Hair Care Guide When Taking Letrozole or Tamoxifen After Chemotherapy

After completing a long and arduous journey of chemotherapy, the sight of hair regrowing is a welcome sign of a new beginning. However, many women who have battled breast or ovarian cancer face another stage: taking medications to suppress or regulate estrogen—such as Letrozole or Tamoxifen—for anywhere from 3 to over 5 years to prevent recurrence. While these drugs play a vital role in saving lives, they unfortunately act unfavorably toward hair growth and regeneration, often preventing hair from recovering to its pre-treatment state. I want to emphasize that "those taking Letrozole or Tamoxifen need to be even more proactive about hair loss treatment and scalp care during their medication period, as it is possible to make hair healthier through dedicated treatment and management."

1. Why Do Hormone Suppressants Affect Hair?

Hormone suppressants are essential treatments that significantly lower the risk of cancer recurrence by blocking the action of estrogen, which fuels the growth of certain cancer cells. However, because they also block the positive functions of estrogen—such as promoting the growth phase of hair and maintaining volume—the following changes in the scalp and hair may occur:

• Thinning and Reduced Density: New hair growing after chemotherapy may be weak and thin, and overall density may decrease, making the scalp more visible.
• Slower Growth Rate: The speed at which hair grows slows down noticeably.
• Changes in Hair Texture: Hair can become dry, brittle, and lose its elasticity easily.
• Scalp Dryness and Sensitivity: The scalp itself may become dry and react sensitively to minor irritants.

2. 'Management' is More Important Than 'Endurance'

Many patients silently endure hair problems for years while taking hormone suppressants, with the mindset of "as long as I can prevent cancer from returning..." However, seeing unrecovered hair in the mirror every day can become a significant source of stress, lowering quality of life and creating a vicious cycle that further aggravates hair loss. Hair care during this period should focus on safe and consistent management that optimizes the scalp environment and directly revitalizes hair follicles, rather than relying on oral hair loss medications.

3. Proactive Hair Recovery Management Plan

If you consistently engage in the following efforts while taking hormone suppressants, you can see clear improvements in hair regeneration and thickness:

• Utilize Topical Medications: It is beneficial to consistently use topical agents, scalp tonics, or ampoules that stimulate follicles and aid blood circulation. Lee Moon Won Clinic utilizes various topical treatments made from natural ingredients such as Prunus mume, Cherry blossom, and Celandine.
• Professional Scalp Care (Head Spa): Periodically receiving professional help for scalp scaling, massage, and high-concentration nutrient supply is highly beneficial.
• Scalp Injection Therapy: Consulting with a specialist for procedures that inject nutrients or hair growth factors directly into the scalp can create a synergistic effect in awakening weakened follicles and promoting regeneration.
• Nutritional Supplements: Taking supplements such as protein, B-complex vitamins, zinc, iron, and Vitamin D is recommended. However, please consult with your primary oncologist to ensure they do not interfere with your current medications.
• Scalp Inflammation Treatment: The scalp can become more sensitive during this period. It is crucial to keep the scalp clean and treat any itching or breakouts immediately so that inflammation does not hinder hair recovery.

Having overcome the fight against cancer, you are a stronger person than anyone else. I hope you accept these changes in your hair not as another frustrating burden, but as a new process of caring for your body. Through proactive and steady management, we can regain thick, beautiful hair along with your health, welcoming a more radiant second chapter of life.