Does Letrozole cause hair thinning and what helps regrow it?

I am 10 months into anastrozole and i also started with thin, fine hair. The oncologist recommended minoxidil. I have been using since i started the anastrozole and i have more hair, still fine though. The 5% foam is best for me, the drops make my hair look greasy. I tried a shampoo from routine wellness but i dont think it did much

I highly recommend Nioxin. I used it after chemo and my stylist (who recommended that I use it) was astounded by my hair growth. It is a little bit on the pricey side, but I think it was worth it. I am currently using the nutrafol version and am on anastrazole for the past 2 months. I have noticed some shedding, but my stylist thinks that it is just normal shedding. I will be switching back to nioxin if I notice significant hair loss. Minoxidil is a lifelong commitment. I'm not ready for that just yet.

Thanks KB and Susan. I’ll check on those products.

So I have been taking Letrozole 2.5 mg for 5 years. I am MBC stage 4 with PET scans every 4 months. For thinning hair I take a medication called minioxidil 1.5 mg. It is a blood pressure medication. It works so good. My hair is now below my shoulders and thick. I read about this in an article discussing the thinning hair in breast cancer patients and some patients that was taking this medication had no thinning hair. These patients were on the estrogen blockers like tamoxifen, letrozole and others. ( not to use in chemotherapy) a person can buy over the counter foam Rogaine but it doesn’t work as well and it is messy. So I asked my general doctor if she would prescribed it and right away it started working. Do not let doctors tell you it could drastically affect your blood pressure, because it doesn’t. I have very low blood pressure and 1.5 mg didn’t affect it at all. Highly recommend!! No body likes thinning hair. We have all been through so much with are journey -chemo, radiation, ibrance, surgeries , PET scans and so much more. I have been on this for the last 8 months.

I had TNBC and had 12 rounds of Taxol, 4 rounds of doxorubicin. I did use a cold capping system and still lost 80% of my hair. Last chemo treatment was 5/20….I take biotin daily and also use biotin shampoo/conditioner. I also take horsetail capsule daily. I now have approximately 2” of new growth and my hair feels thicker at the scalp. Surgery is done. Radiation is done. I am currently taking oral chemotherapy (capecitabine) and have no hair loss with it. Hope this helps and good luck with your journey!

I have used Nioxn products for a couple of years. It has helped my very thin hair but honestly IMO, there aren't any drugs that are going to be able to counter the effects of those powerful cancer treatment drugs. I decided to try wigs and of my gosh I love them! Synthetic wigs are wonderful. Very affordable. Most of my wigs are less than $25.00. I just got to the point of "Why fight all of those products? With wigs I can have hair just like I have always wanted."

What are some good shops, sources for wigs? Are they hot?

I get all of my wigs online. Search Amazon for "wigs jb extension". Jb extension wigs are popular. They have a wide range of prices. Another online shop is "wigyy". Also Tik Tok is good. Also Hairdo. The synthetic wigs are not hot. Wigs are fun to wear. I just got my first red hair wig. I've been a brunette all my life. Best of luck to you.

Thank you! Best of luck to you too!

Hair thinning can be one of the more challenging side effects to navigate during treatment, and it's completely understandable to seek ways to support hair health during this time. Many community members have found success with gentle, sulfate-free shampoos rather than expensive specialty products, along with biotin supplements, though it's worth discussing any new supplements with your healthcare team first. Hair growth patterns often do improve over time, and connecting with others who've experienced similar effects with hormone therapy treatments can provide valuable insights and encouragement.

My oncology pharmacist recommends not taking the nioxin supplements because of possible estrogenic effects. My hair was thickening up on oral minoxidil when I was taking letrozole. But when I switched to exemestane my hair was falling out buy the handful. I’m back on letrozole now and hoping the oral minoxidil works.

Me too I use for 2 years Ibrance and now I’m using Kisqali and my hair are so thin.I don’t know what to do