Can an SSRI cause hair loss from the hairline? (photos)

Question

Can an SSRI cause hair loss in the areas I circled in blue? Also circled in red I see miniaturized little hairs in the frontal hairline. If this is male baldness, do you think that an SSRI unmasked this genetic balding?

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

SSRI medications (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. While hair loss is not a common side effect of SSRIs, some individuals have reported hair loss while taking these medications.

Hair loss due to SSRI medications is believed to be caused by changes in the hair growth cycle. SSRIs can disrupt the balance of hormones and neurotransmitters in the body, which can affect the hair growth cycle and lead to hair loss.

However, hair loss due to SSRIs is typically diffuse and not localized to specific areas of the scalp. Hair loss in the areas you have circled in blue is more commonly associated with androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness, which is a genetic condition that affects both men and women.

If you are experiencing hair loss in these areas, it is recommended that you consult with a qualified medical professional who can evaluate your symptoms and provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They can also evaluate whether an SSRI medication is contributing to your hair loss and provide guidance on the best course of action.

Best of luck !

Darice W. Fadeyi, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The first stepis to see a board certified dermatologist to confirm the suspected diagnosis of male pattern alopecia and eliminate other possibilities. Although nonscarring alopecia can be a side effect from SSRI therapy, it’s impossible to determine whether an SSRI enabled hair loss in your case. A genetic predisposition is certainly likely.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

That would be unlikely. What you are describing is localized hair loss also known as patterned hair loss. This does not typically occur with SSRI. Rarely, an SSRI will cause a diffuse pattern of loss in keeping with telogen effluvium but that is relatively rare (less than 2 % of users). Male balding is the more likely diagnosis here. While stress and anxiety can sometimes accelerate balding in a small proportion of males, it’s the underlying genetic predisposition that gets things going in the first place. Be sure to see a doctor for proper evaluation and discussion of evidence based treatment options should you wish to begin any.

Can an SSRI cause hair loss from the hairline? (photos)

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Can an SSRI cause hair loss from the hairline? (photos)

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