Hair Loss - Opiates?

[jlund]

I am going on my third year straight using Oxycontin as well as other opiates on and off after a severe motorcycle accident... I have had many bone and nerve surgeries subsequently. Recently I have noticed my hair becoming extremely thin (always very thick) and been experiencing rapid, excessive amounts of hair loss with no regrowth.. I haven't been very active since the accident and for a short period my diet wasn't up to par, but is now. I'm 24, not too stressed, casual smoker/drinker, and have had my thyroid and other hormones checked and they're fine. I posted on another forum about this, but I need more answers!!!  I haven't read anyone else with a condition quite as similar- without any hair growth. If the use of Oxycontin is stopped (if thats what it is) does hair grow back? I have noticed my muscle mass declining rapidly as well, figuring that is probably related. Please, any ideas?

[10356]

Before my accident my hair was past my waist.. at the end of my active opiate addiction of 4 years my hair had become brittle thin and lifeless.. I had it cut to my shoulders and found I'm no longer loosing hair and it seems to be growing in normal again.. a little thinner but as everyone else so far I'm now 52 so this could be due to age but I know the former was due to opiates.. also while active I sat around more then I normally would lost muscle tone had more pain.. free of active addiction I'm stronger pain has improved even my blood pressure has leveled out.. active addiction plays havoc in many ways these are just the visuals.. I wish you well.. lesa

[Florida_Guy737]

Just my experience...I always had a full head of hair; actually too much.  After using opiates for 5 years and probably after the 2nd year of using, I noticed hair in the sink and shower.  My hair became thinner but like you, my diet wasn't up to par and I wasn't exercising during the med use. Since I've quit meds over 15 months ago, started exercising and eating right, my hair is no longer falling out but it is thinner (I could say that my hair is thicker but I'm not sure about that).  I'm also 47 so I'm pretty grateful for having what I have :-).

I do believe stopping the meds, putting good nutrients back in your body and exercising to increase blood flow all help.  If you do smoke, nicotine restricts blood flow so probably something you should be aware of.

Guy

[snowflake620]

I did notice my hair was thiner and also very dry but I am older so I don't know if it is age or the opiates I do notice that since I don't take the pills anymore my hair is not quite so dry
snowflake