It may come as a surprise but many prescribed and over the counter drugs can actually cause temporary, and even cause permanent hair loss. One type of drug that causes hair loss are hormone containing drugs. Birth control pills, Male androgenic hormones and all forms of testosterone, Anabolic steroids, Prednisone and other steroids affect hormone levels within the body. When these hormones are affected, it affects hair growth as well. Some of these drugs contain male hormone in them, which causes the hair thinning similar to Androgenetic Alopecia.

Doctors may neglect to inform their patients of hair loss as a side effect of some drugs. The best thing to do is do your own research of the drug manufacturer’s warning written at the box. The pharmacist may provide you with this information before the prescription is filled. Another option is medication guidebooks sold in pharmacies, or available in your doctor’s clinic.