It seems like almost everyone I talk to these days either attends Ozempic or knows someone who does.
Ozempic is actually one of the brand names for a drug called semaglutide, which is approved by the FDA to help manage insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Another version of the drug, called Wegovy, has a higher maximum dose (2.4 mg versus 2 mg for Ozempic) and is indicated for weight management (although some doctors prescribe Ozempic off-label for this purpose). ). The drug’s effects on weight have become a hot topic, and too many celebrities have admitted to using it, leading to a continuing shortage of the drug.
Now, talk of side effects (nausea, constipation, a strange phenomenon known as the “Ozempic face”) is at its peak, and hair loss appears to be part of the conversation.
Last week, Claudia Oshry, a popular unemployed influencer (with 3 million followers and counting), shared on her IG Story that Ozempic caused her hair to fall out. And she is just one voice in a growing chorus of people who say they are experiencing these effects. .
Meet the experts: Dr. Anthony Rossi is the founder of Rossi Derm, MD and an assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. Dr. Amy Freeman is a New Jersey-based dermatologist at Milburn Laser Center and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford is an obesity physician and associate professor of medicine and pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
This topic is not limited to social media. Dermatologists who treat hair loss report seeing the phenomenon in their clinics as well.
“Some patients who are receiving semaglutide have noticed that their hair has become thinner, more brittle, or has changed texture while taking the drug,” Dr. says Dr. Anthony Rossi, assistant professor of dermatology.
But what exactly is behind this shedding? To find out, I spoke to Dr. Rossi and other leading experts.
Here’s what they say and how to stop hair loss if it’s happening. Read on for some pretty reassuring advice.
Does Ozempic cause hair loss?
It’s possible, but the drug probably isn’t the direct cause. The cause of hair loss is likely to be weight loss itself.
“There is a type of stress-induced hair loss called telogen effluvium, which can be caused by any physical stressor, including pregnancy, surgery, emotional stress, rapid weight loss, etc.” says dermatologist Dr. Amy Freeman. of Milburn Laser Center, a member of the American Academy of Dermatology. “This is more of an association than a cause-and-effect relationship. It’s not the medication that causes hair loss; it’s the associated weight loss.”
However, it’s important to note that despite online chatter, research on semaglutide suggests that its effects are fairly rare. For example, Wegovy found that in these clinical trials, only 3% of adults reported hair loss as an adverse reaction, compared to 1% with a placebo (no side effects were reported with Ozempic’s indicated use). do not have). And in a study conducted on another popular weight loss drug called terzepatide (also known as Munjaro), 5.7% of patients reported experiencing hair loss, compared to less than 1% with a placebo. Yes, that’s a possibility, but it’s not a probability I’d bet on.
Boy_Anupong//Getty Images
How does Ozempic cause hair loss?
Semaglutide injections mimic the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which suppresses appetite, slows digestion, and affects the amount of fat stored in the body. Translation: If you are using semaglutide, it is very likely that you will eat significantly less food.
“If you look at the data, the average patient loses 15 percent of their total body weight,” says Fatima Cody Stanford, a bariatric physician and associate professor of medicine and pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. says the doctor. “But there may be some high responders who lose up to 35%.”
Also, if you are eating significantly less, you may not have the ideal nutritional balance, which can lead to telogen effluvium, especially if you have reduced protein intake or zinc deficiency. research shows.
“Hair is a dividing cell, and it needs proper nutrition to grow,” says Dr. Rossi. “So when you’re malnourished, your body diverts nutrients away from hair growth to perform other, more important functions. In a sense, your hair is an innocent bystander to this process. ”
Related articles
Telogen effluvium is typically characterized by rapid shedding that occurs approximately three months after the provoking event.
“Hair goes through different growth cycles. There are active growth cycles called anagen and resting phases called telogen,” says Dr. Freeman. “When there is rapid weight loss or nutritional deficiencies, the body thinks it is under stress or duress and shuts down, pushing all hair follicles into telogen phase at the same time.” That’s an exaggeration. This causes molting phenomenon. ”
Will my hair grow back if I stop taking Ozempic?
