Alendronate (Fosamax) and...hair loss?

Posted by brebre321 @brebre321, Nov 4 8:04am

I have been on Alendronate 70 mg (weekly) for 3.5 months. About a month ago or so, I started shedding hair. Now it's worse, not stopping, and didn't itch before but now it itches. I am concerned that this is due to the Alendronate? Can anyone weigh in on this with knowledge of this or experiences with it?

Unrelatedly, I recently had first followup bloodwork all of which is normal but, my C-Telopeptide value within these 3-4 months plummeted from 400 to 75. I believe a value of 75 shows too much suppression. I won't be speaking with my endocrinologist for a few days. My osteoporosis at diagnosis was very early stage (hip), along with also very early stage osteopenia of the spine.

I haven't had any side effects from taking the Alendronate, unless the hair loss is one. And if it is, I've got to stop taking it before I go bald.

I'm new to this and probably don't speak the osteoporosis "language" as well as many of you! Thanks in advance for any input on the above issues.
PS-- I ALSO started HRT a few months ago. Lowest dose Estradiol patch (.025) and 100 mg micronized progesterone nightly. I thought maybe that was causing the hair loss but I really really doubt it. Estrogen usually helps hair. But SIGH who knows in my case. :-/

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

mayblin | @mayblin | Nov 4 9:33am

Thanks for sharing.

I can’t speak from experience on hair loss with bisphosphonates, but it’s often multifactorial…

Your C-telopeptide (CTX) is on the low side, which makes sense: Fosamax alone can drop it up to 80% in just a few months, and your HRT likely added to that effect. For reference, I use the same estrogen dose/form as you, and my CTX stayed between 110–130 after 6 months while on HRT alone. My take is, if you want the benefits of HRT and keep taking it, it might be worth discussing with your doctor whether using a lower dose of Fosamax is appropriate, and keep monitoring CTX, Dexa.

brebre321 | @brebre321 | Nov 4 12:39pm

In reply to @mayblin "Thanks for sharing. I can’t speak from experience on hair loss with bisphosphonates, but it’s often..." + (show)

@mayblin Thank you for your reply! I actually didn't even realize there is a lower dose than 70 mg of weekly Fosamax. That is interesting to me. I'll inquire with my doc.