Hair Loss Remedies for Thinning Hair on aromatase inhibitors?

That is what I am hoping is happening to mine. I started on Letrozole on March 31st and I see lots of hair loss but I had surgery in Jan and in March and had a blood test that caused me unbelievable stress. How long did it take to start seeing that it was growing back?

I was diagnosed with ER+ stage 1 breast cancer 6months ago. I am now on Arimidex (ananstrozole). I’m having a few side effects eg very dry skin, extreme hair loss, a bit of foggy brain and mild pain in my finger joints.
But what is really concerning me is my hair loss, I have already lost almost 50% of my hair (I used to have nice thick hair!)
Can any one please advise me what can be done to stop my hair falling.
Thank you & best wishes, Sato

I switched to BondiBoost HG Duo Shampoo + Conditioner Bundle [10.14fl oz each] - Improves Appearance for Thinning Hair - Volumizing + Hydrating + Nourishing - Sulfate/Paraben Free, for Women/Men - Australian Made. Did not lose too much hair during chemo and it all grew back within months! Got it on Amazon.

Hi @otas, I moved your question about extreme hair loss on anastrozole to this existing discussion:
- Hair Loss Remedies for Thinning Hair on AIs and Lupron
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hair-loss-remedies-for-thinning-hair-on-ais-and-lupron/
Here are more related discussions: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/?search=Hair%20loss&index=discussions

After taking Exemestane for 2.5 years my hair started to thin and became very brittle. It started breaking off. I never saw clumps of hair, or hair on my pillow or towel. At this point, after another 6 months, my hair is about an inch long.
I am curious if it is going to all fall out and if after stopping the medication in 2 years, will my hair grow back?

I understand how upsetting this can be. I suffered excessive shedding due to substantial weight loss and/or post covid syndrome. Mine was due to telogen effluvium. My dermatologist said it would return over time. She did prescribe me medication, which I haven’t taken, since it seems to be resolving on its own.

Did your doctor mention the medication you were taking causing hair loss? I’d likely discuss it with them and consult with a dermatologist to get an official diagnosis and prognosis. And see if there is any treatment options. I hope you find some answers and help to get things resolved. Good luck!

I just switched 2 weeks ago from arimidex to exemestrane because of a positive result to a ctDNA test. The insomnia is worse and my hair seems thinner already. It did thin a bit with the arimidex but it just is flat and lifeless.

@sanantoniomimi I understand your distress at the hair loss. I took years of hormone therapy and my hair got got quite thin. The breakage is also a thing for me. I never had nerve enough to go to the dermatologist because I am quite sure I would get the same answer as I got with the rashes during chemo. The only one in our area is an old guy who just says “but you are alive, right?”. If you live in a larger area I would definitely consider it. There might be more you can do. Sadly mine has not gotten thicker, I am able to grow it a little longer again but it is quite thin.
Have you tried anything to try and protect it from breakage?

Thank you for responding. I did go to the dermatologist and he suggested Rogaine.
Both he and my oncologist also told me stress can also contribute to the hair loss. As much as I try to ignore the condition our country is in, I am convinced that is part of the problem. I was a history teacher for nearly 30 years, so it is in my DNA.
Thanks again.
Honestly I have so many other medical issues I am dealing with that I choose not to return to the dermatologist.
I am taking the wait and see attitude.

Glad to see your update. I chose to wait on starting Minoxidil, but think I am going to start it after all. I’ve read that timing can be an issue…..so….idk. Even though mine seems to be resolving…I may still get the benefits. I’m treating my anxiety with therapy.