Good news: Yes, it’s very likely. Most telogen effluvium is temporary, says Dr. Rossi and Freeman say. Hair loss associated with weight loss is usually a sign of acute telogen effluvium, although there is also a chronic form of the condition that is characterized by body hair that remains in a telogen phase for long periods of time.
Similarly, if you continue taking semaglutide and your weight stabilizes, your hair loss should do the same, Dr. Rossi says. So take a deep breath and rejuvenate yourself. It will definitely come back. That being said, it may take a while, even months, to complete, so it’s a good idea to get a little help in the meantime.
What to do if hair loss occurs with Ozempic
Hair loss is a complex problem, and while there are effective solutions, they take time and consistency. The solutions presented here are solid suggestions for different types of hair loss, including telogen effluvium.
topical minoxidil
It is the only FDA-approved topical treatment for hair loss and is available in 2% and 5% concentrations for women. “Minoxidil pushes the hair into the anagen, or anagen, phase of the cycle,” says Dr. Rossi. “Rather than curing telogen effluvium, it stimulates the hair growth cycle and allows new hair to grow.”Oral minoxidil is a more aggressive option and is available by prescription . Please consult your doctor.
Related articles
proper nutrition
“Patients who respond well to these drugs often take much lower doses of everything, including the ones they need,” says Dr. Stanford, who closely monitors his patients’ levels, especially of vitamin D and B12. (If you choose to continue taking semaglutide, Dr. Freeman says, “Work closely with your dietitian to ensure you’re getting enough protein, which is one way to manage hair loss.”) She says: “Also make sure you’re getting enough iron and zinc, as deficiencies in these nutrients are also linked to hair loss.”
replenishment
In particular, fatty acid deficiencies can affect hair quality and density,” says Dr. Rossi. In this case, fish oil capsules may be helpful. Dr. Stanford often recommends multivitamins for patients who may be at risk for global nutritional deficiencies and who respond well. And both Drs. Rossi and Freeman also recommend trying Nutrafol, a supplement specifically designed to combat hair loss, with strong data supporting its effectiveness. The brand has several formulas specifically for women. However, and this is important, it is always best to consult your doctor before starting a supplement regimen. Some studies suggest that oversupplementation of certain nutrients can cause hair loss. So don’t go alone.
antifungal shampoo
You may not suffer from dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, but if you’re looking for a solution to hair loss, choose a shampoo with ketoconazole, which is commonly used to treat these conditions. . It may also be effective against hair loss. “Ketoconazole can reduce levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles and shortens hair growth cycles,” says Dr. Rossi.
platelet rich plasma injection
If hair loss persists, talk to your dermatologist about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, suggests Dr. Rossi. This treatment involves injecting the patient’s own blood cells into the scalp to stimulate new hair growth. “There are currently multiple studies showing that PRP is a promising treatment for chronic telogen effluvium,” says Dr. Rossi.
Conclusion: Do I need to worry about hair loss when taking Ozempic?
It is certainly possible for hair loss to occur due to rapid weight loss, and rapid weight loss to occur with the use of Ozempic and similar drugs. However, data shows that such cases are rare, and hair loss is much more likely after, for example, bariatric surgery or a diagnosed eating disorder. (According to one study, 57% of patients who undergo weight loss surgery experience hair loss.)
Dr. Stanford said: “It’s nothing to worry about, per se, but be careful. And always keep track of how much protein, carbohydrates, and fat you’re eating; you still need them,” she says. . “And we hope to work with a skilled physician who can create a basic metabolic profile to determine how you are before and after you start taking the medication.”
If you notice hair loss while taking semaglutide, there are many effective treatments available to your doctor, many of which are inexpensive. But perhaps the most encouraging news is that this form of hair loss tends to be very temporary. Sure, it can be traumatic to see clumps of hair in your sink or hairbrush, but we hope you can take some comfort in knowing that this too will pass.
Read now: “ChatGPT tells you to cut calories by more than a third.”
Related articles
Cut through the noise and get practical expert advice, home workouts, easy nutrition and more delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for the Women’s Health Newsletter
Related articles
Source link
