Hair Loss from Accutane After 5 Months of Treatment

I took Accutane and began losing hair in my fifth and final month of treatment. I lost about 30% of my hair. My doctor has emphasized to me that I have telogen effluvium and that my hair will grow back if given time. However, I am skeptical. It’s been 6 months since I lost the hair. And I am a 23-year-old male with some history of MPB in my family.

Interestingly, I stopped shedding 3 months ago. My question is: is it a bad sign that I stopped shedding but haven’t grown any hair back yet? And do you really believe Accutane causes a “pure” telogen effluvium, or are there any other mechanisms at work?

An answer to these questions would be appreciated. Thank you.

If it is pure telogen effluvium your hair should start to grow back after about about 6 months. In rare instances it may take longer. With some family history of MPB and if you also suspect some degree of MPB, you may consider a miniaturization study to see if there is a pattern to your hair loss.

With respect to Accutane, it may cause hair loss as a side effect, but there is no mechanism of why hair loss occurs. I have unfortunately seen people with Accutane hair loss that has not returned. Only time will tell.