There are a good number of drugs that can trigger hair loss in some patients. These drugs do not however, cause hair loss to all patients, but some tend to show side effects which include loss of hair. Drugs causing hair loss include steroids, anti-depressants and some birth control pills. Usually these drugs have an effect on the thyroid gland and cause some changes in the hormonal balance of the body. Some of these hormones, particularly the androgens, can then trigger loss of hair.

Drugs are usually used to treat other diseases and conditions during chemotherapy, although they may cause side effects of hair loss the effects are usually temporary. That means in the event of completing the course of medication, the hair follicles will recover 100% and begin to show signs of new hair growth.

Then, there are other drugs such as the steroids which are used by weight lifters and other athletes. These steroids have the effect of altering the hormonal level in the body. They may even affect the normal function of the thyroid gland. These steroids also promote the release of excess testosterone. This is so for testosterone is the male hormone that plays a part in the development of the male features such as broad shoulders and high toned muscles. This is what weight lifters will be looking for. However, an increase of testosterone in the body will also mean that you are at risks of becoming bald. This is true for when the level of testosterone in the body is high, there are more chances that it will be converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT has a negative effect on the function of hair follicles causing them to regress, thin off and trigger hair loss.

There are also drugs, such as alcohol, which if taken in excess can cause hair loss. Alcohol abuse can also be linked to hair loss. This is so for when alcohol is excess in the body it will affect the circulatory system and can even raise blood pressure. This will in turn affect the supply of blood and nutrients to the extremities of the body such as the scalp. When this happens, some parts of the scalp, such as the crown, will be starved of good oxygen supplies. This will in turn cause the hair follicles in this region to enter the resting state which is evidenced by hair thinning and loss.

In conclusion, drugs that cause hair loss can either be beneficial or dangerous. This all depends on if the drugs are being used to treat another condition. If the drug causing hair loss is taken as a treatment that means when the period of treatment passes the body will fully recover. If the drug is being taken for entertainment or self satisfaction, one has to be careful, for addiction to such a drug is very easy. If that happens, then they may just become bald. Treatment for such forms of baldness can only be done if patients withdraw from such a drug.