good to know:
- The thyroid condition itself can cause hair loss.
- Starting or adjusting treatment can temporarily worsen shedding until levels stabilize.
- Discuss hair loss related to thyroid disease early with your doctor or dermatologist.
- Never stop or change thyroid medication on your own.
Oral contraceptives and hormone therapy
Hair loss and thinning may occur due to hormonal changes after starting, stopping, or switching contraceptives or hormone therapy. This is particularly common when estrogen or progesterone levels change rapidly. Hairs shift from the growth phase (anagen) to the resting phase (telogen), resulting in telogen effluvium.
This type of hair loss is usually diffuse and often begins 2–3 months after the hormonal change. Once hormonal balance is restored, hair generally regrows.¹
In rare cases, hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) may be involved. This typically presents as thinning at the front of the scalp. While genetically determined, hormonal fluctuations after stopping contraceptives can accelerate this process.¹
When does medication-related hair loss usually start?
Hair loss caused by medication often follows this pattern:
- Start medication → 4–12 weeks later, increased hair shedding in the shower drain, brush, or on the pillow.
- Hair loss may persist for several months.
- Once the body adapts or the dosage is adjusted, shedding decreases and new hair growth begins.
This is why doctors often ask:
“Which medication was started, changed, or stopped in the past 3–6 months?”
Should I stop my medication immediately?
Short answer: no — never on your own initiative.
Why not?
- Blood thinners protect against thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or stroke.
- Antidepressants and mood stabilizers help regulate mood and prevent relapse.
- Thyroid medication keeps hormone levels balanced.
The risks of stopping medication are often far greater than temporary hair thinning.
What can you do?
- Discuss your concerns with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Explain when the medication was started and when hair loss began.
- Have other causes ruled out.
- Factors such as iron deficiency, thyroid disorders, stress, or genetic predisposition may also play a role.
- Ask about alternatives.
In some cases, switching medication is possible, but this requires careful risk–benefit assessment by your doctor.
Doctors generally advise identifying the underlying cause before starting treatments or supplements.
Will my hair grow back after stopping the medication?
Hair regrowth is usually favorable. Hair shedding decreases once the body adapts to the medication or the dose is adjusted. Hair typically regrows within 3–6 months after removing the cause. Persistent hair loss is rare and may occur in individuals with a genetic predisposition to hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).¹
Good to know:
- New hairs often become visible within 3–6 months.
- Full recovery may take up to one year, depending on duration of use and factors such as nutrition and stress.
- New hair may initially feel finer or softer — this usually improves over time.
- Discuss with your doctor whether anything can help promote faster or thicker regrowth.
In our cornerstone article, you can read in detail how the hair growth cycle works and why recovery takes time: information about hair loss.
Can hair growth treatments help with medication-related hair loss?
The foundation remains the same: identify the cause rather than only treating symptoms, and recognize that hair follicles usually remain healthy and capable of regrowth.
- Blood tests (iron/ferritin, vitamin D, zinc). If deficiencies are found, supplements may support hair growth.
- Minoxidil foam or solution is primarily intended for hereditary hair loss. Hair loss due to illness or medication can also occur in people with a genetic predisposition. In the Dutch guideline on telogen effluvium, dermatologists recommend starting minoxidil 5% foam if hair loss lasts longer than 6 months and hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is present.⁶ Minoxidil may support faster regrowth and thicker hair.
- Guidance on stress, sleep, and lifestyle.
Important:
For most forms of hair loss caused by illness or medication, hair regrows naturally over time, and additional supplements or hair growth treatments are often unnecessary.
When should you see a doctor for medication-related hair loss?
- Hair loss lasts longer than 6 months.
- You notice bald patches, scarring, or red, scaly areas.
- You have additional symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, palpitations, or feeling cold easily.
- You use multiple medications and are unsure which one may be responsible.
If in doubt, contact your GP or a dermatologist. They can assess whether the hair loss fits with telogen effluvium or whether further investigation is needed.
Quick summary / FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does my medication cause permanent baldness? | Usually not. Most cases involve temporary, diffuse hair loss (telogen effluvium). |
| How long does medication-related hair loss last? | On average 3–6 months; recovery may take up to 12 months. |
| Can I stop my medication? | Not on your own. Always consult your doctor first. |
| Does minoxidil help? | It may support recovery but does not replace a medical diagnosis. |
| When should I see a doctor? | If hair loss lasts > 6 months, if bald patches appear, if other symptoms occur, or if you are concerned. |
references:
- Shapiro J, et al. Hair Loss In Women. N Engl J Med 2007;357:1620 -1630
- Pejcic AV, et al. Alopecia associated with the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: systematic review. Psychiatry Res. 2022 Jul;313:114620
- Bin Dayel S, et al. Is thyroid dysfunction a common cause of telogen effluvium? A retrospective study. Medicine. 2024 Jan 5;103(1):e36803.
- Chaker L, et al. Hyperthyroidism. JAMA , 334 (19), 1750–1760.
- Mounessa J, et al. Commonly prescribed medications associated with alopecia. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023 Jun;88(6):1326-1337.e2.
- Guide to Telogen Effluvium . Wang D. et al.
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