Hair loss: Four types of medications that could cause hair to fall out

Certain types of medications can cause hair to fall out – do you know which ones? In later age, it’s more commonplace to be taking tablets to treat health conditions, but if they’re not working for you, speak up. There are four types of medications that may cause hair loss: blood thinners, antidepressants, beta-blockers and cholesterol-lowering drugs – as confirmed by Medical News Today.

Blood thinners

Otherwise known as anticoagulant medicines by the NHS, they are given to people to help prevent blood clots.

Although they can be effective at treating the symptoms of certain conditions, they don’t address the cause(s).

Again, there are various types of anti-depressants, so if one isn’t working for you, it’s best to have a conversation with your GP.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers block the hormone adrenaline, thereby slowing down the heart.

It’s prescribed for a variety of conditions, such as:

• Angina
• Heart failure
• Atrial fibrillation
• Heart attack
• High blood pressure

This will also help to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, angina, heart attacks and stroke.

There are five types of statins available on prescription in the UK:

• Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
• Fluvastatin (Lescol)
• Pravastatin (Lipostat)
• Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
• Simvastatin (Zocor)

In addition to taking medication to lower cholesterol levels, it’s highly advised by the NHS to:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
• Stop smoking

Do not believe that once you’ve been prescribed medication that you’re only option is to put up with negative side effects – options are available.