Accutane (Isotretinoin) and Female Hair Loss — I’d Rather Just Have Acne!

(female) My hair loss is due to a 5 month regimen of Isotretinoin. My last treatment was Dec. of 2006. I am still experiencing persistent hair loss. I realize the medicine has significantly reduced my sebaceous glands. Is there any possible way to enlarge, inflat, manipulate, or to boost or increase my sebaceous glands so that I may began producing sebum again? I would much rather battle acne than hair loss.

With Kind Regards

You are in a predicament that many patients run into with regards to medication usage and adverse effects. Hair loss is a known adverse effect of using Accutane (isotretinoin). Often times these effects are increased as the dosage of this medication increases and can persist even after the medication is discontinued.

I am assuming that in your battle with acne, your doctor has exhausted other treatment options prior to putting you on isotretinoin. Unfortunately, I am not aware of any medication or procedure that would allow the sebaceous glands to be manipulated in the ways that you mentioned.