Beta Blockers & Hair Loss in Women

Beta blockers are among the many prescription drugs that can cause hair loss in women. They cause hair to fall out by interfering with the natural rhythm of the growing and resting phases of scalp hair growth.

Facts

• Also known as beta adrenergic blocking agents, beta blockers are drugs that block the kindling effect of the hormone adrenaline on the receptors of the body. Blocking the bodily effects of the natural "flight or fight" response, beta blockers slow pulse rate and reduce high blood pressure.

Function

• Beta blockers are used to treat various conditions such as hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, tremors, social anxiety, and migraines.

Beta Blockers and Hair Loss

• Among the many side effects of beta blockers in women including circulation problems and depression, hair loss is one of the most common ones. Hair loss caused by beta blockers is characterized by thinning of hair all over the scalp.

Telogen Effluvium

• Beta blockers cause a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium in women. In this type of hair loss, a higher than normal amount of scalp hair goes into a resting phase and starts to fall out.

Considerations

• Some women who take beta blockers may not experience any side effects. When hair loss is an established side effect of taking the drug, switching to an alternative treatment under a doctor's supervision may help reverse the condition.