If you’ve noticed extra hair in your brush, you’re not alone. Here’s what’s actually happening.
Why It Happens
Hair shedding on GLP-1s is usually telogen effluvium — a temporary shift in the hair growth cycle triggered by:
- Rapid weight loss
- Reduced calorie intake
- Lower protein intake
- Nutrient gaps from reduced food volume
It’s not the medication itself attacking hair — it’s your body responding to a major change.
When It Shows Up
Typically 2-4 months after starting or escalating. Can last 3-6 months even after weight stabilizes.
What Actually Helps
Protein
- 80-100g per day minimum, more if active
- Hair is mostly keratin — no protein, no rebuild
Iron and ferritin
- Iron deficiency is a top driver of shedding
- Ask your doctor about a ferritin test (not just hemoglobin)
Biotin and B-complex
- B vitamins support keratin production
- Note: biotin can interfere with thyroid lab tests — pause before bloodwork
Vitamin D
- Low D is correlated with telogen effluvium
- Get tested rather than guessing dose
Slower titration
- Aggressive escalation = more shedding for some people
- Talk to your prescriber about pacing
What Doesn’t Help
- Expensive shampoos
- Cheap multivitamins
- Stopping the medication unnecessarily
The Good News
It almost always grows back. Stay consistent on protein, hydration, and labs, and most people see regrowth within 6-9 months.
What’s helped you most?
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