Hair loss with steroids?

Question

Has anyone experienced massive hair loss while on steroids? Mine has been falling out since last spring fairly steadily. I started on 40mg of prednisone a day in the beginning of January. Then was put on Topamax about five weeks ago. At that point, my hair started falling out three times more than before. I'm talking my hands are covered every time I wash it, plus there is hair all over the bathroom floor, counter top, etc., by the time I'm done in there. It's getting really, really thing. I've been off the Topamax for two weeks almost, and it's still falling out heavily. No signs of it slowing down. I'm kind of worried I'll be bald by the time summer rolls around.

I've started the steroid taper, but won't be off of it for another month yet if all goes well. Has anyone else experienced this with prednisone? Or was it more likely the Topamax and will stop fairly soon?

jumpinjiminy · Answer

For what it's worth, I was losing my hair before starting any of the meds. Apparently, that was thyroid related. Now the thyroid is stable, hair loss stopped, then started again when I went on the topamax. I hope it stops soon.

opie74 · Answer

I had Topomax after baby 2 and the hair fell out until I quit the stuff.  I had lots of steroids after baby3.  Now, I decided that most of my hair loss was of the postpartum variety, but not sure.

Ojibajo · Answer

I take Topamax and Jut finished a round a steroids. I have noticed some increased hair loss, but I have had issues with hair loss before, so I'm not sure if it was from the round of steroids, the MS itself or what. I also have Poly Ovarian Syndrome. So I'm kind of just a big mess. :)

Lulu54 · Answer

Hi JJ- if you google prednisone and hair loss you will find many interesting links to the topic.  It appears that complaints about hair loss are near the top of the list of side effects reported with extended prednisone use..... Something about it changes the hormone levels.  

the good news is it seems it is not a permanent problem  - the hair recovers after the prednisone is stopped.  

I'm no medical expert, so as always please consult your doctor and make sure what is causing your problems.

good luck,
Lulu