Hair Loss

Crohn's Disease Forum

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Sep 1, 2011
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139
Hi everyone,

I have been experiencing a great deal of hair loss recently. The only med i am taking right now is Asacol.

Has anyone had this experience with asacol? I am wondering if its even the asacol thats the culprit here. I dont know..
 
I have been losing more hair than usual, too, but I am currently not on any medication. I have always shed a lot, but it seems worse lately. The only thing I can think is different is I recently dyed my hair dark auburn from blonde, so perhaps I am just noticing it more?
 
Hi Jillx,

I havent dyed my hair, so I know its not that. Ive never pulled out handfuls of hair like this before. I can't figure it out.
I am starting to feel stressed. My boyfriend couldn';t believe it when he saw, he told me to go to my doctor, but I cannot get in till next week.......
 
Handfuls? Oh no. That doesn't sound good. How long have you been on Asacol? I just looked it up, and it does list, though "less common", hair loss as a side effect.
 
I don't have Crohns (my son does) so I am not on any medication, however, am frequently quite low in iron. I've noticed a significant (and very quick) change when I begin to take iron supplements. I can't say that it has 'thickened' my hair (as that will take time...) but much, much less falls out, within just a couple of weeks, of starting to take supplements...

I've also read others mention that biotin supplements can help but I've never tried it.
 
Biotin 5000mcg can help. But seriously get your bloods checked for iron, B12, the lot. Crohns in itself can cause hair loss as well. I'm feeling for you, cause I can almost sit on mine. (I just cut 10 inches, so only down to past my waist now) You've got to keep your vitamin and minerals up. How are your nails and skin by the way??
 
Hi,

Thanks for the feedback!
Misty: I had my bloods done 3 weeks ago. All was well.
Skin is very dry, nails are ok.
I was fortunate to get a call from the doc office yesterday, they had a cancellation and I was able to go in.
He said that all my hair loss is due to the major flare I experienced in July. I was quite sick for 5 weeks. He said that generally, 4 months after something like that your hair will fall out to some degree. Something about the hair follicle dying. He said that this will get better over time.
So my understanding, is, when you have a major flare, expect your hair to start falling out in clumps after 4 months??????
 
Natalie, after major surgery and major flares, yes indeed my hair has fallen out big time.

However, mine thinned alot, I certainly didnt have clumps coming out! Being a natural blonde and having thin hair anyway, it was horrendous for me. But never, ever did it come out in clumps!

Sorry but I think clumps falling out should be looked into a bit further! EVERY vitamin and mineral should be checked. Also that Biotin 5000mcg really does work. Also, Flax Seed Hull Lignans.

HTH. :kiss:
 
Have you changed any type of hormonal birth control or anything like that? Hormonal issues/swings can also cause problems months after the fact. I'm with Terriernut, I would insist on a better explanation if there are clumps coming out. Increased shedding is one thing but clumps sounds so much worse...
 
I've also started to lose my hair and I believe it is the Azathiorpine causing the hair loss. I'm currently on Humira, Azathioprine and Pentasa (although I've gotten really bad about remembering to take 8 Pentasas a day). I had a severe Crohn's flare up six months ago that had me hospitalized for nearly a week.

I called my doctor yesterday after people started to comment that my hair is thinning in the front and noticed that a large portion of my left eyebrow recently turned completely white. I'm 27. My doctor is scheduled to see me next week but in the meantime told me that he believes it could be the azathioprine or it could be a delayed reaction from my severe illness several months ago.

I hate that as a guy people just assume it must be male pattern baldness. I can't rule it out for certain but the timing is just way too coincidental to my diagnosis with Crohn's and my hospitalization. It's all happened pretty suddenly since those occurrences.

Any advice? I'd like to get off Azathioprine and stick to just the Humira.
 
Well,

I was told by my doc that this is a result of a severe flare up 4 months ago. Apparently this will pass..hmmm
He also stated that the hair loss has nothing to do with medications.
I am, frustrated. But I will wait this out and see what happens. This is all new for me.
I am glad to hear that other people have some similar issues, makes it less scary and more bearable. And, on top of this silliness, I am flaring and back on pred starting yesterday. Jeezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....
I am thinking a Cuba holiday would be extremely helpful right now.v
Any joiners?? haha
 
Have you changed any type of hormonal birth control or anything like that? Hormonal issues/swings can also cause problems months after the fact. I'm with Terriernut, I would insist on a better explanation if there are clumps coming out. Increased shedding is one thing but clumps sounds so much worse...

Hi,

Great thoughts! But, I have had my tubes tied a couple years ago and am not on birth control. I agree with further exploration on the extreme hair loss. I am to go in for another colonoscopy next Tuesday. I will talk to my GI then. He may have more insight than my regular ohysician. Thanks!
 
I just spoke to my mom about my hair loss, and she SWEARS by Biotin, like many of you had suggested. I had no idea she was taking it. When she had major surgery two years ago, she said her hair was thinning, so she started to take it. She saw a difference in one month.
 
Thanks Jillx,

I am definitely going to look into Biotin.
I think I lost another pound of hair this morning after my shower. I was in tears in the bathroom. I know its just hair, but it's just one more thing to cope with.

nat
 
Thanks Jillx,

I am definitely going to look into Biotin.
I think I lost another pound of hair this morning after my shower. I was in tears in the bathroom. I know its just hair, but it's just one more thing to cope with.

nat

I get it Natalie, somehow though, we are all gonna get through this.
:ghug:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 
I am going to start biotin, too, Natalie. I hope it works for us!

Be in touch!
 
Hi , I lost over half my hair when i was having Infliximab infusions, i was so upset about it (cried all the time) it started falling out about 2 months before my wedding and really didn't want to have to wear a wig for it, i am now on Methotrexate and my hair has stopped falling out and is starting to grow back. It's even growing back Curly! (always had very straight hair so really excited) I got some great advice off the forum. I was taking Biotin supplements and using biotin shampoo and conditioner too. Good Luck:)
 

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