Question
I am having trouble with hair loss, is it as a result of the HIV meds?
28 February 2011. Related: All topics, Side effects.
Dear all,
Once again thanks for your continued advise and guidance.
I was diagnosed HIV positive and in Dec 2009 I started meds immediately with a CD4 count of 150 and viral load of over 500,000.
I am on Atripla, I reached an undetectable viral load of 47 for the first time in June 2010 and this has also remained the only time that I’ve tested below 50 since than my viral load has always remained slightly above detectable between 54 and 60 (most recently). My HIV-clinician seems not concerned about this as it is not increasing significantly and the margin is so very small (in her words).
My question relates to my hair. I used to have strong, thick, bushy dark hair but have noticed since a month or two now how my hair suddenly has become thin and soft and it barely grows. My sister in law is on chemo-therapy and loosing her hair due to that but people have asked me if I am on chemotherapy as this is what it reminds people of. Can you see from the brief details above or from my medication any reason why this may be happening (thining of the hair and reduce speed of growth)? Is it just a case of me getting older (I am 39), the effect is so suddenly noticable though.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
I am sorry to hear that you are having problems with hair loss. There are lots of things that can cause hair loss including stress, genetics, age and medication. In relation to HIV medication, 3TC has been known to cause hair loss, although this is rare. Whilst you are not taking 3TC, one of the drugs in Atripla called FTC or emtricitabine is very similar to 3TC. It is possible that changing to a combination of drugs which does not include FTC may stop the hair loss from occurring. You should talk to your HIV doctor about this.
As far as your viral load is concerned, your HIV doctor is right that having a detectable value of between 54 and 60 is not significant and could just be as a result of a lab error. If you find your viral load increases rather than just fluctuating around the 50-60 mark then you should first ask for an immediate re-test. If it is still increasing ask your doctor for a resistance test.
Many people get viral load ‘blips’ which is where the viral load increases to just above detectable levels and then goes down again. For more information about why this happens please follow this link
Please let us know how you get on.
If you have HIV and find your hair clogging the shower drain, your hair loss may not be directly related to your HIV infection.
Yes,
Hair loss was a common side effect of early HIV medications. Although some case studies have been reported, modern-day antiretroviral therapy generally does not cause hair loss.
Hi Thabile,
What meds are you? How long have you been taking them?
I’m on HIV treatment and losing my hair, is this normal?
Hi Happy,
As it says on this question above, ‘There are lots of things that can cause hair loss including stress, genetics, age and medication.’
However, it’s not a good idea to stop treatment, especially as hair loss can be for other reasons – not your HIV meds.
TAC might be able to provide some support. TAC stands for the Treatment Action Campaign. This is the largest HIV positive support organisation in South Africa and they were responsible for the drive to get ARVs available in SA.
The main office is in Cape Town, but there are support groups and branches across the country, including in Jo’burg.
http://www.tac.org.za/contact
I started treatment with a CD4 count of 480. A month later of starting, I’ve experienced hair falling off when combing. I decided to cut my hair and now it doesn’t grow as it used to and is thin. The doctor just told me its HIV related whilst I expect the medication to stop such things. What can I do because it is really breaking me down. I am even thinking of stopping the treatment because it seems to be the cause of my hair loss. I am in SA and 23 years old.
Hi Zan,
I’m afraid i don’t have specific advice on treating hair loss. You can talk to your doctor of clinic about this. They may be able to help you or refer you to someone that can.
Thanx guys for the hair loss advice, I’m also HIV positive and I’ve been on 3tc before the combination treatment this year. I use to have thick and long hair but now it’s very thin and I’m not a happy about it. So can you advise me on what to treat the hair with so that it goes back to normal.
Hi Jan,
Thank you for letting us know how you have been getting on. Great to hear about your viral load.
Take care
Charlie
As you asked me to let you know how I get on.
Thining of the hair and lack of growth remains an issue but viral load has more recently come down to well below 50 so that’s the more important issue to me.
Thanks for puting my mind at rest back in February; your service really is invaluable!