Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and Female Hair Loss
I am a 37 year old breastfeeding mom. My hair started thinning in my early thirties a little, but not noticeably. I had to have two rounds of in-vitro fertilization to have my baby (17 mos old now). After the first round of IVF (not pregnant) my hair started really falling out, thinning all over but more at the crown and top. My doc said he didn’t think there was a connection. The second IVF was successful and my hair got thicker throughout my pregnancy until my baby was three months old. Predictably, my hair started falling out again, but just to the thickness it was before. However, after my baby turned one, I started losing more hair and now my scalp is visible in the crown/back . I’ve been to an endocrinologist (i have atypical PCOS symptoms. he recommended propecia when i am finished procreating) and a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss. The derm said she would put me on Rogaine and Yaz birth control pills once I stop breastfeeding. I do not want to wean my baby for this. However, I am panicking a little because my hairloss is so rapid! I am otherwise healthy, and am normal weight, no thyroid issues. My questions: is there any research into ART and hair loss; and is there anything I can do to treat my hair loss while I am breastfeeding? Thank you so much for your time.
Generally, when you breastfeed, you do not want to take any medication because it will enter your baby through the breast milk. I rarely deal with women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endocrine issues that could relate to hair loss. Propecia (finasteride) may help, but absolutely not when you are ever going to have a child. You need to discuss the risks with your doctor. While I’m not sure of any research relating hair loss and in-vitro fertilization, I am aware that fertility drugs like Clomid (clomiphene) can cause hair loss in rare cases (see RxList.com).
Regarding IVF treatment, I am sorry to hear about your hair loss and bald spots. I also went through several IVF- 5 times to be exact, and I have the same problems that you are facing,
it is very frustrating because there aren’t any studies out there that one can research to find answers to this issues.
I am writing because I do disagree with the respondent, saying that IVF treatment does not cause hair loss. that is not true, it does cause hair loss. I am living prove up until this date I am still struggling with hair growth. even though it’s been a couple of years since I stop the injection of IVF drugs.
I too went through 6 IVF rounds and I have experienced massive hair loss at the crown. I disagree with the respondent too, I believe there is correlation with IVF use and hair loss.