Does Mounjaro Cause Hair Loss?

Can Mounjaro cause hair loss?

It can, but usually indirectly.

While hair loss (alopecia) was not a primary side effect reported in the original Mounjaro clinical trials for diabetes, it has been more frequently observed in trials for its sister drug, Zepbound. (Zepbound contains the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, and is approved for weight management.)

In the SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial, approximately 5% to 6% of people taking tirzepatide reported hair loss, compared to only 1% in those receiving a placebo (a treatment with no active drug). This suggests that hair loss may be a possible side effect for a small percentage of people taking Mounjaro.

The real culprit: Telogen effluvium

Most experts believe the hair loss associated with Mounjaro is a condition called telogen effluvium. This is a temporary form of hair shedding that occurs when a major stressor, like rapid weight loss or a significant metabolic shift, shocks the body.

Under normal conditions, about 85% to 90% of your hair is in the “anagen” (growing) phase. When the body undergoes intense physical stress, it may prematurely push a large number of hair follicles into the “telogen” (resting) phase. A few months later, those hairs fall out all at once.

Does Mounjaro cause more hair loss in females than in males?

Note: The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used. Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities.

While anyone can experience telogen effluvium, clinical data suggests some differences in how hair loss is reported:

• In females: Women appear more likely to report hair loss while taking Mounjaro or Zepbound. In some weight-loss trials, hair loss was reported by up to 7.1% of female participants. This higher rate may be due to hormonal sensitivity or the fact that women are more likely to notice and report changes in hair volume.
• In males: Hair loss is reported much less frequently in men taking this medication — often less than 1% (and specifically 0.5% in Zepbound trials). While men can still experience telogen effluvium, they may attribute thinning to hereditary male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) rather than the medication or weight loss.

How to prevent hair loss during Mounjaro treatment

The best way to protect your hair is to minimize the shock your body feels as you lose weight. Here are some strategies to help:

1. Prioritize protein: Hair is primarily made of a protein called keratin. When you’re eating significantly less due to Mounjaro’s appetite-suppressing effects, it’s easy to fall short on protein. Aim for at least 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per kilogram (kg) of body weight each day. (For reference, 1 kg equals about 2.2 pounds [lb].)
2. Aim for steady weight loss: The more rapid the weight loss, the higher the risk of hair shedding. Working with your doctor to find a dose that allows for a steady loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week, rather than 5 or more, can give your body more time to adjust.
3. Check your micronutrients: A daily multivitamin is often recommended for those on GLP-1 medications to help ensure you aren’t deficient in iron, zinc, or vitamin D, all of which are essential for hair growth.
4. Manage stress: Physical stress causes hair loss, but emotional stress can make it worse. Practicing mindfulness or gentle exercise can help keep your nervous system balanced.

How to stop hair loss during Mounjaro treatment

If you’re already noticing shedding with Mounjaro, you may be wondering how to stop it. Because of the way the hair growth cycle works, the hairs you are losing today were actually “triggered” to fall out 2 to 3 months ago. Unfortunately, you can’t stop hair loss overnight. There is no topical treatment or pill that can instantly reverse the biological clock of a hair follicle that’s already in the shedding phase.

However, there are some things you can do to support the next cycle of growth:

• Consult your doctor: They can order blood tests to help rule out other causes such as thyroid issues or anemia.
• Practice gentle hair care: Avoid tight hairstyles, high heat, and harsh chemical treatments that can put extra strain on already fragile strands.
• Try minoxidil: Some doctors may recommend over-the-counter minoxidil (Rogaine) to help stimulate follicles, though you should always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new treatment.

Will it grow back?

The good news is yes. Telogen effluvium is a temporary condition. Once your weight stabilizes and your body adapts to its new metabolic state, the hair follicles will eventually re-enter the growing phase.

Most people start to see “baby hairs” and increased density within 3 to 6 months after shedding stops. If the shedding persists for more than 6 months, it may indicate a chronic nutritional deficiency or another underlying health issue.

When to see a doctor

While some shedding is common during significant weight loss, you should contact a healthcare professional if:

• you’re losing hair in distinct, circular patches (which may indicate alopecia areata)
• your scalp is itchy, inflamed, red or discolored
• the hair loss is accompanied by extreme fatigue or brittle nails (signs of potential nutrient deficiency)

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.