Anyone on arimidex losing hair

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Hi everyone,I started arimidex about two weeks ago and am noticing quite a bit of hair coming out in my brush. Just wondering if anyone elee is experiencing hair loss, hair thinning or anything else with it. Any ideas or recommendations is appreciated. I'm trying not to wash my hair too much or at least skipping a day or two. Thanks for this webside.


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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited March 2019

    I never lost any hair but it was dry. My neighbor says she lost alot of hair on Arimidex. Her hair never recovered but she is in her 80s.

  • Oceanlove25
    Oceanlove25 Member Posts: 28
    edited March 2019

    Thanks Meow13 for your reply. I'm 66 and hoping that it doesn't continue...I'll talk to my oncologist and see what he says. Thanks again for answering!


  • DebAL
    DebAL Member Posts: 877
    edited March 2019

    ocean, I have been on arimidex 9 months. No hair loss at all. It's growing back very thick. I still take biotin and a hair skin and nails vitamin so maybe that's helping. Best of luck and I hope this is just a temporary side effect for you

  • CBK
    CBK Member Posts: 611
    edited March 2019

    I started biotin when I finished A/C and while on taxol. 5000mcg like Deb says above. In addition, I take B6 and B12. Some say this is best for maximum absorption.

    I have a low D3 level without supplementation. This can cause hair thinning, among other things, so I supplement with that as well.

    My hair has not thinned on Arimidex and in fact it is way thicker than it was pre-chemo. But I know that could change at anytime. I make certain I also get adequate protein each day.

    I’m a strong proponent of using castor oil and Amla oil topically, staying away from sulfates/ other drying ingredients to scalp and only shampoo once a week. I use the blow dryer sparingly, however with my chemo curls that refuse to quit, it’s a lot easier to stay away from that!

    There is a whole group of ladies battling hair loss issue under Side Effects from breast cancer treatment topic. There are a couple threads there that may be helpful to you, I think.

    Good luck Ocean!


  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited March 2019

    I forgot to say my hair is shinier than it was now that I am off AI drugs.

  • Lula73
    Lula73 Member Posts: 1,824
    edited March 2019

    a good biotin supplement can help. I take the Nateol Advanced hair skin & nails formula. It’s only 1 capsule a day for 5000mg of biotin. It has helped greatly,

  • Oceanlove25
    Oceanlove25 Member Posts: 28
    edited March 2019

    Thanks everyone for your helpful suggestions!1 I will definitely do the biotin. I am Vit D deficient and taking 2000 mg a day.  The oncologist/radiologist even said to make sure to take vit D.  It's funny that living in Florida, most people are deficient in Vit. D.  Thanks for all your help!


  • CBK
    CBK Member Posts: 611
    edited March 2019

    Ocean

    I’m sure you are but check you are taking D3 not D2. I’m sure you have this covered but check it out and can’t hurt to retest D levels often, I do. My hair thinned terribly when I was D deficient.

    D defiency is an epidemic. You are not alone. I know people that work outside all day and have it. We have perfected the art of creating and wearing the ultimate sunblocks.


  • DebAL
    DebAL Member Posts: 877
    edited March 2019

    ocean, vit D is absorbed in the gut. If you have any digestive issues affect absorption that could affect things. Just because you are taking it doesnt mean you are absorbing it. Checking vit D and thyroid levels on a regular basis is a good idea. It may be arimidex causing the hair loss but it could also be something else. Keep us posted!

  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited March 2019

    Oceanlove25..yes hair thinning is a side effect of aromatase inhibitors. It depletes our estrogen which is needed to keep our hair healthy. Biotin might help. Also collagen powder might help combat it. Good luck to all navigating this complicated disease.

  • CBK
    CBK Member Posts: 611
    edited March 2019

    Dtad

    Is collagen safe for Er+ ladies? Would like to hear your “take" and if you use specific type/brand?

    Thanks.

  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited March 2019

    Never heard that it wasn't but I'm going to do some research. Thanks for reaching out...

  • Oceanlove25
    Oceanlove25 Member Posts: 28
    edited March 2019

    Thanks DebAL, I'm actually having my vit D checked this week.  My primary wanted to see what my level was as well.  Thanks to everyone who answered my post.  I'm still navigating this disease and am so grateful to everyone and this site!  Hugs to all!!


  • msvp1226
    msvp1226 Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2019

    It is safe. I talked with a dietitian. My hair is definitely thinning after being on Arimidex for 4 months. I'm just really starting to notice it now. I will once again start Neocell super collagen powder once a day. It says collagen type 1&3.

  • ctmbsikia
    ctmbsikia Member Posts: 1,095
    edited March 2019

    Yes.  Hair everywhere.  I'm hoping warm weather will help.  I have a spray with biotin in it, don't bother, it doesn't work.

    Having a small flare of eczema on my upper chest, treated side.  It goes from my left forearm to the chest since I started this itty bitty pill.  I no sooner get the arm cleared up, boom there it is on my chest, and vice versa.

    Hot flashes to full blown sweats, almost daily.  Some days are fine.

     Joints are doing OK. Walking, doing an exercise class 1x per week and glucosamine.

    That's my list and I'm sticking to it.   LOL  Good luck hope you find something that works.

  • BadLuck
    BadLuck Member Posts: 114
    edited March 2019

    Hey Ladies - yes, hair loss is definately a side effect! And so is eczema & unfortunately MANY other side effects you'll discover. But the meds outway the risk of getting that nasty cancer back.

    WE CAN DO THIS!!!!!!

  • CaliKelly
    CaliKelly Member Posts: 474
    edited March 2019

    Ladies, dont give up hope, many of the side effects will lessen or stop, unfortunately for me hair loss continued, till I got the hair laser helmet. Go to thinning hair topic to read about it, you can get a discount price if you want it. The hot flashes and sweats will subside, too bad it took about 6 months but they're all but gone now. I never had skin problems, except thinning skin, more aging 🤣Retin A skin cream helps, and the collagen ! Exercise!!! Helps all the bad s.e.

  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited March 2019

    CaliKelly...just wanted to let you know retain A does cause thinning of the skin. I've been using it for 30 years! I like the other benefits from it though so that's why I still use it.

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