Hair loss

Hair loss is a symptom that occurs occasionally in ME/CFS. It can also be a symptom of comorbid illnesses such as hypothyroidism or systemic lupus erythematosus. Hair loss can occur either in patches (alopecia areata), or, more commonly, as a general thinning across the head.

Prevalence
The Canadian Consensus Criteria recognizes hair loss as a neuroendocrine system symptom in ME/CFS.

Katrina Berne reports a prevalence of 20-35% for hair loss.

Potential causes

 * Endocrine changes
 * Medication side effect (e.g. DHEA, Ampligen, Elmiron)
 * Lysine deficiency
 * Excessive Vitamin A intake
 * Excessive selenium intake
 * Increase in stress hormones

Potential treatments

 * Treatment of comorbid illnesses such as hypothyroidism or systemic lupus erythematosus
 * Avoidance of harsh hair products
 * B vitamins
 * Coenzyme Q10
 * Ginkgo biloba
 * Inositol