Does Tymlos Cause Hair Loss？

What Is Tymlos?

Tymlos (abaloparatide) is a prescription medication used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at high risk for bone fractures. It belongs to a class of drugs called parathyroid hormone-related proteins.

Tymlos helps build new bone and increases bone mineral density by mimicking parathyroid hormone. It is administered as a daily injection under the skin.

Evidence For Tymlos And Hair Loss

• Tymlos prescribing information lists alopecia (hair loss) as an uncommon side effect reported in <1% of clinical trial participants.
• A 2018 review of parathyroid hormone analogs found hair loss to be an infrequent adverse event with an incidence of just 0.7% among osteoporosis patients treated with abaloparatide.
• In the phase 3 Abaloparatide Comparator Trial, alopecia was reported in only 1 out of 824 women (0.1%) receiving abaloparatide, similar to placebo.
• A 2021 case report described diffuse hair shedding in a 65-year-old woman after 4 months of Tymlos use which resolved after discontinuation.
• Several self-reports online describe hair thinning, increased shedding or diffuse alopecia occurring around 3-6 months after starting Tymlos. Symptoms improved after stopping treatment.
• The mechanism is unclear but may involve effects on vitamin D, calcium, hormones, and stress on the hair growth cycle. One theory is that improved bone formation diverts nutrients from hair follicles.
• While not common, Tymlos appears capable of causing a telogen effluvium-like diffuse shedding in a subset of susceptible individuals. However, severe alopecia is very rare.

In summary, clinical evidence suggests Tymlos only causes minor hair shedding in a small percentage of patients. However, individual sensitivity to drug-induced hair loss can vary. Monitoring and discontinuation are advised if significant hair loss occurs.

Potential Alternatives To Tymlos

If hair loss is a concern with Tymlos treatment, there are some potential alternative medications for osteoporosis that may be considered:

• Bisphosphonates like alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel) and ibandronate (Boniva) – These drugs may be less likely to cause hair shedding compared to Tymlos. They work by reducing bone breakdown.
• Denosumab (Prolia) – This monoclonal antibody drug helps build bone by inhibiting osteoclasts. Hair loss does not appear to be a major side effect.
• Raloxifene (Evista) – This SERM acts like estrogen to maintain bone density, with less risk of hair loss compared to hormone therapy.
• Estrogen – Estrogen pills, patches, gels and injections directly replace this hormone lost during menopause. However, they carry more hair loss risk than SERMs like raloxifene.
• Teriparatide (Forteo) – This parathyroid hormone drug is similar to Tymlos but with a lower incidence of hair loss in studies.
• Calcitonin – This thyroid hormone helps limit bone resorption. Mild hair shedding may occur.

Discuss pros and cons of these alternatives with your doctor to find the most appropriate osteoporosis treatment for your needs and preferences. Lifestyle changes like diet, exercise and fall prevention can also optimize bone health.

Managing Hair Loss on Tymlos

If you experience new onset hair loss or shedding while taking Tymlos, here are some tips that may help:

• Check in with your doctor to rule out other causes like thyroid disorders.
• Ask about taking vitamin D, calcium, biotin, or iron supplements to support hair growth.
• Use volumizing shampoos and conditioners formulated for thinning hair.
• Try topical treatments like minoxidil (Rogaine) to stimulate follicles.
• Get more protein, vitamins (especially A, C, and Bs), zinc, and iron in your diet.
• Use hair thickening fibers or sprays temporarily to disguise thin patches.
• Lower stress, exercise, and get enough sleep.
• Be patient – hair regrowth takes time. Any Tymlos-related shedding should resolve within 6 months of stopping treatment.
• Discuss lowering the Tymlos dose with your doctor if hair loss becomes a major concern.

Conclusion

In summary, hair loss is not a common or pronounced side effect of Tymlos treatment. Some individuals may experience minor hair shedding or thinning, likely due to Tymlos’ effects on hormones, vitamin D, calcium, and hair follicle cycling. Severe hair loss on Tymlos appears to be rare. If you develop significant hair loss on Tymlos, talk to your doctor about potential causes and ways to manage it. Reassuringly, any hair loss related to the drug should reverse after discontinuation. Proper nutrition, supplements, and hair treatments can also help counteract hair thinning until Tymlos is finished.