Forum Discussion
rose
7 years agoMember
Hair thinning and Tamoxifen
Hi all,
I know people have probably posted about this, but I've done a quick search and couldn't find answers. I've been on Tamoxifen for 6 weeks, and my hair is thinning. I've never had a lot of hair - and now I can see my scalp. Any suggestions? Any treatments I can take to hang onto my hair? It's a short bob, and I really don't want to get it cut short all over...
Reminders of this horrible illness just keep coming back...still, this is the only side-effect I've had so far, so that's something.
Thanks all.
I know people have probably posted about this, but I've done a quick search and couldn't find answers. I've been on Tamoxifen for 6 weeks, and my hair is thinning. I've never had a lot of hair - and now I can see my scalp. Any suggestions? Any treatments I can take to hang onto my hair? It's a short bob, and I really don't want to get it cut short all over...
Reminders of this horrible illness just keep coming back...still, this is the only side-effect I've had so far, so that's something.
Thanks all.
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6 Replies
- Kiwi_AngelMemberI have read it can be a possible side effect but luckily I don’t seem to have this one. My hair is thicker than before chemo and like @Sister I have multiple crowns now.Sign in to react to this post
- SisterMemberI don't think that my hair has ever grown back as thick at the crown. But to be fair, it could also be that it has grown back with a double crown (which I didn't have before).Sign in to react to this post
- Patti_JMemberI have only just noticed today that my hair is feeling thinner than usual. Apparently one of the side-effects of Palbociclib is hair thinning.Sign in to react to this post
- AfraserMemberAlmost a year after my hair had successfully grown back, I started losing hair when I brushed. Not a lot but much more than I ever had before. Several consultation visits later, including a dermatologist, the best we could identify was a change in shed pattern (from not at all noticeable to noticeable but still within an acceptable range). I had very thick hair so no noticeable thinning. I was 69 and I think the change was due to general trauma (chemo), possibly age thrown in and the shed pattern. I started taking biotin (check all vitamins with your medicos just in case), treating my hair with kid gloves (no brushing, wide tooth comb, etc) and it settled. I still shed a bit more than I once did but my hair is stable, and looks healthy. No tamoxifen, I am on femara and had been for over a year when the problem started. It may have been a factor too, but hasn't continued to cause any problem. Healthy diet etc will all help, good luck and best wishes.Sign in to react to this post
- kezmuscMemberHi @rose,
Believe it or not this is probably the only side effect I haven't had on that drug...uggh. Try the viviscal hair thickening shampoo and conditioner, I used this all through chemo with the cold cap and it works quite well and smells lovely. You can get it from Priceline.
There is also a product called Fusion hair tonic that seems to get good reviews. It is a tablet that can be purchased from most health food stores. It is a bit dear, about $40 a bottle. It was recommended to me by a friend who is a hairdresser wtith a number of clients using it post chemo with good results.
I did ask if I could take it throughout chemo but they said no. Not sure about taking it with Tamoxifen, you might need to email the company and ask.
xoxoSign in to react to this post - SilbaMemberHi Rose,
I have also been on Tamoxifen for the last 4 months and have asked my GP about my hair which came back mostly salt rather than pepper is thinning in particular around the front ( I don't have hair long enough to do a comb over or a fringe yet).
I have a Jennifer Rowe length ( in other words not much to begin with).
He said hair Cycle is 3 monthly , just keep eating well and it will sort itself out, (not much help:( ).
Lucky if you haven't had the horrible hot flashes and sweats. ( I'm only 50 but feel like 80 )
So if you find out anything that does help , please post it for the rest of us baldies. : ).Sign in to react to this post