I noticed my bangs thinning out lately, so did some googling and acyclovir can cause hair loss I was at my Dr today (endocrinologist) and he didn't mention acyclovir when I told him about my hair loss concern. He is running some tests to see if its hormonal or a vitamin deficiency, but I never had this problem before and when I googled hair loss and acyclovir many posts came up about it. So I called my pharmacist and she confirmed acyclovir can have that side effect, its not common but it is a side effect. OMG what a choice being bald or having vertigo. Needless to say I am upset
That's a real dilemma, Vicki. You have such pretty hair! Is there any way to ensure that its a side effect of the antiviral? I don't know how old you are but I have very thick hair. However, over the past few years, (before the antivirals) I noticed that my bangs have thinned out dramatically, but nowhere else. I'm attributing it to age or hormones or lack thereof.,it's too bad it spdoesnt affect the hair on my legs! I hope you get it figured out. Just remember that not everything you read online is fact. Especially if it's personal testimonials. Let us know how it works out.
My hair stylist said that it is part of the aging process that hair thins - based on genetics of course. I would try rograin (or whatever that shampoo is that stimulates hair growth) before I stopped the a/v. Not to mention, they have some really nice wigs now days.
Yikes, Vicki. That sounds like quite a shock. As I am digesting the amazement and gratitude that this medication is working, I am also starting to digest what it means to be dependent on it for the rest of my life. I get how that could shake you to your core. Is the side effect just thinning or complete hair loss? I will also chime in that I have noticed that my hair is thinner, and I know this started before the AVs. My big barrettes that I used to use to hold back my hair now slip out. I am 47. I think this is probably aging.
Thanks Bea and nicmger the pharmacist did confirm it was a side effect of acyclovir, I am hoping it is not from it but a vitamin deficiency or growing old and my dr did tell me to buy rogain which I will I am 62 years old so could be old age but I have a pic of me from last July 2013 which is 7 months on acyclovir and I took one tonight which is 2 years now. this is me in july 2013 and me now I took one tonight I am not smiling
Yes I see the difference but have to say dips I did the same with pics, mine would probably be the same. I do not wear them as straight as you do. I have a longer point in the middle, wicked I think, lol. I also tend to layer the top now a bit so I can use a curling iron and even tease the hair around to compensate. Pharmacists are good but I wouldn't say reliable experts in this case. I wonder now that so many of us are using the antivirals are having these side effects. I'm 55. I've had a hysterectomy, so I attribute it to age and hormones. I'm used to having thick layered hair,,shoulder length or longer. I think if I ever find myself not getting that full and fluffy look I'd look into wigs. I'm vain about my hair. It's one of my best assets.
same here Bea Im very vain about my hair and this is devastating to me. The pharmacists looked it up she wasn't sure and read it right from whatever manual she reads. I don't wear my hair straight as a rule like it is tonight the pic I did not blow it out today and it still looks as full and fluffy as before I always had baby fine hair but a lot of body in it but my bangs look terrible. Ill blow it out tomorrow and post another one so you can see how it usually looks. My hair is pretty long way past my shoulders
haha Bea I always have that issue with my hair covering my tank tops LOL I will make sure tomorrows pic shows my clothes!!!!
If you have to, you can have the bangs layered a bit. That always helps. I wouldn't rely on a pharmacist who has to look stuff up in a manual!!
Taking omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil is a very good first step towards slowing hair loss. The next thing I would urge you to do is check with your doctor right away to see if hair loss is one of the side effects of any medications you may be taking. Many blood thinners and medications to treat arthritis, depression, gout, heart problems, and high blood pressure are known to cause hair loss. If that isn't the case, there are two other natural approaches you can try. The first is to increase your iron intake. A three-year study of hair loss in women conducted in the late 1990s identified iron deficiency as the cause of hair loss in 72 percent of pre-menopausal women. But you don't need to be anemic to start losing your hair from lack of iron: Even deficiencies that don't qualify for an "anemic" diagnosis can contribute to this problem. Fortunately, increasing your iron intake is relatively simple to do through your diet. Dried fruits, fish, meat, legumes, and dark leafy greens have high iron content. But if you find that eating more of these foods doesn't help, you might need to take an iron supplement -- although if you do so, you should seek the assistance of your physician. Another way to combat hair loss is to supplement with MSM (methylsulfonyl methane), an important component of proteins found throughout the body, like the ones in your hair, nails, skin, and tendons. Since MSM is a sulfur-containing supplement, be sure to take a small amount of another nutrient called molybdenum along with it. Molybdenum helps your body metabolize sulfur. --John of Ohio
Thanks John, I cant take omega 3 I have a severe allergy to shellfish/fish. Only other meds I take are bp meds, thyroid meds and crestor for cholesterol my dr said I have been on them for many years so he doubts its that. He is testing me for vitamin deficiency and iron among other things. I will look into MSM to see if its safe for me to take with my food allergies.
Hmmmm, have you had the thyroid checked lately? My SIL has thyroid issues and she's lost a lot of hair.
tnaks for the suggestion Bea I hope the rogaine helps my dr thinks it should since this just started happening recently
yes I get it checked every 3 months and my levels are fine but been on synthroid (thyroid meds)since I am 50 so for 12 years now