Pooja Gupta Pooja Gupta Asked 9 months ago

Does tamoxifen cause hair loss?

I'm starting Tamoxifen treatment next month. My biggest worry is losing my hair again; does this medicine cause hair loss?

15

15 answers

Sister Jolly Joseph Sister Jolly Joseph Joined Feb 2026 9 months ago
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Yes, hair thinning is a known side effect of Tamoxifen because it blocks estrogen, which helps hair grow. It usually isn't complete baldness like chemotherapy, just mild to moderate thinning. Try using a wide-tooth comb and avoid harsh chemical treatments.

Ketan Mehta Ketan Mehta Joined Apr 2026 7 months ago

Don't start buying random hair growth oils and serums from internet ads to fix this. Tamoxifen hair thinning is hormonal, so external oils won't do much. You need to speak to your oncologist to manage this safely without interfering with your therapy.

Deepika Joshi Deepika Joshi Joined Mar 2026 8 months ago

Oh god, I cried for days when my hair started falling out in clumps after starting Tamoxifen! I thought I would go completely bald. But honestly, the shedding slowed down after about six months, and my hair adapted. It is scary but it does stabilize.

Sarabjit Kaur Sarabjit Kaur Joined May 2026 5 months ago

I had to support my young daughter through her hormonal therapy and she faced significant hair thinning. It was very hard for her, but we managed by keeping her hair short and using gentle baby shampoos. Be patient with yourself, your health is most important.

Sunita Rao Sunita Rao Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

I totally get it, losing your hair can feel like you are losing a part of your identity, and it is so emotionally draining. It is a very common reaction to Tamoxifen. Please be gentle with yourself and remember that you are fighting a bigger battle beautifully.

Nanda Patil Nanda Patil Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

I tried everything from onion juice to amla packs when I faced thinning on this medicine. While home remedies can keep the scalp clean and healthy, remember this is a hormonal change. Just focus on a good protein diet like sprouts and pulses to help your hair from inside.

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Consult a dermatologist

Ananya Roy Ananya Roy Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

I am supposed to start this medication next week and I am really nervous about the hair loss side effect. Does the hair start growing back normally once the treatment course is fully completed? If anyone has gone through this, please let me know.

Rajeshwari Sharma Rajeshwari Sharma Joined Feb 2026 9 months ago

Look, thinning is a common trade-off for a medicine that is saving your life. Don't waste money on expensive magic oils. Keep your scalp clean, eat your proteins, and let your doctor know if the shedding is too severe. Stay strong!

Vandana Kulkarni Vandana Kulkarni Joined Feb 2026 9 months ago

Yes, hair thinning happens with this medicine, haan na. It makes the hair very dry and brittle also. I just started using a very mild shampoo and stopped styling it completely. Don't worry, it gets better slowly.

Harish Bhalla Harish Bhalla Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

When managing hormonal therapies like this, our body goes through a lot. Focus on a highly nutritious, low-glycemic diet with plenty of seeds, nuts, and green vegetables. Good nutrition helps support hair health even when medicines are causing thinning.

Saraswathi Amma Saraswathi Amma Joined Mar 2026 8 months ago

Beta, don't worry too much, stress will only make the hair fall worse. Wash your hair with mild shikakai water and gently massage your scalp with warm coconut oil. These old traditional ways won't stop the medical changes, but they keep the roots cool and strong.

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Priya Deshmukh Priya Deshmukh Joined Mar 2026 8 months ago

Losing my hair while on Tamoxifen was honestly one of the hardest parts for me, and I felt so vain for crying over it. But your feelings are completely valid. It is a tough journey, but please know that you are not alone and the thinning does eventually stop.

Meera Chawla Meera Chawla Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

It is completely natural to feel anxious and upset about hair loss, especially when you are already dealing with a serious health condition. I used to check my pillow every morning in panic. Talk to your doctor; they can sometimes suggest safe supplements to ease the shedding.

Ramanathan Iyer Ramanathan Iyer Joined May 2026 6 months ago

Please don't just ignore hair loss or try to hide it. Sometimes it can be linked to other issues like thyroid levels dropping during treatment, which happened to me because I didn't report it. Always get regular blood checkups done and keep your doctor updated.

Suhasini Sen Suhasini Sen Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Yes, it can cause thinning. But make sure to also get your thyroid panel and iron levels checked regularly, as Tamoxifen can sometimes mask other issues that trigger hair fall. Regular doctor follow-ups are key to managing these side effects.

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