Hi Every one, I have just finished cycle three of Ribociclib and have been taking Letrozole a little longer. I have had quite a few side effects, low neutrophils, nausea, headaches, weight gain, hot flushes and joint pain, but the one that is really getting to me is my thinning hair and my receding hair line. I did not have chemotherapy, I am 63 and on Letrozole for the next 7 years and Ribo for 3.
My hair began to shed in cycle 1 of Ribo, so I had my hair cut into a short bob which seemed to help. It doesn’t seem to be shedding as bad now but it is still thinning and my hair line is definitely going back.
I changed the brand of Letrozole but I think it’s the combo, which both cause thinning but in different ways. I read that it should settle down in 6 months to a year but I am scared that I will end up bald.
I wonder if other people have had similar side effects and if their hair loss evened out or improved further down the Letrozole and Ribo “line” .
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Look for a hairdresser who offer a hair loss service. They often stock Nioxin.
Although I haven’t needed her specialist knowledge my hairdresser has done a lot of training in this area and has helped many clients.
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Hi Harlow,
I am on letrozole and zoladex and Ribociclib and have been worrying about this too. I listened to this which was helpful with Dr Liz and Jasmin Gupta who founded the Cancer hair care charity. There are some good tips
Also the cancer care hair Charity have a helpline and some good videos and other resources on their website
Not sure how my hair will cope but these two gave me some hope! And made me feel I could be proactive and positive about whatever happens to it!
Take care and thinking of you 
I’m on Abemaciclib which is often referred to as oral chemotherapy. I’m on Letrazole too which I was on for a year prior to starting the Abemaciclib. My hair has got thinner and my nails are damaged- I was quite vain about both. I’m using hair thickening shampoos and products for scrunch drying my hair to make it look thicker even though it’s not. I’ve recently noticed that my hair growth is starting to recover so I guess all I can say is it will get better. Hang on in there xx
Hi I have a similar question, I’m one year off right breast mastectomy, 4 months post chemo, EC/T every 3 weeks for 8 treatments followed by 15 radiotherapy sessions finished 2 months ago.
I feel quite lucky as hardly any side effects apart from hair loss. I persevered with cold cap and think this helped as now have quite a good head of chemo curls already. This is my dilemma been on Letrozole for 2 months so far so good but now been offered Abemaciclib or Ribociclib and have seen the reports of hair thinning or loss. I know I’m being vain but having just got hair back don’t want to start again.
Any thoughts on how it’s gone for anyone.
I’m 74 if side effects outset the benefits
Bringing this one back up because dealing with hair changes can be tough. Have you ever looked into adjusting your diet or vitamins to help with hair health? Some folks have found that certain nutrients like biotin or omega-3s make a difference. Also, scalp massages might boost blood flow and support hair growth. Curious to see if anyone else has tried these or has other tips!