Beta Blockers

[Kube8]

Hi Everyone. I'm not sure where this topic should really live so I'm posting it here.

I have been taking propecia and using rogaine for about 12 years now. The past couple years I did start to notice a slight kick up in my hair loss, but nothing that was too crazy.

I ended up developing an arrhythmia (PVC's) back in November of 2009, had an electrophysiology exam, cardiac ablation and started taking 25mgs of Metoprolol (Toprol). Since that time I've noticed (especially the last 2 months) a lot more miniaturization and recession. Part of me was thinking that this was "all in my head" but I'm noticing a change virtually daily. The difference in my hair from a month ago is quite noticeable.

I did read that there is a "rare" side effect to beta blockers of hair loss. Less than 1% of people they say. But I wonder if because I already have male pattern baldness going on that I've been fighting for years, this medication has kick-started it again. I need to talk with my doctor about this.

Does anyone else have any feedback on this medication or beta blockers in general regarding hair loss?

 

[dougfunny]

well even if it causes hair loss the underlying mechanism for the loss is completely different than in male pattern baldness. it should not be permanent like in male pattern baldness.

it's probably not worth worrying about it too much since it's not like you have any good alternatives.

 

[Kube8]

Well I agree with that, but it's not like it's helping all that much. I thought it might have been earlier on, but my PVC's are acting up anyways. Granted I've been smoking which isn't the smartest move, but I doubt that's it. My cardiologist said that I might not need to take the medication after a while and "we'll discuss it." So I'm wondering if maybe I can stop taking it, especially if I'm getting PVC's anyways. It's supposedly not life threatening in any way and I am "not at risk for sudden death."

I don't know. I'm trying to fully quit smoking and get myself as healthy as possible before I even approach my doctor with it, but i would like to stop taking the medication.

Shrug.

 

[dougfunny]

Well I agree with that, but it's not like it's helping all that much. I thought it might have been earlier on, but my PVC's are acting up anyways. Granted I've been smoking which isn't the smartest move, but I doubt that's it. My cardiologist said that I might not need to take the medication after a while and "we'll discuss it." So I'm wondering if maybe I can stop taking it, especially if I'm getting PVC's anyways. It's supposedly not life threatening in any way and I am "not at risk for sudden death."

I don't know. I'm trying to fully quit smoking and get myself as healthy as possible before I even approach my doctor with it, but i would like to stop taking the medication.

Shrug.

well it sounds like the doctor thinks taking it for a while might help correct the problem. i say just stick with it for a bit since the hair will come back when you are off it. as long as you are going to be suffering trying to quit smoking you might as well endure a little more suffering with you hair and then hopefully be done with it all when you see your doctor eventually.

 

[Kube8]

Well I just spoke with my doctor last week and he's allowing me to take half for a week and then stop it all together. I wonder if hair will grow back.... who knows.... I'll post again if it does.

People take beta blockers for heart issues, high blood pressure, migraines, etc. Just beware that virtually all of them seem to have a potential side effect of hair loss. Doctors don't really mention that. Though it's a "small percentage," it is the case. For those of you taking beta blockers, I urge you to look it up. It might not be helping you in the hair dept.

Good luck