For a lot of people hair loss can be the result of a particular disease, genetic factor, hormonal influences and even chemotherapy treatment. However there is a category of hair loss that is arguably the most common and yet least talked about. Today there are a huge number of people taking prescription medications that cause hair loss and in this article we will discuss three very commonly used classes of prescription medications that have hair loss as part of their side-effects profile.
Anti-inflammatory Medications: Use of anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs - non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs) is incredibly common due to the fact that many people suffer from pain of one kind or another. Their use is increased due to the fact that they are easily obtainable over the counter. Ibuprofen for example is one very popular drug in this category.
However they can contribute to hair loss in both men and women and although much rarer children have been known to experience loss of hair due to the effects of anti-inflammatory medications.
If you need to take prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, please check with your doctor about the possible side-effects in relation to possible hair loss particularly if you are being prescribed any of the following: Celebrex, Rofecobix, Lodine, Clinoril, Indocin, Voltaren Orudis and Naflon.
Anabolic Steroids: Often associated with strength and power athletes such as bodybuilders and footballers anabolic steroids have a dramatic effect on the body's hormone system. The reason why they are so favoured by strength and power athletes is the fact that they can increase muscle mass very quickly. However because of their effect on the hormonal system particularly in relation to male hormones such as testosterone, one of their side effects is hair loss in women and men.
Even a very small amount of these medications can lead to sudden hair loss in anyone with any kind of sensitivity to DHT (a hormonal by-product of increased levels of testosterone that is known to cause hair loss)
If you are taking or are considering taking any of the following be advised that hair loss may be one of the undesired side-effects of doing so. Halotestin, Winstrol, Android, Danocrine, Depo-Testosterone, Metandren, Testred and Virilon.
Thyroid Medications: Hair loss in men and women can be significantly increased due to the effects of certain thyroid medications. The two most common examples of thyroid medication that can lead to thinning of hair, loss of hair and even baldness are Carbimazole and Thiouracil.
When considering taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication it is always wise to do the appropriate research and ask your doctor about the side-effects of these medications.
If you have a specific hair loss issue, the types of medication that you are taking could certainly be exacerbating if not causing the hair loss. By talking to your doctor, alternative options may be found, giving you the best treatment option for your specific health concern and minimizing the side-effects of the medications involved.
Part 2 of this article reveals valuable information on 5 other types of medications and their effects on hair loss. To learn more about prescription medications that cause hair loss visit http://www.hairloss-treatments.net where you will find lots of information and resources to help with any hair loss problem