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Courteney Cox | Source: Getty Images
Courteney Cox | Source: Getty Images

Courteney Cox Revealed Health Issues and Losing Hair from Being ‘Overmedicated’ – Her Transformation in Photos

Milla Sigaba
Jun 14, 2024
09:35 A.M.
  • In 2023, Courteney Cox opened up about losing her hair more than once due to being overmedicated. This health issue also brought along other serious problems.
  • Her revelation came after the "Friends" star admitted to a cosmetic procedure she later called one of her biggest beauty mistakes.
  • Astonishing photos show the actress's transformation over the years.
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Courteney Cox has always been a beloved Hollywood star. However, behind the scenes, she was dealing with some tough medical conditions. She faced "crazy" hair and eyebrow loss due to these issues. The actress has also had honest conversations about cosmetic enhancements. This includes her biggest beauty regret—fillers.

Courteney Cox, circa 1990. | Source: Getty Images

Courteney Cox, circa 1990. | Source: Getty Images

Since navigating these health challenges, Courteney Cox has become a strong advocate for natural aging. Photos show her transformation, from a period when fans thought she'd had "too much" plastic surgery, to embracing natural aging at nearly 60.

Courteney Cox at the screening of "Morton and Hayes," circa 1991. | Source: Getty Images

Courteney Cox at the screening of "Morton and Hayes," circa 1991. | Source: Getty Images

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Early Life and Rise to Fame

Cox was born on June 15, 1964, in Birmingham, Alabama, and had quite the journey to stardom. She started studying architecture at Mount Vernon College. However, the future star soon realized it wasn't her passion. After just a year, she packed her bags and headed to New York City to pursue modeling.

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This bold move was the first step in her exciting entertainment career. Cox's early acting gigs included small parts in movies and TV shows. Her big break came when she appeared in Bruce Springsteen's iconic "Dancing in the Dark" music video.

This exposure opened doors, and in 1985, she made the leap to Los Angeles. In LA, Cox landed a role on the popular TV series "Family Ties." She played Lauren Miller, the girlfriend of Michael J. Fox's character. But it was her role as Monica Geller on "Friends" that really made her a star.

Courteney Cox on the set of "Family Ties," circa 1987. | Source: Getty Images

Courteney Cox on the set of "Family Ties," circa 1987. | Source: Getty Images

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The show ran from 1994 to 2004 and became a huge hit. Cox's performance won fans all over the world. During her rise to fame, Cox was known for her stunning looks, with big blue eyes and jet-black hair. Her youthful appearance became a signature part of her charm.

Courteney Cox on the set of "Friends," circa 1994. | Source: Getty Images

Courteney Cox on the set of "Friends," circa 1994. | Source: Getty Images

Cox didn't stop with "Friends." Instead, she went on to star in "Cougar Town," playing a divorced 40-year-old figuring out life and love. This role earned the actress a Golden Globe nomination in 2010, proving she was a versatile and talented actress.

Courteney Cox at the 67th Annual Golden Globes after-party on January 17, 2010, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Courteney Cox at the 67th Annual Golden Globes after-party on January 17, 2010, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

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From Fillers to Natural Beauty

Cox has become a household name since breaking into the Hollywood acting scene. However, during an interview in March 2023, the actress revealed that the fear of aging led her to start using fillers when she was still quite young. The "Friends" star later confessed to feelings of jealousy as she grew older.

"I get jealous or afraid, whether it's because I'm getting older and I can't stay in the game, or it could be about anything, but anytime I feel jealous, I can't stand it. I will talk to my therapist and go, 'I just hate this feeling,'" Cox shared.

Courteney Cox at the 2019 Hollywood for Science Gala on February 21, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Courteney Cox at the 2019 Hollywood for Science Gala on February 21, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

This decision to ultimately use fillers led to what Cox described as a "domino effect." The actress continually added more fillers without realizing how they altered her appearance. "I didn't realize I looked a little off because I looked normal to myself, so I got more filler," Cox explained.

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Reflecting on her past choices, Cox admitted that she often looked in the mirror and thought she looked good. However, she was unaware of how her changing appearance looked to others. Fortunately, the "Friends" star eventually recognized the mistake and took steps to reverse it.

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"I messed up a lot, and now luckily I was able to reverse most of that, and now I'm actually just older," Cox stated. The actress also expressed relief and acceptance of her natural aging process.

