Going Off Medications Causing Female Hair Loss
Hello Doctor!
I’m not unique, but have a specific question regarding female hair loss & regrowth. I am slowly going off of Topamax (w/Dr. supervision), and have recently gone off my birth control pills. I have extensive hair loss, to the point of clogging the shower drain daily (frightening!). I’m using topical Rogaine 5%, but have only done so for a month. How long does it take for hair to grow back? I’m confident mine will once my body adjusts to all of the medication changes. And does hair typically continue to fall out post-medication use? Please advise? Thank you!
Your question has a number of moving parts. You have recently stopped oral contraceptives and are tapering down on Topamax (both known causes of hair loss). Also, you have decided to start using Rogaine 5% for your hair loss, which if tolerated well, can only help. The standard time for hair to grow back once it has fallen out and gone into a ‘sleeping cycle’ is about 4 to 8 months. If your hair loss is due to medication, it should hopefully grow back once the medication has been stopped. Given that you are under the supervision of a physician, I suggest getting a full medical workup to rule out other causes of hair loss.
I never knew Topamax had a side effect of hair loss. it’s not listed on their site as one. I have been on it for over a year and this year my hair loss have been the worst it’s ever been. I have about 1/2 as much hair as I did this time last year. Because of your post, I am talking to my doctor about lowering my dosage and possibly stopping it. Unfortunately it DOES help me with my migraines so I’m not sure stopping it all together is an option. But I want my hair back!