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Hair Loss - Statins

(29 Posts)
Izabella Tue 24-Jul-18 12:12:58

I have been on Simvastatin now for over 10 years, without any apparent hair loss. I also have a couple of friends who have suffered hair loss but are not on statins. I would hesitate to blame the statin and urge you to make an appointment with any of the doctors at your surgery. You are obviously distressed and waiting for 'your' doctor to have a free appointment is only making things worse for you.

I hope you get this resolved.

Eglantine21 Tue 24-Jul-18 12:06:20

Not me, but my sister. I’m afraid it’s one of the side effects, more pronounced in some people than others.

It did seem to stabilise after a year or so. Her hair is not as thick as it used to be but nothing awful. She had it cut very short. It looks tres chic. Think Halle Berry!

glammanana Tue 24-Jul-18 12:02:36

I take Simvastatin for 2 yrs now and have noticed a sharp decrease in my hair growth but not loss as such,I have very long hair and usually I have to go and have 4/6" cut to tidy it up every 6/9mths but have not had to do this for quite some time.
I mentioned it to my GP and she didn't seem too concerned at all I felt as if I where wasteing her time really.

lancylass Tue 24-Jul-18 11:55:37

Because I have AF my doctor asked me to go on statins. She first prescribed Atorvastatin but I experienced hair loss which was upsetting to me (having always had a good head of hair) and she changed them to Simvastatin - still hair loss. She then put me on a low dosage (20mg) of Pravastatin but I am still experiencing hair loss. Handfuls when shampooing and lots on the bathroom floor when combing or brushing.
I have tried Plantur shampoo which was recommended by a friend and which I have used for about two months now but it is not helping.
I cannot get an appointment with my usual GP until the end of August and that is if I am lucky enough to secure one when I ring on the 30th July ie I rang three times yesterday to get an appointment, the first two times being told they had not released them yet and on the third time of ringing I was told all her appointments had gone. I feel I am being blocked for some reason.
I feel like just stopping the statins myself but am wondering if that is not a good thing to do - ie more harm than good.
The hair loss is really getting me down, has anyone else had any experience with this or can offer any help?