Ozempic has become a widely used treatment for type 2 diabetes thanks to its effectiveness in controlling blood sugar and reducing appetite. However, as more people begin using this medication, questions about its lesser-known side effects have started to surface, particularly whether Ozempic can cause hair loss. While hair loss isn’t listed as an official side effect, many users have reported thinning hair or increased shedding while on the drug.
If you take Ozempic and are concerned about hair loss or increased shedding, here is what you need to know about the link between semaglutide-based medications and hair loss.
Key Takeaways
- Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to manage type 2 diabetes and support weight loss.
- Hair loss is not an officially listed side effect of Ozempic, but some users report experiencing it.
- The most likely explanation for Ozempic-related hair loss is telogen effluvium, a temporary form of hair shedding triggered by stress or major body changes. Most Ozempic-related hair loss is considered temporary hair loss and typically resolves as the body adjusts.
- Working with a registered diabetes dietitian can help address nutritional gaps and reduce hair loss risk.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is one of the most recognized GLP-1 receptor agonist medications available today. It’s a once-weekly injection that contains semaglutide as its active component and was approved by the FDA in 2017 for treating adults with type 2 diabetes. In addition to blood sugar control, Ozempic has also been shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in adults with type 2 diabetes.
As a GLP-1 medication, Ozempic works by mimicking the natural GLP-1 hormone released after eating. It supports individuals with type 2 diabetes in three main ways:
- It promotes the pancreas to produce and release insulin, helping to manage blood sugar levels.
- It slows down how quickly food leaves the stomach, which increases feelings of fullness.
- It decreases appetite by reducing hunger signals to the brain, often leading to reduced calorie intake and potential weight loss.
Ozempic Side Effects
Like any medication, taking Ozempic can lead to potential side effects. The most common side effects associated with Ozempic include
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Vomiting
Ozempic also comes with a risk of rare side effects, such as inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), changes in vision (diabetic retinopathy), low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), kidney problems, severe stomach problems, or gallbladder problems. Rare but important risks also include allergic reactions, which can range from mild to severe and require immediate medical attention if symptoms occur. Additionally, thyroid cancer has been observed as a rare potential risk in animal studies with GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic. These side effects are rare, but it’s important to be aware of them before starting Ozempic, as certain health conditions may increase the risk of encountering certain side effects.
Does Ozempic Cause Hair Loss?
Hair loss is not currently an officially recognized side effect of Ozempic or other similar GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy or Zepbound. However, there have been anecdotal reports of patients using GLP-1 medications and experiencing hair loss.
How Ozempic Can Cause Hair Loss
Rapid weight loss can cause hair loss, which is why Ozempic has a reputation of sometimes causing hair loss. Telogen effluvium (TE) is the second most common form of hair loss that can be diagnosed by dermatologists, and it has several triggers, such as rapid weight loss, stress or shock, childbirth, menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). TE occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the telogen phase, which is the resting stage of the hair growth cycle during which hair stops growing and is eventually shed.
Taking GLP-1 medications requires lifestyle modifications that may put new stress on the body, as patients taking a medication like Ozempic will eat a lot less than they did prior. They’re also encouraged to do things like eat different foods and start exercising to get the most out of the medication. Changes like these can potentially put enough stress on the body to trigger TE.
What to Do if You Notice Hair Loss
Because stress is a big trigger of hair loss caused by TE, one of the most important things you can do is try to reduce your stress levels. Actively working to manage stress levels through techniques such as yoga, meditation, or mindfulness can help minimize hair loss.
A changing diet can also exacerbate hair loss, especially if you have nutritional deficiencies. Iron deficiency is a common underlying cause of hair loss, so consider getting tested for iron deficiency anemia or other nutritional deficiencies. Work with your doctor to identify nutritional deficiencies in your diet and then add those nutrients back in, either with whole food options or with dietary supplements. Nutritional interventions, such as targeted supplementation or dietary adjustments, can support hair regrowth and improve overall hair health. However, it’s also a good idea to consider working with a registered dietitian who can help you establish a balanced diet that meets all your nutritional needs.
On the subject of diet, when you eat, try to eat your protein before other foods. Protein intake can help reduce the amount of stress your body is under as it adjusts to being on a GLP-1 medication.
You may also want to discuss your hair loss with your doctor, especially if you’re on other medications that could potentially cause it. Your doctor may be able to rule out if Ozempic is the actual cause of your hair loss or not.
3 Hair Loss Treatment Options
There are several different hair loss treatment options available for those who have experienced hair shedding or significant hair loss due to taking Ozempic.
For individuals with persistent or severe hair loss, a hair transplant may be considered a permanent solution after other approaches have been tried.
1. Changing Medications
If you experience significant hair loss, you may want to talk to your doctor about trying another medication. Your doctor may recommend an alternative diabetes medication if hair loss persists or becomes bothersome. There are other type 2 diabetes medications that can help improve blood sugar control, so if that is your primary reason for using Ozempic, you can talk to your doctor about switching medications.
2. Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are an effective treatment option that helps strengthen hair follicles and increase hair growth. It works by taking plasma directly from your blood and injecting it into the scalp to stimulate hair growth and help grow healthier hair. This method is often used with people experiencing TE.
3. Topical Treatments
If you aren’t interested in going the surgical route with something like PRP injections, consider topical treatments, such as those containing minoxidil, that can help stimulate hair growth and prevent further thinning or loss. There are also oral prescription medications that can potentially be helpful in reducing the amount of hair loss experienced. However, they aren’t approved for all people, so it’s important to consult your doctor.
Managing Hair Loss While Taking Ozempic
It can be painful to deal with hair loss while you’re focused on improving your health. Fortunately, this type of hair loss is usually temporary and manageable with the right support.
Ozempic is often used as part of a broader weight management plan, which can help address both metabolic health and hair loss concerns.
If you’re concerned about hair loss while taking Ozempic, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Sign up today to speak with a registered dietitian at no cost to you. A dietitian can help you identify nutritional gaps, reduce stress on your body, and build a sustainable plan to support both your health and hair.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Ozempic Hair Loss
Is Ozempic Hair Loss Permanent?
In most cases, hair loss related to taking Ozempic or other medications using the active ingredient semaglutide is not permanent. Telogen effluvium typically lasts for six to twelve months after being triggered, but it usually stops once the medication has been discontinued.
How Common is Hair Loss When Taking Ozempic?
It’s currently estimated that about 3% of people who take semaglutide-based medications like Ozempic or Wegovy experience hair loss.
Are There Alternatives to Ozempic that Don’t Cause Hair Loss?
The two most common alternatives to semaglutide-based medications are liraglutide and tirzepatide. However, because telogen effluvium is caused by stress triggers in the body, and all three of these GLP-1 medications have similar effects, they all have the potential to cause hair loss. If hair loss is a concern for you, discuss it with your doctor. There are other type 2 diabetes medications that could be a better fit for your needs.
How Much Hair Loss is Normal While Taking Ozempic?
It’s difficult to say how much hair loss is normal when taking Ozempic due to the lack of data surrounding Ozempic hair loss, and because there’s a lot of variation from person to person. Currently, there isn’t a specific amount of hair loss that is considered “normal.”
Do Some People Have a Bigger Risk of Hair Loss While Taking Ozempic?
Some medical conditions may increase the risk of experiencing hair loss or hair thinning while taking medications like Ozempic. For example, people with anemia or thyroid disorders may be more susceptible to hair loss after starting a GLP-1 medication.
