Like all medications, statins can have side effects, some of which may be more severe than others. But do statins cause hair loss?
While statins are generally well-tolerated by most individuals, some people have reported experiencing hair loss while taking these medications. It’s crucial to remember that not all statins have been linked to hair thinning, though.
In this blog post, we will explore the link between statins and hair thinning, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your cholesterol medication.
What Are Statins?
Statins are a class of medications commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels in individuals at risk of heart disease.
They function by preventing a liver enzyme that is crucial for the production of cholesterol from doing its job.
Statins lessen the risk of heart attacks and strokes by lowering cholesterol levels and preventing the formation of plaque in the arteries.
Do Statins Cause Hair Loss?
Not always. Hair loss is a rare side effect of statins. Only a small percentage of statin users may experience hair loss as a side effect. However, it’s crucial to continue taking the medications because cardiovascular diseases can be fatal and because stopping the medication can result in high blood cholesterol.
One case study demonstrated that after taking atorvastatin for 6 weeks, a woman began losing her hair.
When the patient stopped taking the medication, the hair loss lessened, but within two weeks of starting the medication again, it returned. In light of this, statins and alopecia might be related.
Even so, there isn’t much solid scientific proof that statins cause alopecia. But it has been made known. The leaflets that come with the pills list hair loss among the statins’ side effects.
But will statins alone result in hair loss? Here, you should bear in mind that since this medicine is usually taken by older people, ageing may be another reason why they’re experiencing hair loss and thinning. Together, these elements may make hair loss worse.
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How Statins Cause Hair Loss?
It is not exactly understood how statins cause hair loss. Harvard Health speculates that it might be the result of the need for cholesterol in the synthesis of the steroid hormones necessary for hair growth.
And since statins block the liver enzymes from making cholesterol, it may end up causing hair loss.
Understanding the connection between statin use and hair loss can help you detect it early so that you can talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
Other Side Effects of Statins
The possibility exists that taking statins won’t have any negative side effects for you. Although temporary side effects are possible, they may go away with time.
Be alert for anything out of the ordinary happening to your body. It might be a drug-related side effect.Statins can cause:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
Rare side effects like memory issues, liver damage, diabetes (which can lead to its own diabetes-related hair loss), and damage to muscle cells are occasionally brought on by it.
Never stop taking statins without first talking to your doctor, always. The advantages of the medicine must also be taken into account.
Statins typically have more positive effects than negative ones, like hair loss. Even so, be sure to go over these specifics with a doctor.
Takeaway: Do Statins Cause Hair Loss
Statins are one of the most effective medicines for lowering blood cholesterol levels. As a result, even though you experience its side effects, you might still need to receive treatment.
As far as the answer to will statins cause hair loss is concerned – yes, it can, but it is rare; only a few people experience it. The two still don’t have a distinct relationship established.
FAQs
Which Statins Do Not Cause Hair Loss?
This adverse effect is not caused by the statin Crestor/rosuvastatin.
Will Hair Loss from Statins Grow Back?
A review of the scientific literature shows that individuals who experience hair loss as a result of taking atorvastatin or other statins find that the hair loss is reversed when they stop taking the medication.
Which Medicine is Best for Hair Regrowth?
Minoxidil (Rogaine).