Doctors Explore Surprising Connection Between Medication and Hair Health
Concerns have arisen regarding the potential for hair issues related to the use of Ozempic. While Ozempic side effects often revolve around weight loss, nausea, and stomach discomfort, the question remains: does Ozempic lead to hair loss?
Experts in the field, including endocrinologist Deena Adimoolam, M.D., dermatologist Janiene Luke, M.D., pharmacist Emily Aboujaoude, Pharm.D., and pharmacology professor Jamie Alan, Ph.D., shed light on this matter. While anecdotal evidence hints at a correlation between weight loss induced by this type 2 diabetes medication and hair thinning, the topic is more complex. Below, medical professionals delve into whether Ozempic triggers hair loss and the underlying mechanisms behind potential hair thinning.
Is hair loss a possible side effect of Ozempic? Research has not definitively proven a direct link between Ozempic and hair loss. However, studies do suggest that rapid weight loss, a common outcome of Ozempic usage, can contribute to hair thinning and loss.
“Significant weight loss can put stress on the body, potentially leading to a condition called telogen effluvium, which hinders hair growth and results in hair loss,” explains Dr. Adimoolam. “Another factor may be malnutrition, as some individuals on semaglutide may experience reduced appetite and subsequently miss out on vital nutrients and vitamins essential for the body.”
Categorized as a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), Ozempic mimics a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and suppresses appetite. Dr. Alan clarifies that GLP-1s themselves do not typically cause hair loss. Instead, the observed hair issues are likely due to nutritional imbalances during the weight loss process.
How prevalent is hair loss among individuals taking Ozempic? Dr. Adimoolam stresses that hair issues are relatively common and depend on the pace of weight reduction. Dermatologist Dr. Luke notes an increasing number of patients on Ozempic experiencing hair loss, though the research in this field remains inconclusive.
Possible explanations for this phenomenon include disruptions to the hair growth cycle due to rapid weight loss and hormonal irregularities triggering early-onset pattern hair loss, as Dr. Luke posits. Factors such as stress and deficiencies in biotin, iron, protein, or zinc, as highlighted by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), may also contribute to hair loss associated with weight reduction.
Are there other weight loss medications that may lead to hair issues? Drugs facilitating swift weight loss can potentially result in hair loss. According to Pharm.D. Aboujaoude, sudden weight reduction can deplete vital nutrients and vitamins, potentially impacting hair health.
Hair loss can be caused by deficiencies in iron, zinc, protein, selenium, essential fatty acids, and amino acids, but visible effects may take months to manifest. Telogen effluvium is a form of hair loss where stress triggers hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely. This cycle typically includes growth (anagen), transition (catagen), resting (telogen), and shedding (exogen) phases. While most hair is usually in the growth phase, in telogen effluvium, more hair is in the resting phase, leading to excess shedding. This condition is usually temporary and can be addressed by treating the underlying cause. Factors like recent illness, childbirth, rapid weight loss, certain health conditions, severe infections, and psychological stress can contribute to telogen effluvium. To prevent hair loss while on Ozempic, it is essential to avoid rapid weight loss and ensure a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like protein and vitamins crucial for hair growth. If nutrient deficiency is identified as the cause of hair loss, supplementation can aid in regrowth. Hair should grow back within six to 12 months after stopping Ozempic, even if you continue taking the medication. While hair loss is not a recognized side effect of Ozempic, Novo Nordisk lists potential side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
