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Suggest Treatment For Hair Loss While Having Breast Cancer

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Posted on Mon, 17 Oct 2016
Question: I had breast cancer treated with radiation and medication. I took my last pill Sept 30, 2015. I also have hypothyroid which I take levothyroxine 100mgs 1 a day. I'm loosing my hair. This has been going on for over 2 years. Could the radiation have killed the roots? My Dermatologist says wait, but now that my hair is gone from the top of my head to the back of my ears I don't know what to do? I asked my Internest about changing my thyroid pill to another like pork, but she doesn't like the pork. I'm 77yrs old, my hair has always been my pride and XXXXXXX now it's gone!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dinah Levillard (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
all causes to be treated.revert with clarifications.continue medication

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome to HCM
I am Dr Dinah, and i'll be answering your queries today.
Happy to know that you are off treatment now.
Before going further I would like to clarify a few things-
-Did you develop hypothyroidism after the treatment?
-Was anastrazole part of a larger treatment plan for you? And do you still continue it as maintenance or preventive therapy or are you off all cancer medication?
-Have you been on any treatment for the hairfall itself?
-have you noticed any new hair growth so far after completing chemo, or is it still only falling?

From your description of the hair loss pattern it almost seems to be a male pattern of balding from the front and sides. This effect has been seen particularly in some patients on anastrazole.
You have multiple factors affecting your hair fall. Apart from chemo, hypothyroidism is a very common cause of hair fall and slow growth. Also your age is an important factor to consider as any growth will be naturally slower.
As for your levothyroxine, I would advise you to stick to it as it is the safest and most accurate preparation of the drug as compared to natural mixes, and it is absolutely necessary for you to keep the thyroid levels normal.It does not have any side effects.
You need to focus on a nutritious diet with proteins, vitamins and minerals, and add hair supplements like Biotin capsules daily.
Minoxidil solution (Rogaine)maybe prescribed by your dermatologist for regular application. It improves blood circulation and hair growth, but you may notice a little hair fall once you stop.
Stress and general nutrition of the system adds to the health of your hair.
There are small surgical procedures and injections which can be tried, but may not be permissible at your age. You will have to consult with your dermatologist for the same.
Do get back to me with these clarifications, and I can guide you on what may be best suited to you. Also feel free to clear any other doubts or clarifications you may have.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dinah Levillard (17 hours later)
Dr Dinah, Thank-you for reviewing my case! I had hypothyroid problems before the breast cancer. The doctor who did the diagnosis put me on Nature-throid which I took from 04-03-10 to 06-12-13, when I started seeing an Internest who put me on the levothyroxine. I've checked on Rogaine, but the directions say if you have thyroid problems do not use. You are a dermatologist would this interfere or is it safe to use? I'm off all cancer medications since 09-28-15 when I took my last pill My only follow up is a mammogram once a year. I have not been on any prescribed medication for the hair loss, I take Biotin 10,000 mcg's once a day, I see no new growth, just additional hair loss. My husband has many health issues some at the same time as mine, I'm his care taker, he's 83yr's young & perhaps that stress is contributing to my hair loss WE eat a low salt healthy heart diet!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dinah Levillard (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Treatment as advised. Consult treating doc before starting.

Detailed Answer:
hello and thanks for getting back to me.
Few things to keep in mind - Minoxidil is mainly prescribed for hormone related and male pattern of hair loss. It is not a primary treatment for hypothyroid related or other causes of hair loss as it doesn't treat the cause. In your case, the hair loss pattern seems suitable for Rogaine(minoxidil) 2% application. You can try the foam as it is easier to use. But it is commonly used in hypothyroidism as long as the primary cause is treated.
Along with Biotin you can also add a daily dose of evening primrose oil which helps with this type of hair loss. An important thing to remember is to mention that you are taking Biotin, to your endocrinologist, as it can alter your thyroid test results.
As your dermatologist mentioned, it can take longer for new follicles to grow hair. Unfortunately at your age and general health, it is a little unpredictable.
try and include fish, vitamins, minerals, enough iron and protein in your diet as is safe for you.
Before starting any new medication, do consult all your treating doctors regarding drug interactions.
Hope this helps you.
Feel free to contact me regarding any doubts.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Dinah Levillard

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 263 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Hair Loss While Having Breast Cancer

Brief Answer: all causes to be treated.revert with clarifications.continue medication Detailed Answer: Hello ma'am and welcome to HCM I am Dr Dinah, and i'll be answering your queries today. Happy to know that you are off treatment now. Before going further I would like to clarify a few things- -Did you develop hypothyroidism after the treatment? -Was anastrazole part of a larger treatment plan for you? And do you still continue it as maintenance or preventive therapy or are you off all cancer medication? -Have you been on any treatment for the hairfall itself? -have you noticed any new hair growth so far after completing chemo, or is it still only falling? From your description of the hair loss pattern it almost seems to be a male pattern of balding from the front and sides. This effect has been seen particularly in some patients on anastrazole. You have multiple factors affecting your hair fall. Apart from chemo, hypothyroidism is a very common cause of hair fall and slow growth. Also your age is an important factor to consider as any growth will be naturally slower. As for your levothyroxine, I would advise you to stick to it as it is the safest and most accurate preparation of the drug as compared to natural mixes, and it is absolutely necessary for you to keep the thyroid levels normal.It does not have any side effects. You need to focus on a nutritious diet with proteins, vitamins and minerals, and add hair supplements like Biotin capsules daily. Minoxidil solution (Rogaine)maybe prescribed by your dermatologist for regular application. It improves blood circulation and hair growth, but you may notice a little hair fall once you stop. Stress and general nutrition of the system adds to the health of your hair. There are small surgical procedures and injections which can be tried, but may not be permissible at your age. You will have to consult with your dermatologist for the same. Do get back to me with these clarifications, and I can guide you on what may be best suited to you. Also feel free to clear any other doubts or clarifications you may have. Take care.