As if osteoporosis drugs couldn’t get any worse, recent research reveals that they may cause hair loss… to the point of baldness.
As explained in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, bisphosphonates such as Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, Reclast and their generic counterparts, interfere with a crucial biochemical pathway, which we’ll discuss in more detail later.
The scientific term for hair loss is alopecia, and it’s dreaded by men and especially by women.
Causes Of Hair Loss
Hair loss can be caused by various factors, such as:
- Menopause and other shifts and changes in hormone levels
- Increased DHT production, a form of testosterone associated with hair loss
- Chronic stress
- Pattern baldness
- Deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
- Iodine deficiency and other thyroid conditions
- Illness
- Medications (such as chemotherapy)
As you can see, hair loss can be caused by many different conditions. So if you’re taking bisphosphonates and experience loss of hair, it’s easy for the Medical Establishment to blame it on any number of things. It’s no wonder that bisphosphonate-caused baldness is grossly underreported.
Hair loss is one of many reasons why…
I Am So Glad I Never Took Fosamax
This popular bisphosphonate was prescribed to me back when I was first diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2004.
After I collected myself from the shock of being told I had a serious “disease” that could only be managed with drugs, I tore up the prescription and resolved to get at the root cause of osteoporosis. This is what brought about the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
It’s a good thing I never took Fosamax, because baldness is only one item on a long list of frightening side effects that Fosamax can cause, including the irreversible condition known as osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Research Shows Bisphosphonates Can Cause Hair Loss
A group of Dutch researchers reviewed 53 reports of bisphosphonate-induced alopecia. Participants took alendronate (Fosamax) or risendronate (Actonel); the vast majority of alopecia reports (46) concerned alendronate.
While the “exact mechanism of bisphosphonate induced alopecia is unknown,”1 the researchers concluded that it’s most likely due to the fact that bisphosphonates block a particular enzyme, thereby interfering with an enzymatic pathway.1
Sounds familiar? If it does, it’s because I’ve devoted many pages of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program to give an explanation of…
A Crucial Enzymatic Pathway That’s Blocked By All Bisphosphonate Drugs
“…bisphosphonates begin their action on bone metabolism by blocking the enzyme farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS) which is involved in the mevalonate pathway (also called the HMG-CoA reductase pathway).”2
This is the same mechanism by which bisphosphonates interfere with hair growth (and many other crucial body processes explained in the Program). Here’s what happens.
The hair on your scalp contains a structural component that is familiar to most of us: cholesterol. In the hair follicles, “cholesterol is partly absorbed and partly synthesized [sic] in hair follicles through the HmG-CoA-reductase pathway.”1
Statins, a popular class of drugs prescribed to lower cholesterol, also disrupt this pathway. But “while statins disrupt the mevalonate pathway to stop cholesterol synthesis, they do not bind to bone surfaces.”2
This is why statins are not prescribed for osteoporosis. Knowing this, you’ll easily understand why…
Alopecia (Hair Loss) Is A Side Effect Of Statins And Bisphosphonates
While (thankfully!) alopecia is not a common side effect, it makes sense that both of these drugs could cause hair loss; they block the same metabolic pathway. In fact, hair loss is listed among the side effects of statins:
- Eczematous (skin inflammation)
- Pruritic rash (itchy skin)
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a life-threatening skin condition where skin cell death leads to the separation of the epidermis from the dermis)
- Photosensitivity (extreme sensitivity to light)
- Alopecia
And bisphosphonates also have a list of side effects that is extremely similar (and includes alopecia):
- Pruritic rash
- Skin rash which may be photosensitive
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Severe skin reactions
- Alopecia
Bear in mind, as mentioned earlier, that because alopecia can be blamed on many other causes, hair loss is an extremely underreported side effect.
How terrible that so many people would risk these and dozens of other dangerous side effects in order to take drugs that aren’t needed.
Yes, that’s right – statins, like bisphosphonates, are completely unnecessary.
In fact, to give you one example, a recent study reveals that…
Walking 40 Minutes A Day Offers The Same Benefits As A Statin
This study is the first to actually quantify the extent to which walking can improve cardiovascular health. According to the study leader Dr Thomas Yates,
“Doing 4,000 extra steps a day reduces your cardiovascular risk by about 16-20 per cent, which is the equivalent of taking a statin. However, a statin has side effects and only reduces cholesterol, whereas walking has a much bigger range of health benefits.”3
Unlike statins, walking offers a host of positive “side effects,” including stronger bones. Savers already know how important regular walking is to build bone density and the importance of taking Foundation Supplements that nourish bones, skin, and hair.
