There’s no evidence that Ozempic directly causes hair loss. But hair loss can develop with rapid weight loss, which is a known side effect of taking Ozempic. This type of hair loss usually starts 3 months after initial weight loss. It goes away on its own over a few weeks to months.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved injectable medication that can help treat Type 2 diabetes. Ozempic helps the body release more insulin after eating and stops the liver from making more sugar. It also slows how fast the stomach empties, which can make people feel fuller longer and lower appetite.
All of these things lead to better blood sugar control. But they can also cause weight loss and other side effects. While some people aren’t bothered by weight loss, the other side effects are a little more troubling. The most common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.does ozempic cause hair loss
But as more people are turning to Ozempic, other possible side effects are coming to light. People who’ve used Ozempic say they’ve experienced hair loss from taking the medication. Here’s how Ozempic can affect your hair.
Does Ozempic cause hair loss?
Not directly.
People who took Ozempic during the original clinical trials did not report hair loss. It also wasn’t reported as a common side effect of Wegovy, a different medication that also contains semaglutide. That means there’s no evidence that taking any form of semaglutide directly causes hair loss.
But rapid weight loss, a known side effect of taking Ozempic, has been linked to hair loss for decades. People who go through a period of rapid weight loss can develop a condition called telogen effluvium.
Hair follicles go through natural, repeating cycles of growth and rest. During growth phases, the hair follicles grow hair. During the rest phases, hair stops growing and old hair sheds. Then the follicle goes back into a growth phase. Each hair follicle goes through these cycles at slightly different times. This keeps all of your hair from falling out at once.does ozempic cause hair loss
Telogen effluvium develops when a lot of hair follicles go into a rest phase at the same time. These hair follicles then all shed hair at the same time, leading to noticeable hair loss. This condition typically starts about 3 months after someone experiences rapid weight loss.does ozempic cause hair loss
But there’s some good news.does ozempic cause hair loss
Not everyone who experiences rapid weight loss will develop telogen effluvium. Only some people are susceptible to this condition. But it’s not clear who is more likely to develop hair shedding because of rapid weight loss.does ozempic cause hair loss
Also, telogen effluvium doesn’t damage the hair follicle, so hair loss isn’t permanent. Hair follicles will go back to their usual growth patterns after a few weeks to months.does ozempic cause hair loss
How common is hair loss from taking Ozempic?
It’s not clear because hair loss was not reported as a side effect from Ozempic.does ozempic cause hair loss
The data from the Wegovy clinical trials showed that about 3% of people reported more hair shedding. But 1% of people in the placebo (“control”) group also reported more hair shedding. It’s not clear if this difference was significant or not.does ozempic cause hair loss
By comparison though, one study showed that more than half of people who had rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery experienced more hair shedding.
What should you do if you experience hair loss from Ozempic?
If you notice hair shedding, thinning, or loss after you start taking Ozempic, talk with your healthcare provider.
You want to make sure you have telogen effluvium and not another form of hair loss. While telogen effluvium is typically temporary, other causes of hair loss can be permanent.does ozempic cause hair loss
Treatments for permanent types of hair loss work best when they’re started as soon as possible. So it’s best to start the conversation sooner than later. And don’t assume that your hair changes are from Ozempic.
In addition to getting an exam of your scalp, you can also:
Review your medications. Some medications can cause hair loss. Review your medications with your healthcare provider and see if there are alternatives that you could take that won’t affect your hair growth. But make sure you don’t stop your medications without talking to your provider first.
Give your hair a break. Chemicals can damage hair follicles. Taking a break from coloring, perming, or relaxing your hair can give your follicles a chance to rest and recover. And avoid hair products and shampoos that can lead to hair loss and damage.does ozempic cause hair loss
Change your tools and hairstyle. The daily stress of hair styling can also take a toll on hair follicles and increase hair shedding. Avoid heat styling and tight hairstyles that stress your hair.does ozempic cause hair loss
Work on lowering stress. Stress is a well-known trigger for telogen effluvium. Since weight loss puts you at risk for telogen effluvium, you want to avoid other triggers. Whether stress is at work or home, developing a self-care routine can lower stress. Deep breathing, walking, and meditation can help lower stress. Mindfulness-based stress reduction is another popular way of lower stress.does ozempic cause hair loss
Review your diet. While there’s no proof that vitamins can help with hair growth, a healthy diet can boost hair health. Try to include lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your daily routine