Management of Hair Loss Associated with Endocrine Therapy in Patients with Breast Cancer: An Overview

May 2016 in “ SpringerPlus ”

Fatih Karataş, Süleyman Şahin, Ali Sever, Kadri̇ Altundağ

endocrine therapy tamoxifen aromatase inhibitors hair loss topical 5-alpha reductase inhibitors Vitamin C omega-3 fatty acids ETIHL 5-alpha reductase inhibitors omega-3

TLDR Some breast cancer patients on hormone therapy experience hair loss, and treatments like certain topical inhibitors and supplements may help without harming their cancer prognosis.

In the 2016 review, it was found that about 25% of breast cancer patients on endocrine therapy with tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors experience hair loss, impacting their quality of life. The review suggests investigating and correcting common causes of hair loss before attributing it to endocrine therapy. Potential treatments for endocrine therapy-induced hair loss (ETIHL) include topical 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and supplementation with Vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids, which do not negatively impact breast cancer prognosis. However, the review calls for more research, specifically prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled studies, to confirm the effectiveness of these treatments and to understand the clinical impact of ETIHL on breast cancer patients.

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