And this might surprise you, in addition to building your bones…
Foundation Supplements Boost Hair Health!
The following nutrients are listed as Foundation Supplements in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, and they also happen to be excellent for hair health:
Biotin is sometimes called Vitamin H, and works synergistically with the B complex vitamins niacin and cobalamin (also Foundation Supplements). These vitamins help metabolize proteins, including the proteins that make up your hair, thereby building thicker, stronger hair that is less prone to breakage.
Vitamin C deficiency is characterized by hair loss, because it is essential for the synthesis of collagen and the production of tyrosine. Both collagen and tyrosine are essential for maintaining the structure of hair, and the cells that make up hair follicles.
Zinc – did you know that you lose zinc when you sweat? This hair- and bone-healthy mineral, found in Foundation Foods like pumpkin seeds, mushrooms, and almonds, promotes hair growth.
Vitamin D is well-known to Savers as the “sunshine vitamin.” Found in just a few acidifying foods (salmon and sardines, for example), Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in the natural cycles of your hair follicles.
Isn’t it fascinating that hair health and bone health are so closely intertwined? It just goes to show that if you take care of your bones, your whole body benefits.
Unlike dangerous drugs, the lifestyle and diet described in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program offer only positive “side effects” – and certainly no hair loss!
Till next time,
References
1“Alopecia caused by alendronate and risedronate.” Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb. January 2009. PDF file. Web. https://www.lareb.nl/larebcorporatewebsite/media/publicaties/kwb_2008_2_alendr.pdf
2 The Osteoporosis Reversal Program, 2007
3 Yates, Thomas, PhD, et al. “Association between change in daily ambulatory activity and cardiovascular events in people with impaired glucose tolerance (NAVIGATOR trial): a cohort analysis.” The Lancet. 22 March 2014. Vol 383, Iss 9922, Pgs 1059-1066. Doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(13)62061-9. Web. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2813%2962061-9/abstract
You state that we need certain supplements (for hair regeneration post-osteo drugs) but don’t say how much per day. Please advise.
Thank you..
How safe is Arisocare? It is suppose to prevent fractures and falls.
Doc switched me from Prolia to actonel now I have to try Boniva and skeptacle to do so ..I’ve had sides effects with all. are they any supplements that can build our bones with no poison …..?
I have been taking Prolia for the last few years and have been experiencing hair loss.Didn’t make the connection that it was the Prolia until a few days ago while speaking with other women who had taken other forms of osteoporosis medication and loss hair. I went online and found out that Prolia is a cancer drug, no wonder it causes hair loss. I see a dermatologist and spending lots of time and money trying to remedy the situation. I wondered why it falls out and then stops. I guess when the medication wears out it doesn’t shed as much. It has caused lots of stress to me to have to deal with this. It is not listed as a side effect, so how many more are experiencing this and don’t realize that it is the medication? I am looking for another alternative and pray that God will bless me with my hair coming back as it was before! Hope this helps others having the same issues.
I have read that strontium citrate or ranelate is dangerous why do dr or save our bones & AlgaeCal want us to take it but do not list side effects. This is very important thanks
I have had osteoporosis for at least 5 years. I am 52. I tried all of the pill form drugs and was unable to tolerate. Mostly GI stuff. I was approved for Boniva and the same thing happened except I have lost a lot of hair. I’m looking for any advice on what supplements to take to help my hair grow.
I am having plasma injections in bald spots, taking Bioten, Viviscal and prescription called plaquenil 200 mg twice a day. No doctor as yet has agreed that prolia is the cause. But the problem only started after taking it.
I’ve had 3 shots of Prolia. And before the shot my hair was long and think. It’s broke off on the side now and awful! I’m only 42. I’m suppose to get 1 more shot before my next scan but I don’t think I’m going too.
I been taking promise 3 shots and I’m loosing a lot of hair the Dr checked and thinks I should take it another yr.i don’t know what to do either I told the nurse I don’t think I want to take it anymore.she called me back said he said promise isn’t making me loose myhair.my husband thinks I should not stop it he said I can buy a wig.well good luck.
I have just been told I need to do these injections twice a year. After reading and researching some I think I will choose to NOT take these prolia injections.
I have been injecting Forteo for over a year with no side affect but now my hair is starting to fall out. Do you think it is the medicine? I fractured my back twice L1 and T8 . I was taking advair for my asthma but after the fractures my doctor took me off Advair and started Symbicort and Spiriva. Should I go off the Forteo , I am worried that in another couple of weeks I will be bald. Anyone recommend any vitamins that would help?
