Hair loss from PMR or Steroids?

Posted by abbeyc @abbeyc, Feb 12, 2022

Hello, my PMR started mid December 2021 and I've been on steroids since early January (so about 6 weeks). 12.5mg for a few weeks, now 20mg. I'm noticing my hair is thinning and I'm nervous. Anyone else have this issue? I'm wondering if it's the PMR or the steroids causing the thinning and when it will stop. Anything that will help?

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I've been on prednisone twice - 3 and half years the first time with PMR and 1 and half years the second time with PMR. Not sure I could say I experienced hair loss but it has thinned out some but I have doubts about steroids as the cause. I have no medical background or training but I'm thinking hair loss can be caused by a lot of things including stress, anxiety, vitamin deficiencies, a persons general health and other things. Here's an article that mentions some things that might help stop or prevent hair loss - https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-prevent-hair-loss

Hopefully other members can also share their experience and any tips they might have to prevent hair loss.

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@johnbishop

I've been on prednisone twice - 3 and half years the first time with PMR and 1 and half years the second time with PMR. Not sure I could say I experienced hair loss but it has thinned out some but I have doubts about steroids as the cause. I have no medical background or training but I'm thinking hair loss can be caused by a lot of things including stress, anxiety, vitamin deficiencies, a persons general health and other things. Here's an article that mentions some things that might help stop or prevent hair loss - https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-prevent-hair-loss

Hopefully other members can also share their experience and any tips they might have to prevent hair loss.

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My husband has PMR and I take prednisone for Nephrotic Syndrome. Pred definitely causes temporary hair loss for me .

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I have never noticed my hair falling out before, but lately I feel the odd one dropping down my back when I brush it. I believe I read that Prednisone can cause hair loss, but you may want to check with your doctor. Been on Prednisone since Jan. 4th, 2022. Hoping not. 🙁

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My hair has definitely gotten noticeably thinner since I've been on Prednisone. I am told it will grow back - I hope so

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Yes I had hair loss from steroids. I’ve been off them for one year and my hair has almost returned to normal. This is one of many reasons why I have put up with minor flares and used over the counter meds rather than returning to steroids. Yet there is nothing else that works for that excruciating pain we all know so well.

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@milld835

I have never noticed my hair falling out before, but lately I feel the odd one dropping down my back when I brush it. I believe I read that Prednisone can cause hair loss, but you may want to check with your doctor. Been on Prednisone since Jan. 4th, 2022. Hoping not. 🙁

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Thank you. Yes I plan to ask my doctor next week. good luck to you as well. I hope not too. I had significant stress once the PMR started due to the pain and trying to figure it all out. so I was thinking maybe that's what caused it but I'm concerned it might be the Prednisone also.

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@kspowell

My hair has definitely gotten noticeably thinner since I've been on Prednisone. I am told it will grow back - I hope so

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Yes I have been researching and reading it will grow back but the issue is we need to stay on these steroids for years so how much will come out during that time and thats a long long time waiting for it grow back. This PMR is just awful! - every day something new to worry about.

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@abbeyc

Thank you. Yes I plan to ask my doctor next week. good luck to you as well. I hope not too. I had significant stress once the PMR started due to the pain and trying to figure it all out. so I was thinking maybe that's what caused it but I'm concerned it might be the Prednisone also.

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Tell me about the stress level. I didn't know what the pain was for 5 months from mid-August to end of December and then was diagnosed on Jan. 4/22 (short story). Been on 20mg of Prednisone for just over a month with huge results. Start back to work part-time tomorrow. Had to stop mid-November because I just couldn't do it. Everyone's story is similar, but unique. Good luck on your journey. Take care. ~ Deb

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Yes your story amazes me. 5 months in pain without a diagnosis ! Take care too!

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@abbeyc

Yes I have been researching and reading it will grow back but the issue is we need to stay on these steroids for years so how much will come out during that time and thats a long long time waiting for it grow back. This PMR is just awful! - every day something new to worry about.

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@abbeyc, A friend and I have a saying about waking up to something new: What fresh hell is this? Yes, Prednisone is awful, but necessary. I think I had all of the side effects, but hated losing my hair. My hair almost grew back the way it was before taking the Prednisone. A friend is not so lucky. She has three wigs she wears. I could not do this because my scalp burns. It takes time, but your hair should grow back. With all good wishes, @joybringer1

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