Can low dose Naltrexone cause hair loss in women?

Question

I started losing hair from eyebrows in Oct. All bloods normal, diagnosis from 2 dermatologists of stress TE compounded with Seborrheaic dermatitis (treating, now v mild.) As well as the suggested PRP I am considering LDN - there are suggestions it can help some alopecia but also potential uses for immunity generally and this is often implicated in hair loss of multi kinds. BUT I have also found patient reports of hair LOSS after starting LDN. How high a risk is it Ldn could make loss worse?

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello !

Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is an off-label medication that is often used to treat various autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, and other conditions. While some research suggests that LDN may be helpful in treating certain types of hair loss, there is not enough evidence to support its widespread use for this purpose. Moreover, as you have found, there are also patient reports of hair loss after starting LDN.

It's important to note that hair loss can have many causes, and it can be challenging to pinpoint a specific trigger. While stress-induced telogen effluvium and seborrheic dermatitis can cause hair loss, it is also possible that other factors may be contributing to your hair loss.

It's difficult to determine how likely LDN is to make your hair loss worse, as there is limited research on the subject. However, based on the patient reports you have found, it is a possibility that should be considered before deciding to take LDN. Additionally, it's important to discuss any potential risks and benefits of LDN with your healthcare provider, as they can help you weigh your options and make an informed decision.

In summary, while LDN may have some potential benefits for certain types of hair loss, there are also reports of hair loss after starting LDN. It's important to consider all potential risks and benefits and to discuss your options with your healthcare provider before making a decision.

Best of luck !

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, the chances of LDN causing hair loss are extremely low. There are no reported cases in the published literature. Find a hair expert.
Jeff Rapaport MD FAAD 
Realself Hall of Fame.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. This is very limited data on Naltrexone and hair loss in women. I suggest a visit to your primary doctor for some tests to get to the bottom of it. Best of luck to you.

Dr. T

Dr. T

Kulakarn Amonpattana, MD · Answer

Hello I'm Dr. Wipawan Vathananai, a co-worker of Dr. Kulakarn Amonpattana, from BHI Clinic, Bangkok, Thailand. Regarding your concern about eyebrow loss, I would recommend you to get the correct the diagnosis first. Eyebrow loss could be a presentation of frontal fibrosing alopecia. There are also some diseases that can present with eyebrow loss. Until now, I've never heard that Naltrexone can cause a significant hair loss.

Sibel Ulusan, MD · Answer

There is limited information on the relationship between low dose naltrexone (LDN) and hair loss in women. There have been some reports of hair loss in individuals taking naltrexone, but it is not a common side effect. Additionally, the few studies that have investigated the use of LDN in women have not reported hair loss as a side effect. It's important to note that hair loss can have many different causes, including hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and underlying medical conditions. If you are experiencing hair loss while taking LDN, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional who can assess your individual situation and provide guidance on the best course of action. They may recommend adjusting your dosage, switching to a different medication, or exploring other potential causes of your hair loss.

Can low dose Naltrexone cause hair loss in women?

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