Statin drug is a type of medication that is used for lowering cholesterol levels to prevent heart diseases. But do statins cause hair loss? Statins have made a huge impact on the medical industry. It is very effective and useful in reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart problems. However, they also have side effects that can cause many problems and health issues.
In this article, our research team at Menz Planet will educate you about statin drugs and what you should consider before their usage.
Contents
The Science Behind Statin Drugs and Hair Loss
The Evidence Supporting Statin Drugs as a Cause of Hair Loss
As we have discussed above in this article, statin drugs are used for lowering cholesterol levels to prevent heart diseases but there are side effects of this medication such as muscle pain, sleep problems, etc. Hair loss is a very rare side effect of statin drugs it disrupts the hormones or enzymes that are involved in hair growth. Several studies have found a relationship between statin use and hair loss. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that individuals taking statins were more likely to report hair loss than those not taking statins.
Factors That Can Affect the Risk of Hair Loss
Genetics
Sometimes hair loss is not because of the medication prescribed by the doctors, maybe it can be because of the genetics
that you are gifted with but there is a solution for this such as hair treatments for example hair transplant.
Age
The other factor that affects the risk of hair loss is your age as we grow old the rate of hair growth also slows. Hair strands become smaller and have less pigment. So the thick, coarse hair of a young adult eventually becomes thin, fine, light-colored hair.
Dosage and Duration of Statin Drug Use
Do statins cause hair loss, and if so, does the dosage and duration of statin use may also play a role in the risk of hair loss? Higher doses and longer durations of use may be associated with a higher risk of side effects, including hair loss.
Other Medications or Health Conditions
Other medications or health conditions, such as thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases, may increase the risk of hair loss in individuals taking statins.
Prevention and Treatment of Hair Loss from Statin Drugs
Talk to Your Doctor
The first thing you need to do is consult with your doctor if you start experiencing hair loss after using the medication. The doctor might lower the dosage of your medication or may recommend you different medication.
Alternative Treatments for High Cholesterol
Alternative Treatments for High Cholesterol may help prevent or treat hair loss. For example, medications such as Rogaine can stimulate hair growth. There are also prescription medications, such as finasteride (Propecia), that may be effective in preventing hair loss.
Treatments for Hair Loss
The main treatment that you can use for hair loss is a hair transplant or you should make a hair care routine in which you massage your hair, oil your hair, and eat biotin capsules which help in hair growth.
In the end, statins are one of the most effective medicines for lowering blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, you might need to undergo its treatment despite experiencing its side effects. As far as the answer to whether statins cause hair loss is concerned, yes, it can, but it is rare; only a few people experience it. A clear relationship between the two hasn’t yet been established.