Thanks Pat
I was on Forteo from May 2016 to January 2017. Hair loss has been an on-going issue for me with stress but not to the extent I experienced while on Forteo. I have stopped taking it and my hair is falling out less and I see new growth. I will be going to my endocrinologist in April and will discuss alternative treatment. My t-scores are as high as -3.9 (hip/spine). For me, bald was not an option. I purchased a wig just in case it got worse but thankfully it seems to be getting better since I’m not doing the shots. Good luck and I’ll post what we end up doing in lieu of Forteo.
Hi there
I have genetic osteoporosis. It is in my siblings and their children as well. it seems to affect the male part of family a lot more than the female although the females have it as well. As an example my nephew at the age of 22 has had a DEXA bone scan and his T score for spine is minus 2.5.
I am 61, and have been on Bonviva for 9 years – I have just found out that I should have been on it for 5 years. This was because I have had a few weeks ago another DEXA scan and my reading has gone from -3.2 to -4.2.
Can you let me know if the damage caused by taking BONVIVA for 9 years is reversible. I was advised to take Prolia, but am not sure after reading your article.
I am trying a high calcium diet with calcium and Vit D supplements, plus protein. Don’t know if this will help the rapid decline in my bone loss or get my osteoclasts to start stripping old bone and osteoblasts making new bone.
The decline from -3.2 to -4.2 has been over a 5 year period and 3 years ago I was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer. I had the tumour removed and radiotherapy treatment. Also I was on HRT at the time but advised to stop this which I did.
Is there any hope for my bones?
Began Forteo almost 2 yrs ago, in advance of 3-4 Spinal correction surgeries for Idiopathic Scoliosis.*
The 1st surg. with Metal Instrumentation Implants, not only started a series of other spinal defects, it destroyed my spine; I can no longer stand for more than a few minutes, without total exhaustion. I developed 3 lower spine defects as a result: upper thoracic & lower thoracolumbar deformities–ALL as a result of surgery, not age.
Now to the ALOPECIA (Hair Loss) after taking Forteo: As a post-menopausal Fem. I expected some hair loss, but not in a period of 3 months. Also developed “acute” skin dehydration, with some localized lesions, after restarting FORTEO.
After 14 months of daily Forteo injections (I actually stopped for 3 months)**. Restarted it April 2014 and within 2 months, my hair & follicles, began to fall out MALIGNANTLY! It’s been 8 months now; I’m left with 1/4 of the hair I had before I began the FORTEO again.
As an educated RN, I should have researched FOREO more aggressively. However, in Medicine we ALWAYS ask: “Do The Benefits Outweigh The Risks?”
After today’s readings (6 months of research on Scientific & Medical Journals which speak “Greek” to most of us, I was able finally able to decipher the data.
I believe strongly, the “Benifits…do NOT outweigh the RISKS of Forteo daily injections.
Depending on your DNA, Family Hx, lifestyle, is the risk a rare, usually incurable CANCER–“Osteoscarcoma”, a bone fractures, hair loss, etc. ARE YOU WILLING TO SAY: Injecting Forteo & its side effects, is a risk that is NOT WORTH TAKING.
*Surgeries over the last 23 yrs. were to correct a “SLIGHT” spinal scoliosis.
Any female especially, who is facing spinal surgery, PLEASE, before you do, take 6 months to a year, before you decide on any metal implants, surgically implanted in your spine. I have a list of surgeons both in the USA & in UK, who I have seen and trust, to treat any Spinal disorder using “good judgement” and with safe, sensible planning, before performing major procedures.
***Lost 25 pounds due to severe Upper GI pain, loss of essentail nutrients and vitamins (it made my bones worse). Forteo was the culprit. Believe me, even if you want to lose weight, don’t use Forteo to do it. GI pain, burning & loss of appetite was horrible. Had to force myself to eat anything. This GI problem alone caused nutritional deficits and loss of more bone. Poor appetite caused other medical problems, I’d never have, if Forteo wasn’t a med I was on.
As of today, I am OFF FORTEO.
Dacri, that is quite a story! I am so relieved for you that you are off Forteo. Now you can work on nourishing your bones. 🙂
Dear Vivian
Thank you very much for your encouraging e-mails,as well as the recent book ,SaveOURbonesprogram.
I stopped taking actonel dr(35mg) last March 27 and
crestor last april 24,this year. Despite that i had been taking these medications for a long time with damages,
I believe that it’s not too late for me to start and follow
your program. I believe Vivian that GOD answer my
prayers directing me through your website. Thank you
very much for everything.
