1. < Breast Cancer

Hair Loss Remedies for Thinning Hair on aromatase inhibitors?

Posted by nd14 @nd14, Jun 6, 2023

Hi! I’m about to start endocrine therapy (AI plus Lupron) and am wondering if anyone has used any topical creams that helped with hair thinning, something I am afraid of (along w all the other side effects)!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

sanantoniomimi | @sanantoniomimi | Mar 23 4:03pm
In reply to @sanantoniomimi "After taking Exemestane for 2.5 years my hair started to thin and became very brittle. It..." + (show)
@sanantoniomimi

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?

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You are my people! I can only do what I can do and since my plate is pretty full right now, I so appreciate your encouragement.
Have a good one!

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1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 24 10:03am
In reply to @sanantoniomimi "You are my people! I can only do what I can do and since my plate..." + (show)
@sanantoniomimi

You are my people! I can only do what I can do and since my plate is pretty full right now, I so appreciate your encouragement.
Have a good one!

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@sanantoniomimi, in addition to the great tips you've received from members, you may also be interested in this list of discussions related to hair loss and breast cancer:
- Hair loss https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/?search=hair%20loss&index=discussions

I found these by going to the Breast Cancer support group main page https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/ and entering search term in the search bar.

I can see that you have a full plate. I wonder if this might be helpful for you:
- Stress Management for Cancer: Free online course from Mayo Clinic
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stress-management-for-cancer-free-online-course-from-mayo/

I don't want it to be a burden or obligation as your plate is full, but want you to know that it's there for you.

As you continue your journey, you will find many helpful discussions and members ready to share their experiences.

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1 reply
sanantoniomimi | @sanantoniomimi | Mar 24 11:33am
In reply to @colleenyoung "@sanantoniomimi, in addition to the great tips you've received from members, you may also be interested..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

@sanantoniomimi, in addition to the great tips you've received from members, you may also be interested in this list of discussions related to hair loss and breast cancer:
- Hair loss https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/?search=hair%20loss&index=discussions

I found these by going to the Breast Cancer support group main page https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/ and entering search term in the search bar.

I can see that you have a full plate. I wonder if this might be helpful for you:
- Stress Management for Cancer: Free online course from Mayo Clinic
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stress-management-for-cancer-free-online-course-from-mayo/

I don't want it to be a burden or obligation as your plate is full, but want you to know that it's there for you.

As you continue your journey, you will find many helpful discussions and members ready to share their experiences.

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I had a lumpectomy in Jan 2021, followed by radiation and then started tamoxifen. It was effecting my liver, so I was switched to Exemestane.
I had a hysterectomy in 1990. The pathologist found uterine cancer starting in the lining of my uterus. No treatment was required. In 2001, I had surgery for diverticulitis, where cancer was found underneath. I had radiation and chem and was pronounced “Cancer free” in 2006.
Fast forward to Dec of 2020, cancer was discovered when I had my mammogram. Surgery was in Jan. 2021.
I have never suffered any side effects during treatments so to suddenly see my hair getting thin and losing most of it in several months has been a shock and adjustment. I am down to a very short amount, that seems to get shorter and shorter each week.
I will certainly seek out the site you suggested for stress.
Thank you very much for your response.

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sterzi | @sterzi | Mar 24 6:42pm

I was in for my regular dermatology appointment( besides breast cancer I have also had melanoma) and my doctor mentioned that she has been on the pill form of minoxidil. She also had breast cancer and was on anastrozole. I am waiting to talk to my oncologist when we meet next to ask about this. She mentioned that the pill form is better than the topical.

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1 reply
celia16 | @celia16 | Mar 24 9:05pm
In reply to @sterzi "I was in for my regular dermatology appointment( besides breast cancer I have also had melanoma)..." + (show)
@sterzi

I was in for my regular dermatology appointment( besides breast cancer I have also had melanoma) and my doctor mentioned that she has been on the pill form of minoxidil. She also had breast cancer and was on anastrozole. I am waiting to talk to my oncologist when we meet next to ask about this. She mentioned that the pill form is better than the topical.

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I have the pill form as well. I’m now thinking I may start it. Just to be in safe side.

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