Hair Loss from Prednisone

Hi @annee55, I can understand how you feel about the hair loss and it would definitely be disconcerting to say the least. You will notice that we added to your discussion title to let members know a little more about your discussion. I never experienced hair loss as a side effect for both of my occurrences of PMR but I know you are not alone. While you wait for others to respond, here's a search link showing comments by other members who have had hair loss as a side effect of prednisone - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/?search=prednisone+%2Bhair+loss.

Here's an article on the topic that has a few suggestions you can try.
-- How to treat hair loss from medication: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327068

Have you mentioned the side effects to your doctor to see if they may have some suggestions to try?

I had thick wavy grey hair that needed cutting every 4 weeks before Prednisone. It started falling out about 3 months after starting Pred, the texture changed, it was straight and couse. The hair loss got much worse during a short stint on Methotrexate but now at 3.5 mg Pred and nearly 12 months, the hair is slowly returning to normal. On the plus side, it has saved me a few hundred dollars in haircuts.

I’ve been on prednisone since January 2024. Started at 15mg and now am at 5 mg.
I’m also on Plaquenil 200mg 2x day. And have also been taking Actonel for osteoporosis since March.
My hair loss is significant. I’ve never had beautiful hair but this is so upsetting. Aside from the loss , my hair has become brittle and frizzy. At times I look like Albert Einstein! Not sure if my hair will ever recover.
Thankfully I discovered Toppik ( powder) which I sprinkle on the bald spots each morning. The powder fills in the spots and stays on all day. At least it makes me feel a little better going out in public.
But must says it’s just so upsetting to have these medical issues in the first place. Then to be on so many medications for PMR and OP and have hair loss and loss of self esteem, just adds insult to injury.
Thanks for bringing up the topic. I thought I was the only one with this issue because my rheumatologist didn’t think hair loss was a major issue with these meds.

Thanks for the suggestion of the powder… will try it.
Most data suggests prednisone does not cause hair loss but in reality a lot of PMR folks seem to have it. Of course, overall.. there is not a lot of reputable research on PMR.

I also heard prednisone doesn’t cause hair loss. But you can’t go by me. Perhaps it’s the Plaquenil that is causing my hair loss issue. Or maybe the combination of both meds. I just know I had more hair before all this happened and now I have a lot less. It’s just so upsetting to feel crappy from PMR and then not like how I look on top of that. It’s also scary to be on prednisone after being diagnosed with osteoporosis and know that prednisone is not good for bones. Lots to deal with.
But on the plus side, the Toppik really helps self esteem. You can get it on Amazon but I buy direct from the company. I’m on an auto shipment now every 3 months. Thats how much I use it. Lol
Thanks for reaching out.

My hair began falling out when I began taking Prednisolone, no other meds, and loss diminished significantly as I tapered - started on 20mg February 2023 and now down to 2.5mg (the flare up point for me)...see how I go tapering down 1/4mg next week and stay on 2.25mg for a month and see how it goes before next taper.

Thanks for this. I wondered how long it would take for my hair to "recover". I too had thick grey hair which I got cut every four weeks ( I keep it in a short pixie cut). I'm hoping as I taper I will see the "fallout" lessen.

I have a little different perspective. I believe that PMR caused my hair loss rather than the prednisone. My hair was always thin but got thinner when I got PMR. In the four months before I was diagnosed I didn't go outside my house without a baseball cap on. When I first saw the rheumatologist he put in his notes that I had alopecia. Since I've been on prednisone I will go out without a hat since my hair does more or less cover my head with no areas where you see a lot of scalp.

I have had significant hair loss related to prednisone use. Your description of looking like Einstein is spot on for me too. I gave in last fall and bought a wig. It has made me feel better, plus so many compliments from friends. I do hope that once I get off prednisone, my hair will grow back. Even though the wig looks so lovely, I appreciate my own hair.

Thank you. I have been considering a wig but wasn’t sure how it would feel to wear it. I’d be nervous of it falling off or of me not moving my head naturally. But I can imagine how nice it makes you feel to look in the mirror and see nice hair again. I will definitely look into getting one now. Thank you !