- Some individuals taking GLP-1 drugs have reported hair loss as a possible side effect.
- The exact cause of GLP-1-related hair loss is unclear, but experts say it could be attributed to weight loss from the medication.
- This form of hair loss is considered temporary, and treatments are available to help facilitate hair regrowth.
Significant weight loss is one of the hallmarks of GLP-1 drugs, but some people have claimed that their hair is vanishing along with the excess pounds.
“It’s definitely a common thing that we’re seeing in the office,” said Marisa Garshick, MD, a board certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine.
However, just because a side effect is common doesn’t mean it’s well understood.
There is little published literature on GLP-1-related hair loss, and it remains unclear how prevalent the condition is or what’s causing it. Most experts believe any resulting hair loss isn’t caused by the drugs themselves, but rather by the weight loss they induce.
“We don’t think of it as something specifically unique to the GLP-1s, insofar as any kind of stress placed on the body — be it physical, like surgery, or emotional, psychological, or a lifestyle change — can sometimes contribute to a type of hair shedding called telogen effluvium,” said Garshick.
GLP-1-related hair loss is generally temporary, though it may take time for hair to grow back. Several treatment options are available — from diet and lifestyle changes to supplements, prescription medications, and more.
Other causes include nutrition deficiencies, endocrine disorders, and, yes, dramatic weight loss.
“GLP-1 associated hair loss is unique in that the continued weight loss is a continued ‘stressor,’” said Jenni Holman, MD, FAAD, a diplomate of the American Academy of Dermatology.
“Unlike a singular exposure or event, the ongoing weight loss often slows the body’s ability to reset the hair shedding cycle. As opposed to shedding hair over a few weeks, the hair shedding may continue throughout the weight loss process,” Homan explained.
Since this type of hair loss is likely linked to weight loss and not the GLP-1 drug itself, shedding may not start for months after beginning treatment.
Telogen effluvium tends to resolve once the underlying stressor has been addressed. However, it may take several months before hair volume is restored.
“Generally, we can reassure patients that it’s a temporary process that does tend to get better with time,” Garshick said.
If you notice increased hair shedding, Holman suggests taking a quick inventory of your personal history: “Are there any new medications, stresses, illnesses, or major body [or] life changes in the last three months?”
Diet and other lifestyle factors can have serious effects on hair health, so paying attention to what you’re eating and general stress level are good places to start.
Since most people who take GLP-1s eat less, this may affect diet quality and potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies.
“When hair loss occurs, I check for possible vitamin and iron deficiencies, which can be associated with hair loss. Vitamin D deficiency is common. I also check zinc levels,” said Sun Kim, MD, an associate professor of Endocrinology at Stanford Medicine.
Protein deficiency during weight loss can also exacerbate hair loss, so Kim advises all patients to consume adequate protein while taking a GLP-1 drug.
In some cases, slowing the rate of weight loss may be an effective strategy to mitigate hair loss while also maintaining the benefits of the GLP-1 medication.
Garshick noted that robust scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of certain supplements for hair loss is still lacking.
“There are certain [supplements] where, anecdotally, we’ve had success and certainly I’ve had patients who have done very well,” Garshick said.
Nutrafol, a clinically studied hair loss supplement, has been shown to improve hair regrowth. Other popular supplements include Viviscal and Wellbel.
Remember that nutritional supplements are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so do your due diligence before purchasing such products.
“I recommend nutraceuticals [for hair loss] with some dose of skepticism because they are expensive,” said Kim.
Holman cited some common over-the-counter supplements that may aid hair regrowth by directly addressing dietary deficiencies, such as iron or vitamin C. Such supplements may also be comparatively inexpensive.
“Supplements are most helpful if the hair loss is related to a true deficiency of a nutrient,” she said.
There are some topical serums with substantial evidence to support their effectiveness. Holman recommended platelet-derived exosome serums.
However, like supplements, the evidence for serums, where it exists at all, will vary, as will results.
Even if serums and other leave-in products don’t directly impact hair loss, they may still support scalp and hair health, which can support hair regrowth.
Some types of shampoos may also be helpful.
“There’s a shampoo ingredient called ketoconazole that may be something to consider, especially if you have some underlying predisposition to androgenetic alopecia, in the context of the telogen effluvium,” Garshick said.
“Ketoconazole shampoo or other medicated shampoos that have key ingredients like peptides or biotin can help to strengthen, volumize, and support the hair while we’re waiting for it to grow back,” she added.
Minoxidil has been approved for use by the FDA since the mid-1980s to help facilitate hair regrowth.
It’s available as both an oral pill and a topical liquid or foam.
“Low-dose oral minoxidil is a mainstay of treatment for most types of hair loss,” Holman said.
“While it doesn’t specifically reset the shedding of telogen effluvium that correlates with new medications and weight loss, it does help overall hair growth.”
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses a person’s own blood to isolate plasma, concentrate it, and then inject it into the body. It’s believed to promote healing and hair regrowth.
“When we do that, it helps to stimulate the hair follicles to speed up that regrowth process,” Garshick explained. “So for some patients who they feel like the process is dragging on and they’re not noticing hair regrowth, sometimes this can speed it up.”
Red light therapy may also benefit hair regrowth and can be performed at home using a specialized hat or helmet.
Holman noted that PRP injections and red and orange laser light caps can “achieve a synergistic effect with oral anti-androgens and supplements.”
Regrowing hair takes time, especially if you are continuing to lose weight with GLP-1 medication.
“Typically, if the weight stabilizes, the hair should too,” Garshick said. “But, because hair takes a long time to grow, sometimes you might not see those changes for six to twelve months.”
Holman provided a slightly longer estimate: “If the GLP-1 hair loss is solely the telogen effluvium type hair loss, yes, the body can reset itself. Typically, once weight remains stable, the body will begin to reset the shedding cycle. However, this can take 12-18 months once weight is stable.”
If you’re concerned about GLP-1-related hair loss, consulting a board-certified dermatologist may be a good first step.
“A very real option is also not doing anything. In some cases, it’s better for patients to be heard, evaluated, and just be reassured that things will get better with time,” Garshick said.
Although sudden hair loss can be concerning, remember that it’s likely a temporary side effect. Ask your prescribing physician about hair loss and what you can do about it before making any changes to your medication.
