Does Mounjaro Cause Hair Loss?

Mounjaro has been considered a miracle drug for weight loss, but does it come at the cost of your luscious locks? The point of reaching your healthy weight is to look and feel your absolute best, and Mounjaro really works in that department. But at what cost? 

Well, there is no conclusive evidence connecting hair loss and Mounjaro, but there is no negating the fact that some people (a small number) actually experience hair loss on it. 

In this article, we will do a deep dive into the question, ‘Does Mounjaro cause hair loss? Keep reading for invaluable tips if you are experiencing some hair fall while on Mounjaro. 

What is Mounjaro? 

If you haven’t heard of this Ozempic competitor, Mounjaro is a subcutaneously injected weight loss medication with the active ingredient, tirzepatide, which is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults and people with type 2 diabetes. Many studies have shown that it can cause substantial and sustained reductions in body weight. Check the Mounjaro drug info sheet for more details.

Does Mounjaro Cause Hair Loss? 

The question remains, ‘Is your increased hair fall due to Mounjaro’s effect on your body?’. 

It is normal for your hair to fall. An average person loses about 100 strands per day. But if you are experiencing excessive hair shedding, it is concerning. Though no definitive studies point to Mounjaro as a culprit for losing your hair strands, it might be an indirect side effect of rapid weight loss due to it. 

Hair loss can also be caused by completely unrelated factors, such as nutritional deficiencies caused by reduced calorie intake or malabsorption, hormonal imbalances due to stress associated with weight loss medication use and other reasons. 

Understanding Hair Loss and the Role of Mounjaro 

Hair loss, also called alopecia, is a common disorder caused by an interruption in the body’s hair production cycle. It mainly affects the scalp, which has an average of 100,000 hairs that go through growth, rest, falling out and regeneration cycles. When the hair growth cycle is disrupted, hair follicles are damaged, and hair starts to fall out. 

The cause of hair fall might be linked to a person’s genetics or medical or behavioral conditions that interrupt hair growth and cause excessive hair fall. 

A clinical study from 2022 reported that alopecia occurred in 4.9-5.7% of people using 5mg -15 mg of Mounjaro. 

Can Mounjaro cause Telogen Effluvium?

One such condition triggered by stress or significant changes in the body is Telogen Effluvium. This temporary hair loss condition is a reactive process triggered by metabolic stress, hormonal changes, or medications. 

Its triggers range from illness and surgery to dietary deficiencies and specific drugs, including beta-blockers and retinoids. And possibly Mounjaro. 

How Mounjaro’s use could be causing hair loss? 

Mounjaro is an appetite suppressant that slows gastric emptying and promotes a sense of fullness. This curbs cravings for calorie-packed foods. Now, people consume fewer calories than they need so that the body has to burn fat to function. 

However, this calorie-deficit state causes metabolic stress in the body, which shuts down non-essential functions to focus on the essential ones. Hair growth is one non-essential function put on the back burner when rapid weight loss occurs. That is why one may experience Telogen Effluvium when on Mounjaro. 

Remember that this is not just the impact of Mounjaro on the body. Any rigorous exercise or natural weight loss intervention that causes you to drop pounds rapidly would cause the same temporary hair loss due to metabolic stress experienced by the body. 

Other Reasons for Hair-Fall (Non-Mounjaro Related)

A dermatologist will help you identify the reason for your hair fall and will recommend the course of action based on that. 

Other potential causes that could be the reason for lessening hair volume could be:

• Genetic Disorders – It could be a genetic disorder or could occur due to other medications you might be taking. 
• Nutritional deficiencies – Being in a calorie deficit on Mounjaro could be causing you to be deficient in specific nutrients required for healthy hair growth. Appropriate supplements and a balanced diet can resolve this.  
• Hair loss disorder—If you have severe hair thinning due to a disorder unrelated to Mounjaro, you could consult an expert about hair loss treatment options.

How to Manage Hair Loss While Taking Mounjaro

As females, it is more likely to stress over how to stop Mounjaro hair loss and get your heavy, voluminous hair back. Don’t worry as you can minimize the risk of hair loss on Mounjaro by following your doctor’s dosing schedule so your body can adjust to the medication. 

Avoid crash dieting; instead, consult a nutritionist or dietitian to create a structured meal plan for you.

Tips for Healthy Hair While Taking Mounjaro

Here are some useful tips that will help you maintain your lustrous hair.

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients for hair growth. Include foods rich in protein, vitamins C and A, biotin, omega-3 fatty acids and minerals such as copper. Read our detailed guide “What to eat on Mounjaro” here.
• Drink plenty of water to nourish your hair follicles and support collagen production. 
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing and muscle-tensing exercises 

Follow healthy hair care practices such as regular scalp massaging and gentle cleaning that promote scalp health and hair growth as a part of your hair care routine.