Why do I sometimes still find hair on my pillow and drain when I'm on finasteride?

Question

I'm 22 and i used finesteride and minoxidil for 6 months. It thickened my hair nicely but now i noticed i sometimes find up to 15 hairs on my pillow again. Did the medication stop working?

Marco Barusco, MD · Answer

Hello,

It is quite normal for you to see hair shed daily as we typically lose about 150 hairs a day due to hair cycling.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is completely normal to lose an average of 100 hairs per day. Proper hair care is vital as well. Consult with your dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Epameinondas Bonaros, MD · Answer

There may be several reasons why you are witnessing hair loss.
First, losing up to 100 hairs per day is considered normal.
Additionally, finasteride and/or minoxidil may cause hair shedding after beginning treatment. It usually appears within a few weeks, but rarely it can take 5-6 months to appear. The shedding is caused by the reactivation of the dormant hair follicles, and it is actually a positive sign that the treatments work. Shedding will subside within a few months as hair regrowth becomes more evident.
Finally, you may not suffer from androgenetic alopecia. There are several causes of hair loss, and only a qualified physician can offer you a reliable diagnosis.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

There are many many reasons why you are finding hairs on your pillow. It is important not to have blinders on to all the possibilities and it is also important to have a proper examination. No, if finasteride and minoxidil worked so well in just 6 months it does not just stop working like you ponder. Possibly options that you and your doctor can review are new seborrheic dermatitis flares, and various triggers of telogen effluvium like stress, low iron, thyroid problems, other medications started, new vaccinations received, and weight loss. You are going to want to go through all these factors carefully. Also your hair styling products will have different ability to pull out hairs so those need review. If you have not had blood tests done you need them so be sure to see your doctor. The exact tests you need depend on your story but include CBC, TSH, ferritin, 25 hydroxy vitamin D at the minimum. Other tests will depend on your entire medical story.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is normal to lose about 100-150 strands a day and sometimes stress can induce an increase in hair shedding. However, there are instances where medications can stop working and hair loss worsens. I highly recommend you consult with a board certified dermatologist or hair restoration specialist regarding your hair and questions and concerns. Take care and good luck.

Why do I sometimes still find hair on my pillow and drain when I'm on finasteride?

Answers (5)

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