Could Prozac have triggered my baldness?

Question

Hello. I was on Prozac when I was 17 years old. That is also when I started noticing receding hairline and some acne on my forehead.later by age 20 I was told I was a Norwood 5 got off Prozac is also when I really noticed shedding and got on finasteride and the shedding stopped. I do have family history of AGA on mother side.My father has been on Prozac since the 1990s and also has AGA but he's a nw3 vertex. Could Prozac have triggered my baldness?Is it common for a 17 year old to start balding?

Sibel Ulusan, MD · Answer

There is no clear evidence that Prozac directly causes hair loss or baldness. Hair loss can have many different causes, including genetics, hormonal changes, stress, certain medical conditions, and certain medications. While there have been some reports of hair loss in people taking Prozac, this side effect appears to be rare. If you are concerned about hair loss, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and to discuss possible treatment options. They may also be able to adjust your medication or switch you to a different antidepressant if necessary. It's also worth noting that hair loss can be a temporary side effect of stopping certain medications, including antidepressants. If you recently stopped taking Prozac, hair loss may be a temporary side effect that will resolve on its own over time.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no clear evidence that Prozac (fluoxetine) can directly cause hair loss or trigger baldness. However, hair loss can be a possible side effect of some medications, including antidepressants like Prozac. In addition, hair loss can be a symptom of some mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, for which Prozac is often prescribed. Therefore, it is possible that your hair loss was related to your underlying mental health condition rather than the medication itself.

Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is a common condition that can start at any age after puberty, and it is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors. It is possible that your family history of AGA on your mother's side played a role in your hair loss. Moreover, some studies suggest that early-onset male pattern baldness can be associated with an increased risk of developing depression and anxiety later in life.

In summary, it is difficult to determine with certainty whether Prozac triggered your baldness or if it was related to other factors such as genetics and underlying mental health conditions. It is best to discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your medical history and provide personalized advice.

Best of luck !

Could Prozac have triggered my baldness?

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Could Prozac have triggered my baldness?

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