Does Ozempic Cause Hair Loss?

celebrity hair transplant before and after

Hair loss is also known as alopecia. It can be a side effect of the drug Ozempic. Initially, the drug was taken to improve the blood flow in people who have type 2 diabetes and even people looking for weight loss; however, the people who take this drug experience hair loss as a side effect.

In this blog post, let us explore the connection between the two and the recommendations for dealing with hair loss by a top hair transplant clinic in India.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is one of the most popular weight loss drugs, and many celebrities are believed to be taking it. Semaglutide is an active ingredient of the drug that helps promote insulin.

The drug keeps the feeling of being full longer, and thus people do not feel hungry. In 2021, the drug received FDA approval and was categorised as a weight-loss drug.

Does Ozempic Cause Hair Loss?

Ozempic hair loss occurs in 3 to 5 % of people taking the drug according to the top hair transplant surgeon in Delhi. Rapid weight loss can cause stress in the body and result in telogen effluvium, which is a type of hair loss that occurs due to stress or trauma.

Telogen effluvium occurs due to metabolic body stress, chronic illness, and rapid weight loss. Our hair goes through three cycles: A natural growth phase, a transformation phase, and a rest phase. During the rest cycle, hair growth stops, and hair starts to fall. On average, you can lose anywhere from 50 to 100 hairs a day.

In this condition, the body sends more hair follicles into the resting phases. This hair loss may start two to three months after you start losing weight.

Causes of Ozempic Hair Loss

Nutritional deficiencies

Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals like biotin, zinc, and iron contribute to hair thinning. Loss of iron in women can also lead to hair loss. Ozempic decrease your appetite, so people usually eat less. Those who do not supplement the drug with vitamins and minerals will face hair loss.

Hormonal Changes

Ozempic mimics the action of a hormone called glucagon. It helps regulate the body’s sugar levels. Hormone fluctuations can lead to noticeable hair loss.

Stress

Management of type 2 diabetes can be stressful. Stress is a major factor in hair loss.

Is Hair Loss with Ozempic Permanent? Will I Go Bald?

Hair loss associated with Ozempic (semaglutide) is generally a temporary side effect and not severe enough to cause complete baldness. This condition, known as telogen effluvium, often begins within three to four months after starting the medication, coinciding with significant weight loss. While not everyone experiences this, it is a recognised phenomenon among some users.

Once the underlying causes—such as nutritional deficiencies or rapid weight loss—are addressed, hair growth typically resumes. However, if hair loss persists or worsens, it’s advisable to consult a hair transplant clinic in Delhi to explore potential treatments and underlying causes.

Treatment Recommendations for Hair Loss Caused by Ozempic

If you’re experiencing hair loss while taking Ozempic, consider the following steps:

Consult a Healthcare Provider

Before making any changes to your treatment regimen, it’s essential to discuss your symptoms with your doctor. They can help determine if the hair loss is related to Ozempic or other factors.

Ensure Adequate Nutrition

Rapid weight loss can lead to nutritional deficiencies that affect hair health. Incorporating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like biotin, iron, vitamin B complex, and vitamins D and E can support hair growth. Consulting with the best hair transplant surgeon in Delhi NCR before adding supplements is recommended.

Switching Medications

In some cases, it may be possible to switch to an alternative diabetes medication that does not have hair loss as a side effect. This decision should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider.

Lifestyle Modifications

Managing stress is crucial, as stress can exacerbate hair loss. Practising stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can help manage stress levels and support overall well-being.

Topical treatments

Topical treatments, including minoxidil, may help to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. Oral prescription medicines like Finasteride can also be helpful.

PRP

PRP is a highly effective treatment option for giving strength to hair follicles. The solution is derived from the patient’s blood, which is centrifuged, and then platelet-rich plasma is extracted from it. This is injected into the scalp to provide nutrition to the hair. PRP is very effective for patients dealing with telogen effluvium due to Ozempic.

Hair Transplant

If you are experiencing severe or persistent hair loss, then hair transplant surgery in Delhi can be your permanent solution. Boosted FUE hair transplant in Delhi at Dermalife Hair and Skin Clinic provides excellent results to the patients dealing with severe hair loss.

Final Thoughts

Ozempic for weight loss can lead to hair thinning. It can be very distressing.

However, there are various pathways you can explore. You can work closely with your doctor or the experienced hair transplant surgeon in India at Dermalife and explore various treatment options. You can find a solution that helps you manage your diabetes while minimising the impact on your hair health.