Does Ozempic Cause Hair Loss? Here’s the Verdict

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic can have significant benefits for weight management and blood sugar management; however, these drugs do not come without side effects. While the gastrointestinal and digestive side effects of these injectable medications are widely talked about, there are less common issues like hair loss that can occur after taking these drugs. Hair loss isn’t considered a direct side effect of Ozempic, yet many patients report hair loss as they lose weight. Let’s explore the connection between GLP-1 receptor agonist medications and potential hair loss.

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What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic (also known as semaglutide) is FDA-approved to lower blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition to reducing blood sugar levels, Ozempic has been shown in clinical trials to support weight loss and is often prescribed off-label as a weight loss drug. Ozempic is a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA or GLP-1), along with other common brand-name drugs like Trulicity, Mounjaro, Saxenda, and Wegovy. 

These drugs work by binding to and activating the GLP-1 receptor cells that are located in the pancreas and lowering blood glucose in the following ways:¹

• Trigger your pancreas to release more insulin when your blood sugar is high.
• Slow down digestion in the stomach (also called delayed gastric emptying).
• Prevent your liver from producing and secreting glucose into the bloodstream.

The Link Between Semaglutide and Hair Loss: What You Need to Know

Ozempic has a laundry list of common side effects like nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, but this list does not include hair loss. Why, then, are many patients reporting that they’re experiencing this after taking Ozempic?

Various factors can cause hair loss, so let's explore how it may be related to Ozempic. Weight loss after taking Ozempic is often drastic, which can further affect your body. Sudden weight loss can act as a metabolic stressor. Additionally, the reduced appetite caused by drugs like Ozempic can lead to insufficient intake of important macronutrients and micronutrients. Both stress and nutritional deficiencies can lead to a hair growth condition called telogen effluvium or TE.² Telogen effluvium is a form of alopecia that causes short-term hair shedding.³ 

Let’s look at the causes of TE and how to manage and reduce hair loss. 

Understanding Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a condition that causes temporary hair loss and can affect individuals of any age, or background, but is most commonly seen in women. TE is triggered when physiologic stress causes hair in the hair cycle's growing phase (anagen phase) to enter the resting phase (telogen phase). When this occurs, the growth of the telogen hairs stops for approximately 3-6 months. There is mild to moderate hair shedding when these hairs re-enter the growth phase.³ TE is a dermatological condition, so if you’re experiencing symptoms, you should talk to your dermatologist. 

Key Factors Leading to Telogen Effluvium

It’s important to note that weight loss with or without weight loss medications like Ozempic can lead to this type of hair loss. So, while patients taking GLP-1 drugs may experience hair loss concurrently, it’s not technically a side effect. In addition to weight loss, TE may also be caused by:

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Research has shown that reduced protein intake and deficiencies in vitamin A, vitamin D, B vitamins like niacin and biotin, and vitamin E, as well as deficiencies in minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium, are associated with TE.² 
• Psychological or Physical Stress: Stress can also cause hormonal changes, exacerbating hair loss.³
• Specific Medications: Drugs like beta-blockers, retinoids, and anticoagulants have all been linked to TE.⁴
• Infection or High Fever: TE can be triggered by serious illnesses. TE was commonly reported in patients recovering from COVID-19 infection.⁵
• Childbirth: Giving birth can be both physically and emotionally stressful, so it’s no surprise that many women experience excessive hair shedding months after having a baby.⁶

<div class="pro-tip"><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href=ozempic-and-pregnancy>Ozempic and Pregnancy: Safety, Risks, and Considerations</a>.</div>

^‍Exploring Ozempic Side Effects

While Ozempic remains one of the most popular drugs on the market, its potential side effects shouldn’t be overlooked. Below are other health concerns associated with taking Ozempic:¹

• Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain
• Hypoglycemia: blurred vision, sweating, anxiety, dizziness, headaches
• Pancreatitis 
• Kidney failure 
• Thyroid cancer
• Severe allergic reactions

Tips to Avoid Hair Loss With Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound

Below are some tips on how to avoid hair loss with GLP-1 medications.

• Talk to your healthcare provider about your weight loss goals to determine your best medication plan.
• Work with a dietitian or nutritionist to ensure you eat a healthy diet and prevent nutrient deficiencies.
• Monitor your weight loss progress, and get medical advice if you have concerns like rapid weight loss. 
• Review all medications with your doctor, especially if taking medications known to cause TE.
• Avoid products with harsh chemical and hot styling tools that may damage your hair. 
• If you experience TE, talk to your dermatologist about potential hair loss treatments.

Learn More About How to Improve Blood Sugar Levels With Signos

Signos incorporates cutting-edge research and the proven power of continuous glucose monitoring to help you lose weight and improve your health. Not sure if Signos is right for you? Take this quiz to find out! Interested in learning more about nutrition and healthy eating habits? Check out more articles on our blog

<div class="pro-tip"><strong>Learn More: </strong><a href=what-happens-if-you-stop-taking-ozempic>What Happens if You Stop Taking Ozempic? Ozempic Withdrawal Explained</a>.</div>