I’ve always had elevated cholesterol. About 15-20 years ago my doctor put me on a statin, I don’t recall what type. I went to a different doctor. I know it was a low dose.
I started losing my hair at some point and the only thing different that I was doing was the statin. I quit using it and my hair grew back.
10 years ago I went thru an extremely stressful time and immediately started losing tons of hair with a short few months, like 40% of it. I was quite distraught and my dermatologist put me on 100 mg of Spironolactone. It stopped the loss and about a year later I had almost all of it back. Still thinned more in front than it was, but it’s hidden well. My hair dresser told me even when it was at its thinnest I still had more hair than most. But that was little consolation when I thought I was going bald.
I’m still on Spironolactone. My current doctor is after me to start on a statin. She said it may have just been post menopausal hormones that first time. If it was the statins, there might be a chance the Spironolactone would counter that.
So, my question is…has anyone experienced hair loss on statins. I’m scared to do it again, is it was very upsetting. But she said I don’t want a heart attack either.
I take statins (atorvastatin) and have had no hair loss and honestly had never heard of that as a side effect until this thread. Low thyroid (which I also have) can cause hair loss if untreated so you should be sure to get that checked out if you are experiencing hair loss. My hypothyroidism is well controlled. I actually have great hair. I only have a smidge of gray in my 60s and it is wavy thick chestnut brown. It’s probably my best feature next to the giant bags under my eyes! Could pack for a European vacation in those bags.
I think that I am with @tsbna44 on this one. “Staying alive” seems to me to be a relatively important goal. I think that I would be tempted to put on the Bee Gee’s hit by that name, and take my statins.
My understanding is that Statins help make a heart attack less likely, but also help with blood flow to the brain.
And while I would not comment on the quality of my hair, the quantity is ample, and I do take atorvastatin and have for a while.
There are medical notes indicating observed cases of statin-associated hair loss, but it is apparently rare compared to better known unwanted effects like muscle pains and blood sugar increases (increased risk of type 2 diabetes).
I take Rosuvostatin (sp?) and I’m convinced it’s made my hair and finger nails grow faster and thicker. Doctor says “who knows” and shrugs. Also showed me a chart which showed decisively that staying on it (forever, he claims) is the way to go.
Hey, if Kate Middleton can wear extensions (some say it’s actually a wig) so can you!
I experienced hair loss well before I started taking a statin. I take 5 mg of atorvastatin daily, and it has had no impact on my hair that I’ve noticed. I do take biotin, and it may or may not help with hair loss. I’m afraid to stop and find out :).
Please don’t discontinue your statin. There are so many other factors that can trigger hair loss as has been mentioned upthread. Hair loss is common during menopause and can begin as early as perimenopause. I have taken a statin for the past 10 + years, and had a very full head of hair until recently.
Losartin is a different statin. sometimes it might be worthwhile checking with your doc about trying a different one to see if it works and has fewer side effects.
I also take Rosuvastatin. I have never noticed any changes with my hair or nail since starting to use it. But then, I never noticed any changes with my hair or nails when I was pregnant, either!