Can SSRIs trigger your AGA genes?

Question

My doctors nurse told me that SSRIs can trigger the male pattern baldness genes. Can they trigger your AGA genes? Is that true?. And can SSRI cause a receding hairline? I know it can trigger TE but it's rare. Can TE cause a receding hairline? I was on Prozac in 2014 when I was 17 and that's when my male baldness begin so I've been terrified to get on an SSRI again. Please answer all the questions. Thank you.

Marco Barusco, MD · Answer

Hello,

SSRIs do not directly trigger androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or your genetic predisposition to male pattern baldness. However, they can occasionally cause telogen effluvium (TE), a temporary shedding that might make AGA more noticeable. TE does not typically cause a receding hairline but may accelerate hair loss in areas already affected by AGA.

If you're concerned about restarting an SSRI, discuss your options with your doctor and consider treatments like finasteride to manage AGA effectively.

Best regards,
Dr. Marco Barusco

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

SSRIs themselves won't cause androgenic alopecia (AGA), but they can cause hair shedding due to telogen effluvium. Unfortunately, if you're predisposed to AGA, the telogen effluvium can then trigger your AGA.

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