Link between hair loss and UC?

Hair loss and thinning hair is likely caused by the UC flare itself. Flares are tough on the body, we can rapidly loose weight, and hardly eat. We have nutrient deficiencies, low vitamins B, b12, and d, and we can be anemic (have low blood iron). Any one of those things can cause hair loss. Typically, we have hair loss as a delayed reaction to the flare (sometimes delayed 2-months).

Every class of UC medications, all with different mechanisms of action, and different ingredients list hair loss as a rare side effect (from anti-inflammatory mesalamines like Lialda, to immunomodulators like Imuran, to biologics like Remicade).

Hair regrowth is a delayed-reaction to recovery from a UC flare (often delayed by 2-months). The underlying problem needs to be taken care of before this happens, we need to be eating correctly and getting the proper nutrients. If we are anemic then that needs to be corrected. As UC patients we are more likely to have vitamin deficiencies and iron deficiencies (a greater percentage of us have this than the general population, but it is far from guaranteed that we have these).

Seconding both of the above.

My hair has been thinning for years (I was very delayed in going to the doctor or getting a diagnosis) and have only just gone to see a derm about it. In my case it’s likely the iron deficiency (which is also likely due to the UC) causing the hair loss. After 8 mo of iron pills twice daily I’ve only managed to bring my ferritin up to 23 and the derm told me it needs to be closer to 50 for six-plus months before I’ll actually see regrowth.