Take care always, Marlene
Dear Vivian,
I take a tablespoon of “diatomaceous earth” every day because my brother said it would help my bones. He is the one who warned me off Fosamax. My finger nails are strong now for the first time in my life, so I hope the bones are the same. I do seem to have less hair, however, and would love to build it back up. There is a supplement ,”Restore FX”, that is supposed to block DHT. Should I order it?
All your information has been so very helpful Vivian!!
Thank you, Tisha
Dear Vivian,
Please let me know what you think of taking a DHT blocker product, Restore FX.
Thank you, Tisha
Started prolia 2017. Had 2 injections one every 6 months. I noticed hair loss. I figured over 60 so it’s normal. Well now I have loss 1/2 of my hair. I have refused to take another shot. My last one was in September. Will this hair loss stop? Will it grow back? Still losing …please is there help?
Vivian, I am losing quite a bit of hair and was wondering why. I have had a lot of stress this past year. In July I was mugged…he hit me on the back of the head, knocked me to the pavement stole my purse and broke my arm. (Ladies do be very careful when you are out). Then my house was flooded with water and a short while back I had surgery on a kidney. I don’t handle stress very well so I guess that is the reason for hair loss. Also I lost a lot of weight. Any suggestions on gaining some weight. When I was diagnosed with Osteo the doctor wrote a prescription for “one” of the famous drugs. I went on line and was so blessed to find you, Vivian. I never took the medication. I am doing well and am always so glad to find your alkaline recipie I appreciate all your wonderful info. Fran Miller.
My goodness, Frances! That is a tremendous amount of stress and difficulty. It’s completely understandable that you experienced some physical problems! You sound like you’re on the right track now, though, and I hope you’ll soon be free from osteoporosis and stress. 🙂
Hi Vivian,
Thank you for every thing you are doing for as. I’m no placing any comment, I only want to ask you some thing. About 4 or 5 years ago mi mother was given an injection
of some kind of drug for osteoporosis, she is 87 years old, and now she hardly can walk, she complaint that her legs are very week from the knee down. Her doctor doesn’t know why that is happening. It could be that, the drug given to her is causing that to happen?
Please, I would like to know if you have any answer and it is something that can be done.
Kind Regards,
Rosa
I took fosamax for 12 months a few years ago. At the end of that time I was diagnosed with auto immune disease based on 2 large bald patches at the back of my head. Also diagnosed with migraine/mini strokes.
Funny thing both vanished when I threw the Fosamax in the bin!
Hi! Vivian,
I Have All The Vitamins Except Biotin. I’ll Have To Try It! Thank You Very Much, As Always, For Sharing Your Articles With Us.
Take Care And Stay Well.
LOVE, LESLIE (MS. L. CARMEL)
My doctor keeps trying to get me to take Fosamax and I keep refusing. I took it for 5 years earlier in life and are now afraid of the side effects. I am even a little afraid of Calcium because they cause cramps in my legs. I do try to walk as much as possible and eat better. Advise me if there is another solution. Thank you so much for all the valuable information.
Where can I purchase the water distilling machine you talked about previously? We are moving and need to NOT drink city water.
Dear Mary Ann,
We wish you a seamless move! Here’s the link to the Waterwise Distiller: https://saveourbones.com/waterwise
Enjoy clean and delicious water in your new place!
Thank you for our newsletter.
I was reviewing my medical files. As of about two years ago, my current specialist has changed my bone review. I have gone from a high risk of fracture to a low risk.
I am also happy, that I am medication free, fortunately. I do my best to avoid all medication and over the counter ones as well.
I will be going for a check up this year, for my bones, as well as other medical checks.
On another topic, some doctors say, the condition a person has is genetic. How much is genetic and how much are other factors a contributing factor. This is something I continually am curious about. I can see both sides of the story, concerning any medical condition.
I am not in any rush to have another BMD test, suppose I should go this year, then I will know the status of my bones.
I missed my test in 2013, due to other commitments.
Will update later.
What do you know about strontium for strenghtening bones?
Sylvia, Vivian has written a lot on this topic! If you type “strontium” into the search box at the top of the page, you’ll see a list of all the articles she’s written on this topic. 🙂
My Mother was hospitalized with pneumonia and congestive heart failure. She was very weak. They told her that she has osteoporosis. Not sure what test, they are basing the osteoporosis diagnosis on. They told her not to try and walk. At the hospital and the rehab facility, they had 2 people pick her up. Now she is at home and using a wheel chair full time. I think she would be better trying to stand and walk. This seems like a mess of liability and managing patients.
