Is Fibromyalgia Making Your Hair Fall Out? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and fatigue. If you’re living with fibromyalgia, you already know it can affect many areas of your life, from your ability to get a good night’s sleep to your overall mood. But did you know it can also cause hair loss? While it’s not one of the first symptoms people think of when they hear about fibromyalgia, hair loss can be a frustrating and sometimes distressing issue.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why fibromyalgia might cause hair loss, the possible underlying factors, and what you can do about it.

Does Fibromyalgia Cause Hair Loss?

Yes, fibromyalgia can cause hair loss, but it’s important to understand that it’s usually not the condition itself causing the problem. Instead, other factors related to fibromyalgia—like stress, medications, and co-existing conditions—are more likely the culprits.

If you have fibromyalgia, you may experience some form of hair thinning or shedding, which can be a result of several factors, such as:

• Stress: Emotional or physical stress from a fibromyalgia flare-up can lead to a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium.
• Medication Side Effects: Some drugs used to treat fibromyalgia, such as antidepressants and anti-seizure medications, can cause hair thinning as a side effect.
• Other Health Conditions: Fibromyalgia often occurs alongside other conditions, like thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases, which can also contribute to hair loss.

What Causes Hair Loss in Fibromyalgia?

While there’s no single cause of hair loss in fibromyalgia, several factors are likely at play:

1. Stress and Anxiety

Stress is a major trigger for many fibromyalgia symptoms, and it can directly impact your hair. When you experience emotional or physical stress, your body goes into what’s called telogen effluvium—a condition where hair follicles prematurely enter the shedding phase. This can cause significant hair loss, usually 2-3 months after a stressful event.

On top of that, stress can also trigger other hair-related conditions like trichotillomania (a compulsive hair-pulling disorder) or alopecia areata (a type of autoimmune hair loss). Both conditions can be aggravated by the stress and anxiety often associated with fibromyalgia.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

People with fibromyalgia often struggle with nutritional deficiencies, which can affect your hair health. Common deficiencies in fibromyalgia include:

• Vitamin B12: Helps form red blood cells and supports hair growth.
• Vitamin D: Important for calcium absorption and keratin production, which is essential for healthy hair.
• Iron: Crucial for delivering oxygen to hair follicles, promoting growth.

If you’re not getting enough of these vitamins and minerals, your hair may not grow as it should, leading to thinning or shedding.

3. Medication Side Effects

Medications prescribed for fibromyalgia can also contribute to hair loss. Drugs like Cymbalta (an antidepressant) and Gabapentin (an anti-seizure medication) have been linked to hair thinning in some cases. If you notice hair loss after starting a new medication, it’s worth discussing with your doctor to see if a medication change is needed.

4. Coexisting Health Conditions

Fibromyalgia often coexists with other conditions, such as:

• Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid)
• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis

These conditions can also cause hair loss, either through the medications used to treat them or as a direct result of the condition itself. For example, lupus can cause hair loss through skin lesions, while hypothyroidism can affect the thyroid hormone levels that are crucial for healthy hair.

How to Manage Hair Loss from Fibromyalgia

If you’re experiencing hair loss due to fibromyalgia, you’re not alone. The good news is that it’s usually temporary and can be managed. Here are a few ways to address it:

1. Managing Fibromyalgia Symptoms

The first step in managing fibromyalgia-related hair loss is to address the underlying condition. While there’s no cure for fibromyalgia, treatments can help alleviate symptoms:

• Medications: Drugs like Cymbalta, Savella, and Lyrica are FDA-approved for managing pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms, which may reduce stress and improve hair health over time.
• Stress Management: Since stress is a major trigger for hair loss, finding ways to manage stress can help prevent further shedding. Techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises are great for relaxation.

2. Lifestyle Changes

Healthy lifestyle changes can also make a big difference in managing hair loss:

• Exercise: Regular physical activity can reduce stress, improve circulation, and promote overall health, all of which can benefit your hair.
• Diet: Eating a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals (especially B12, D, and iron) supports hair health. Consider adding foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins to your meals.
• Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep to reduce stress and allow your body to repair and regenerate, which includes your hair.

3. Consider Medical Treatments

If your hair loss is significant or persistent, there are a few treatments you might explore:

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): This treatment uses red light to stimulate hair growth. Some fibromyalgia sufferers have found it helpful for regrowing hair.
• Supplements: A daily multivitamin or specific hair growth supplements may help address any nutritional gaps and support healthy hair growth.

Always consult with your doctor before starting any new treatments, including supplements or therapies.

Is Fibromyalgia Hair Loss Reversible?

Yes, in most cases, fibromyalgia-related hair loss is reversible. Here’s why:

• Telogen Effluvium: Since this type of hair loss doesn’t damage the hair follicles, your hair will likely regrow once the stressor (or medication) is addressed. However, it can take a few months for your hair to grow back fully.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: If hair loss is caused by a lack of nutrients, it should improve once your nutrition is balanced and deficiencies are corrected.
• Drug-Induced Hair Loss: If a medication is the culprit, your hair should start to regrow once the drug is discontinued, though this should always be done in consultation with your doctor.

It’s important to be patient during the regrowth process, as it can take time—sometimes several months—for your hair to return to its normal state.

Conclusion

While hair loss may not be the first thing you think of when you consider fibromyalgia, it’s a real concern for many people with the condition. Understanding the potential causes of hair loss—stress, medications, nutritional deficiencies, and coexisting conditions—can help you better manage the issue.

Fortunately, fibromyalgia-related hair loss is often temporary and reversible. By managing your fibromyalgia symptoms, reducing stress, improving your nutrition, and discussing your medication options with your doctor, you can support hair regrowth and improve your overall health.

If you’re concerned about hair loss, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. They can help you identify the underlying cause and find the best treatment options to get your hair—and your confidence—back on track.

FAQ

How Common is Hair Loss with Fibromyalgia?
While there isn’t much scientific research on this, anecdotal evidence suggests hair loss is fairly common among people with fibromyalgia.

Is Hair Loss a Symptom of Fibromyalgia?
Hair loss can be considered a secondary symptom of fibromyalgia, usually linked to stress, medications, or other coexisting conditions.

By addressing both the fibromyalgia and the factors contributing to hair loss, you can take steps to improve both your health and your hair. Stay patient and proactive in seeking solutions that work for you.