Cyclosporine and Hair Loss: Understanding the Link

15 May 2023

Introduction to Cyclosporine and Hair Loss

As someone who has experienced hair loss, I understand the frustration and embarrassment that comes with it. Over the years, I've tried various treatments to help regrow my hair, and one medication that I came across was cyclosporine. In this article, I'll be discussing the link between cyclosporine and hair loss, and how understanding this connection can help you make an informed decision about whether this treatment is right for you. So, let's dive in and explore the relationship between cyclosporine and hair loss.

What is Cyclosporine?

Cyclosporine is a medication that was initially developed to help prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. It is an immunosuppressive drug that works by suppressing the body's immune system. This is important because the immune system can sometimes attack transplanted organs, leading to organ rejection. However, over time, researchers discovered that cyclosporine also had some interesting effects on hair growth.


Today, cyclosporine is used for various conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and even certain types of hair loss. But before we delve into the relationship between cyclosporine and hair loss, let's first understand how this drug works.

How Does Cyclosporine Work?

Cyclosporine works by suppressing the immune system, specifically targeting a type of white blood cell called T-lymphocytes. These cells play a crucial role in the immune system's response to infections and other foreign substances in the body. By inhibiting the activation of T-lymphocytes, cyclosporine helps to reduce inflammation and prevent the immune system from attacking healthy cells.


As I mentioned earlier, this immunosuppressive action is particularly useful in preventing organ rejection in transplant patients. However, it's also this same mechanism of action that has led to the discovery of cyclosporine's effects on hair growth and hair loss.

Cyclosporine and Hair Growth: A Surprising Discovery

It was during clinical trials with transplant patients that researchers first noticed the unexpected side effect of hair growth in those who were taking cyclosporine. This observation led to further studies, which revealed that cyclosporine could indeed stimulate hair growth, even in people without hair loss problems. This finding was quite surprising, as hair growth was not the intended purpose of the drug.


As a result of these findings, researchers began to investigate the potential use of cyclosporine for treating various types of hair loss, such as alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss.

Understanding the Link between Cyclosporine and Hair Loss

As I delved deeper into the connection between cyclosporine and hair loss, I found that the drug's immunosuppressive effects were indeed responsible for promoting hair growth. By suppressing the immune system, cyclosporine prevents the attack on hair follicles, which is often the underlying cause of hair loss in conditions like alopecia areata.


Moreover, cyclosporine has been shown to extend the growth phase of hair follicles, known as the anagen phase. This extended growth phase results in longer, thicker hair. It's important to note, however, that the hair growth-promoting effects of cyclosporine are usually temporary and may not be effective for all types of hair loss.

Using Cyclosporine for Hair Loss: Potential Risks and Side Effects

Although cyclosporine has been proven to be effective in promoting hair growth in some cases, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with its use. Since cyclosporine suppresses the immune system, it can increase the risk of infections and other health issues. Some common side effects of cyclosporine include high blood pressure, kidney problems, and liver issues.


Furthermore, using cyclosporine for hair loss may not be suitable for everyone. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before considering this treatment option, as they can help you determine if it's appropriate for your specific situation and guide you through the potential risks and benefits.

Alternative Treatments for Hair Loss

While cyclosporine may be an effective treatment option for some types of hair loss, it's not the only solution available. There are several other treatments that can help combat hair loss, including over-the-counter medications like minoxidil, prescription drugs like finasteride, and even surgical procedures such as hair transplants.


It's essential to explore all available treatment options and consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your specific hair loss situation. Remember, what works for one person may not necessarily be the best solution for you.

Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Cyclosporine for Hair Loss

After researching and understanding the link between cyclosporine and hair loss, I've come to realize that this treatment option has both its benefits and drawbacks. While it may be effective in promoting hair growth for some individuals, the potential risks and side effects may outweigh the benefits for others.


Ultimately, the decision to use cyclosporine for hair loss should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional who can guide you through the process and help you weigh the pros and cons. In the meantime, I hope that this article has provided you with valuable information to better understand the relationship between cyclosporine and hair loss, and to make a more informed decision about your hair loss treatment options.

14 Comments

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    Brooklyn Andrews

    May 15, 2023 AT 09:39
    I tried cyclosporine for my alopecia areata back in 2018. Hair grew back like crazy for 6 months-then stopped. And my blood pressure? Went through the roof. Not worth it.