Dear Vivian,
I’m 59 years old and was shocked to learn 2 years ago (after a stress fracture of my fibia) that I had osteoporosis in L2 (-2.8) and L4 (-3.0). My hip and femur scores were just slightly osteopenic.
Ive been following your advice since I decided not to take drugs, which my GP had immediately prescribed for me. I had the blessing of my open minded Consultant Physician, who advised I try your system for two years and have another scan to see how I was doing.
Ive just had the result of my second DEXA scan and the scores have improved L2 now – 2.5, L4 now -2.5. Overall the bone density of every vertebra has improved. Im thrilled that Ive made this improvement in my bone density in spite of being two years older. This makes an improvement even more impressive.
Its really encouraging and I will certainly keep up the regimen as I also feel fitter and more energetic than Ive ever felt in my life. Thanks for all your great advice.
Sue
hi Sue, well done wish all docs were as open minded as yours, just fractured my wrist which wasn’t 100% due to falling but smashing into a heavy mirror. Will be sent for another Dexa scan, you normally only get 1 in England that was about 5 years ago. I have been trying Vivian’s program for a while now, {came off Aloadronic Acid a few years ago} though not the calcium pills True Osteo but working out the cost of importing. Could I ask you a question please, Have you been taking True Osteo or any other form of calcium? many thanks Catherine
Many thanks to Vivian for all this info.
I’ve been taking Algaecal which is made by a Canadian company. You can buy it online from an english supplier but its so popular it sells out. I have ordered from canada and it comes in a week and works out almost the same price. Very similar to trueosteo. I take all the recommended bone builders religiously. Good luck
PS I asked my GP to refer me for a second dexa 2 years after diagnosis. If they refuse I think it’s less than £100 to pay privately.
Hi Sue, many thanks for the info that’s just what I needed I will do that. Do you live in America? warm wishes catherine
I just want to tell all you women not to take alendronate which is a generic , to fosomax well I started taking alendronate, in one month I experienced tremendous hair lose, and was cause by this medicatication alendronate is to blame, and I know this was the cause. Because I don’t take no other medication or have any stess SO PLEASE DON’T TAKE THIS MEDICATION, I WAS ASKING IF I STOP ALENDRONATE, IF MY HAIR WILL GROW BACK, I WENT ON LINE AND DOESN’T MENTION ANYTHING IF YOUR HAIR WILL GROW
Yes! This is the answer to my hair loss. Huge amounts would come out as I washed it and it is most depressing. Doctors dismissed it as a mystery. I have stopped the bisphosphonates for over three years now and the hair loss is slowing. Will it come back again? I take a multivitamin and eat fresh fruits and vegetables and do most of my own cooking and baking as I am Coeliac so have to take care about gluten.
Thank you for this information as it has solved my ‘mystery’. The stress of not finding a cause has been intense and has not improved my bones!
You’ve touched on another seldom-mentioned problem, Olivia: stress! It can worsen whatever condition started your stress to begin with, and it’s bad for your bones. I am so glad you’re doing your research, and you’re finding some answers here! 🙂
Read this and just had to comment. Just two tablets of Fosamax triggered major hair loss for me. Thank goodness I stopped. Had lots of other side effects too. The hair loss was so bad I ended up wearing a wig for about 9 months and even now, more than two years later my hair is still not what it was, but it’s getting there. I had a carrier bag full of hair. The Fosamax also triggered hair loss on my legs and elsewhere, and my legs are still hair free. The stuff is poison, don’t touch it.
How frightening, Alison! I hope you’re getting lots of hair-healthy nutrients now.
I just wonder if swimming has the same benefits as walking. I am an avid swimmer, especially since I had 2 spinal & 1 knee surgery. I still walk in winter, but often experience some pain whereas swimming, I swim 1.5 to 2 km at the time, seems to be so easy because of the weightlessness.
Hi Trudy,
Swimming is a fantastic injury-free workout. Water provides resistance, so you do reap some benefits of weight-bearing exercise. It’s not the same as walking, though – walking involves greater impact and therefore more weight-bearing benefits. 🙂 But by all means, keep swimming and do what works best for your body and your situation!
How about walking in the water? Will that increase bone density?
Hi Trudy,my doctor told me a few years ago that swimming was the only thing that i was not to do as it was not good for osteoporosis.It did not make any difference to me as i don’t like swimming,just taught i would mention it to you.
regards Joan