Courteney Cox at the 2022 BRIT Awards on February 8, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Courteney Cox at the 2022 BRIT Awards on February 8, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Fans had varied reactions to Cox's transformation journey. When she initially began using fillers, some fans were critical. "Courteney Cox was so much prettier without plastic surgery," one person tweeted. "Too much plastic surgery for Courteney Cox," another shared.

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"Plastic surgery never looks good," another person commented on a clip of Cox during her 2016 appearance on "Running Wild with Bear Grylls." However, after the actress decided to remove most of the fillers, she received a wave of positive feedback.

Admirers praised her decision. One person commented, "Still beautiful even old." "It doesn't matter how many wrinkles you have, you will always be a talented, beautiful person," another shared. "You have always been beautiful," a third typed.

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Courteney Cox's Health Struggles and Hair Loss

Alongside admitting to using and later dissolving her fillers, Cox opened up about her ongoing battle with hypothyroidism. The actress shed light on the challenging journey she has faced. She also revealed the alarming side effects she experienced.

"My hair was falling out, and it turns out it's because I have hypothyroidism. I think I got overmedicated because I've had it for so many years; your body changes," Cox revealed during her appearance on the "Gloss Angeles Beauty" podcast.

Johnny McDaid and Courteney Cox spotted on September 8, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Johnny McDaid and Courteney Cox spotted on September 8, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Cox's condition was severe. She recalled seeing her tresses all over her cream-colored seats. This worrying sight was a constant reminder of how bad it was getting. Fortunately, the actress's hair started to grow back after tweaking her hypothyroidism treatment.

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However, adjusting her treatment came with its own set of challenges. "But then I got overmedicated again, and now my eyebrows have started falling out, so thank God I microblade," the former "Friends" star shared.

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In addition to hair loss and thinning eyebrows, Cox's medical condition brought other health concerns. She experienced swollen joints. This made it difficult to wear her aura ring. The actress also struggled with excessive weight loss.

Despite these setbacks, Cox remained optimistic and set out on a path to better health. "I went to a really good endocrinologist, and I am on the right track," she admitted. The actress further expressed relief at finally receiving proper care and management for her condition.

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Embracing Natural Aging and Ignoring the Noise

Since embracing natural aging, Cox has shared some of her key beauty rules for aging gracefully. During an interview with Glamour magazine, the actress emphasized the importance of a daily skincare routine. This routine began with cleaning her face daily.

Cox also highlighted the critical role of sunscreen. The actress further expressed regret that she hadn't started using it earlier in life. The "Friends" star also humorously mentioned her attempts to instill this habit in her daughter.

Courteney Cox and her daughter Coco Arquette at the Nanci Ryder's "Team Nanci" participates in the 15th Annual LA County Walk to Defeat ALS on October 15, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Courteney Cox and her daughter Coco Arquette at the Nanci Ryder's "Team Nanci" participates in the 15th Annual LA County Walk to Defeat ALS on October 15, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

However, Cox noted that there was "no way" of explaining its importance to a teenager. "[...] Always moisturize, clean your face, moisturizer, and sunscreen," Cox advised.

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When asked what makes her feel most beautiful, Cox credited being well-rested. She also credited eating well and taking good care of her skin. These simple yet effective practices underscored her approach to maintaining beauty and health as she aged.

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Cox also talked about the pressures faced by female actresses. Hollywood encouraged unrealistic beauty standards, she said. The actress further pointed out the ridiculousness of filters and extreme cosmetic enhancements.

Cox criticized the belief that bigger lips or altering one's body makes them more attractive. The actress further warned that such changes often lead to regret. Her perspective is that "less is always more." This is a philosophy Cox said many people in the industry struggle to embrace.

Courteney Cox photographed on March 6, 2023, in Soho, New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Courteney Cox photographed on March 6, 2023, in Soho, New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Furthermore, Cox revealed that she avoids reading comments about herself online. She does this to keep her mental well-being. The actress mentioned that she only skims through comments from friends. However, she avoids going further than that, as it often leads to encountering negativity.

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Cox also expressed frustration about the constant mention of age in the entertainment industry. The "Friends" star felt that it unnecessarily highlighted something irrelevant to one's talent and abilities.

Courteney Cox during an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on March 1, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

Courteney Cox during an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on March 1, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

By sharing her beauty secrets and honest thoughts on industry pressures, Courteney Cox offers a refreshing perspective on aging naturally and maintaining a positive self-image despite external criticisms.

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