Can aromatase cause hair loss?

Findings from this study suggest that aromatase inhibitor use is associated with an increased risk of hair loss and hair thinning independent of chemotherapy and age; these side effects are likely due to the substantial decrease in estrogen concentrations resulting from treatment with this drug.

Which aromatase inhibitor causes the most hair loss?

Official Answer

Femara (generic name: letrozole) more commonly causes hair thinning rather than total hair loss.
In clinical studies with Femara, when compared with other breast cancer treatments that may also cause hair loss, about 3.4% to 6.2% of women taking Femara reported hair loss of varying degrees.

What enzyme is responsible for hair loss?

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is made from testosterone by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. It can also be made from DHEA, a hormone more common in women. DHT is found in skin, hair follicles, and the prostate. The actions of DHT and the sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT is what causes hair loss.

What hormone is responsible for hair loss?

DHT
But while testosterone is at the core of the balding process, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is now thought to be the main culprit. DHT, a derivative of the male hormone testosterone, is the enemy of hair follicles on your head. Simply put, under certain conditions DHT wants those follicles dead.

Does Arimidex cause hair thinning?

You may have some hair loss or thinning while taking anastrozole. However, your hair should return to the way it was before treatment when you stop taking anastrozole. A small number of women notice an increase in downy facial hair.

Does estrogen blockers cause hair loss?

Anastrozole may cause hair thinning or Grade 1 alopecia because of its estrogen lowering effects; however, it is unlikely to cause complete hair loss. Hair thinning due to anastrozole usually improves after the first year of treatment, although some women may experience it for the total duration of treatment.

Can I reverse my hair loss?

Can Alopecia Be Reversed? Whether your hair loss is caused by hormones or an autoimmune disorder, regrowing your hair by using new medications and modifying your diet can be possible as long as you start treatment early.

Can estrogen blockers cause hair loss?

Some women who take the breast cancer hormone treatments tamoxifen, anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane may also experience hair thinning because of the oestrogen-lowering effect of these treatments. However, these treatments are unlikely to cause complete hair loss.

What happens to your body when you block estrogen?

Because these drugs affect hormones, side effects often include symptoms associated with menopause: Hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, osteoporosis, vaginal discharge and vaginal dryness are among the most common.

Is there hair loss associated with aromatase inhibitor treatment?

Background: Hair loss and thinning have been reported by breast cancer patients treated with aromatase inhibitors (AIs); these side effects are documented to be reasons that patients discontinue their AI therapy and have been shown to be associated with a decrease in quality of life.

What causes diffuse and patterned hair loss in women?

In women who are genetically predisposed to hair loss, both diffuse and patterned distributions are caused by the actions of two enzymes: aromatase (which is found predominantly in women) and 5-a reductase (which is found in both women and men). Diffuse hair loss is most often hereditary,…

Is it common for AI to cause hair loss?

Conclusions: Hair loss is a common side effect of AI therapy that can negatively affect a patient’s quality of life and potentially lead to treatment discontinuation. Treatment options for this AI-related side effect should be explored, especially for patients who are at increased risk.

What kind of hair loss can be caused by chemotherapy?

Fortunately, this shedding is reversible if the medication is stopped, but the reaction can be confused with genetic female hair loss if not properly diagnosed. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause a diffuse type of hair loss called “anagen effluvium” that can be very extensive.