    Now I just use minoxidil and wear a hat. Simple.
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    Sean Nhung

    May 15, 2023 AT 17:41
    This is actually super interesting! 🤯 I had no idea cyclosporine could make hair grow. My cousin took it after a kidney transplant and his hair got so thick he stopped shaving his head. But yeah, the side effects sound scary. Kidney issues? No thanks. Maybe there’s a topical version coming soon?
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    thilagavathi raj

    May 16, 2023 AT 17:26
    Cyclosporine is a double-edged sword. Immunosuppressant → hair growth. But also → opportunistic infections, nephrotoxicity, hypertension. The risk-benefit ratio is TERRIBLE for non-life-threatening conditions. This isn't a beauty treatment. It's a nuclear option.
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    Vivek Mishra

    May 18, 2023 AT 01:40
    Wrong. It doesn't work for most people.
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    kat pur

    May 19, 2023 AT 04:08
    I love how this post breaks down the science without being overwhelming. As someone who’s watched my mom battle psoriasis with cyclosporine, I can say the hair growth was a weird silver lining-but the fatigue and constant doctor visits? Not worth it. We switched to biologics after a year. Still, good info here.
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    Saloni Khobragade

    May 19, 2023 AT 06:50
    This article is so irresponsible. You’re telling people to use a drug that can KILL their kidneys just to grow hair? Have you even read the FDA warnings? This isn't a TikTok hack. People are going to self-prescribe this and end up in the ER. Shame on you for normalizing this.
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    Debra Callaghan

    May 19, 2023 AT 14:21
    I can't believe you're even suggesting this. You think it's okay to risk liver failure for a fuller head of hair? What's next, using chemotherapy for bangs? This is dangerous misinformation. People need to know this isn't a 'treatment'-it's a last-resort drug for transplant patients. Period.
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    Diane Thompson

    May 19, 2023 AT 15:16
    Ugh I read this and was like 'oh cool' then saw 'kidney damage' and just closed the tab. Why do people write these articles like it's a miracle cure? It's not. It's a chemical bomb with a side of hair. Don't be fooled.
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    Joanne Haselden

    May 21, 2023 AT 13:52
    I want to thank you for sharing your journey-it takes courage to talk about hair loss. I’ve been there too. Cyclosporine is not a casual solution, but I’ve seen patients with severe alopecia areata experience life-changing regrowth when nothing else worked. The key is monitoring: regular labs, BP checks, and working with a dermatologist who specializes in immunodermatology. It’s not magic, but for some, it’s a bridge back to confidence.
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    Sandridge Neal

    May 23, 2023 AT 12:03
    Thank you for this well-researched and balanced perspective. As a medical educator, I appreciate how you contextualize cyclosporine's off-label use without sensationalizing it. The distinction between immunosuppression-induced anagen prolongation and androgenetic alopecia is critical. I would encourage readers to consult a board-certified dermatologist before considering any systemic therapy for hair loss, particularly those with significant systemic risks.
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    Reginald Matthews

    May 24, 2023 AT 21:52
    I’ve been on cyclosporine for 3 years for my psoriasis. My scalp hair is thicker than it’s been since I was 20. But I also have to get blood drawn every 2 weeks and take 8 pills a day. It’s a trade-off. I’m not saying it’s for everyone, but for me? Worth it. I just wish more people knew the real story behind these meds-not just the scary side effects.
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    Mitch Baumann

    May 26, 2023 AT 20:47
    Ah, yes-the classic 'cyclosporine-for-hair' myth. Let me just say, as someone who's read every single peer-reviewed paper on calcineurin inhibitors since 2010... this is a gross oversimplification. The mechanism is not 'suppress immune system → hair grows.' It's complex, dose-dependent, and involves IL-2 inhibition, follicular stem cell modulation, and VEGF upregulation. Please stop reducing pharmacology to TikTok soundbites.
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    Vatsal Nathwani

    May 28, 2023 AT 09:10
    You're telling people to risk kidney failure for hair? I'm not even mad. I'm just disappointed. You could've written about scalp micropigmentation. Or wigs. Or just accepting yourself. But no-you went for the drug that kills people. Classic.
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    Helen Moravszky

    May 29, 2023 AT 22:09
    I'm so glad someone finally talked about this! I was on cyclosporine for 18 months after my transplant and my hair grew back like a 1980s rockstar 😍 But honestly? The worst part wasn't the meds-it was the fear. Every time I got a cold, I panicked. I’m off it now, and my hair’s thinning again... but I’m alive. And that’s what matters. Thanks for the honesty!

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