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Anyone have permanent hair loss due to chemo + AI + older age?
I am deflated because my hair is not growing back post chemo. I only did one AC cycle before stopping and returning to Anastrozole, per oncologist's ok - long story. I would not feel as bad if my oncologist had not said dismissively before starting chemo "Your hair will grow back, don't bother with cold capping." Well, that is not true for everyone and the more I read, I am not alone. I am starting to think with so many women doing the AI's these days, which cause hair thinning and loss for many women. the combo of chemo hair loss + an AI prevents hair recovery. Also, older age - my hair had thinned some since my 40's but still looked good. Before chemo, I had long, fine hair. A lot of hair so despite being fine, it was pretty. Post chemo, I have been taking photos every few weeks and I actually have less hair today than when I first lost the hair on chemo. I am back on Anastrozole. My head looks like a bowling ball with a few white hairs on it. I am very jaded after this entire experience because not all oncologists thought chemo would work for me due to my low Oncotype score, but I did it to try to be proactive.
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You gave me lots to think about. My situation is as follows: Bilateral mastectomy May 2025, for 1 invasive cancer right breast plus 2 ductal in-situ (both breasts) plus 2 atypical ductal hyperplasia (both breasts).
1 positive lymph node out of 12. So now waiting for my Oncotype score to determine next steps in treatment.
Chemo vs. hormonal (Anastrozole) vs. radiation or a combination of all 3 (??) I am 70 & received the news I had breast cancer on my birthday in February. Absolutely no one on both sides of my family (Mom & Dad) with breast cancer. I am the first. I have lots of health issues, i.e. heart disease, severe migraines due to a concussion in 2019, some cognitive impairment, small vessel disease in my brain/heart to name a few.
Very afraid of all post surgical treatments - those possible side effects!!
In November 2023 I started a weight loss program (no medication, the old fashion way) and in one year lost 43 pounds. But after 6 months to a year during my weight loss my hair started to thin. And presently is still thin. My nutritionist said my hair shedding was from the large weight loss. I have been maintaining my weight since November 2024 and my hair isn't returning to the way it was, much fuller.
I suppose everything is banking on my Oncotype score...interesting to hear not all your oncologists thought chemo would be effective for you due to low Oncotype score but you tried to be proactive.
Your story is certainly disturbing...I hope some way, some how you find the oncologist with the expertise to get you back on track.
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2 ReactionsHello @sloggingthru geez I am sorry to hear about the hair loss.
I remember feeling like a bowling ball with a few hairs, after chemo and again with AI and a few years of maximized dose statins, I found myself wearing hats and scarves when the sun was out. A trial period of discontinued statin had some growth returning.
I settled on a reduced dose that gave me some hair that can be tied up to look fuller. It has come back some more but honestly, it took a lot longer than I thought it would, both after chemo, and with the statin, AI period. It was almost a year before I had a reasonable crop of 1/2” white/gray hair and I was around 40.
You are not alone, and I understand not everyone can just accept it. I am hoping some other folks with extended hair loss will chime in with more ideas.
How long of a time period has all of this taken?
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2 ReactionsDiagnosed grade 2 idc in April 2023. Initially recommended surgery, radiation and 5 years ai (hr+, her-). Then positive Oncotype and had to consider chemo. All of this is rock and hard place - no chemo and then recurrence in a couple years and feel should have done it etc. so went ahead with chemo. Was told first off “you will loose your hair” and there was a chance of permanent loss. Luckily, I have regrowth but slow, thin, brittle but at least hair. Now on ai, I’m loosing more, can see my scalp, almost need a “combover”. The attitude is really more just be thankful you have hair. Dermatologist suggested minoxidil (2x mens dose once daily) which didn’t help at all. Can’t do Nutrafol because it stimulates estrogen. Unfortunately, I think we’re just stuck. Currently trying rosemary oil and new with that so can’t tell if helping or not but will give it a few months. Will monitor this to see if anyone has any further suggestions and thanks to all who help.
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3 ReactionsIt has been several months. I plan to see a dermatologist, I don't know if oral minoxidil will help or not. I'm in my 60's so I don't know if I will even get an inch to cover my scalp if you had challenges in your 40's. I'm not vain but it's disheartening to me to have to wear a headcover forever, it's very hot and humid where I live. At this point, I would be happy with some short spikes and being able to wear hair pieces rather than full wigs or hat wigs, if I'm going out and want to look like I have hair. I have definitely adjusted my expectations!
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1 ReactionPlease be patient with yourself, you have been through a lot and your body is still going through changes from treatments. I hope you are pleasantly surprised at how much grows back.💕
I am due to start chemo on the 27th and told about losing my hair. When I told my brother he just jokingly said " well sis since no one really sees your hair anyway cause you love changing up your wigs, I will just have to budget for a supply of wigs." It was so funny that I haven't even had time to worry about losing my hair cause I figured wow this is going to be so much fun changing up my looks with different wigs until hair grows back. And well if it doesn't that's ok too . I will embrace my bald head. I'll just follow the YouTube pages of the beautiful women who have suffered from alopecia all their lives. What I'm trying to say is your hair does not make you the beautiful woman that you are. You are so blessed in many other ways including the fact that us women without hair can slap on a gorgeous wig and go about our business. We are fighters , warriors a whole league of strong women that embraces life no matter what it throws at us. Look in the mirror everyday , talk to yourself and tell yourself how gorgeous you are . Cause sis even though I don't know you I just know you are beautiful inside and out. Your hair does not define you ❤️.