What is Mounjaro? | Does Mounjaro Cause Hair Loss?

Does Mounjaro Cause Hair Loss?

Mounjaro is a drug approved in the US and UK for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight loss. However, like any medicine, Mounjaro can have some side effects. Interestingly, one of these side effects is thought to be hair loss. 4-5% of patients using this treatment reported experiencing hair loss, known as alopecia. This may be enough to consider hair loss as a Mounjaro side effect.

However, it is not certain that you will experience hair loss when you start taking Mounjaro. Your body’s reaction to the drug may vary depending on your individual characteristics. Also, it can be difficult to determine whether any hair loss you notice is directly related to Mounjaro. For example, hair loss may be due to another condition such as the common androgenetic alopecia, scalp problems or alopecia areata.

In such cases, it is important to consult a specialist, especially a trichologist, who can make the most accurate diagnosis. If you are using Mounjaro and are experiencing hair loss, you should discuss this with your healthcare professional. Your doctor may be able to offer you more appropriate treatment options or suggest alternatives that do not harm your hair. Remember, discontinuing your prescription treatment unless your doctor advises you to do so may have undesirable consequences. Therefore, staying in regular contact with your doctor during the treatment process will be the best approach.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a new medicine with the active ingredient tirzepatide, developed by the US pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly. It has recently been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight management. In the UK, it was approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes within the NHS in 2023 and received approval for weight loss from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in 2024.

Mounjaro is available as an injectable medicine in the form of a pre-filled pen, which is very convenient to use. It is available in different dosage options (from 2.5 mg to 15 mg). Treatment is usually started with the lowest dose and depending on the body’s response, the dose can be adjusted, increasing by 2.5 mg at a time. Once a week will be sufficient for most patients. Mounjaro’s ease of administration makes the treatment process very comfortable, while its effective results in type 2 diabetes and weight loss are one of the most important features that distinguish it from other treatments.

What Does Mounjaro Work?

Mounjaro is a drug with a dual mechanism of action in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight loss management. When used for type 2 diabetes, it works by increasing insulin production in the body and reducing the liver’s production of glucose. In this way, it prevents blood sugar from rising and helps to stabilize it.

When taken for weight loss, Mounjaro controls your appetite, keeps you full longer and reduces your cravings for food. In this way, it reduces your daily calorie intake and helps you lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way. Effective in both diabetes management and weight loss, this medicine has the potential to improve quality of life.

What are the Effects of Mounjaro on Hair?

Some research suggests that type 2 diabetes may predispose to hair loss. High blood sugar levels can disrupt blood flow to the scalp, depriving hair follicles of oxygen and essential nutrients. Indeed, a study of 5389 African American women with type 2 diabetes revealed an increased risk of central scalp hair loss. While more research is needed to determine whether this condition has a causal link to alopecia, controlling blood sugar levels with Mounjaro may contribute to reduced hair loss in diabetic patients.

There may also be positive effects for non-diabetics who use Mounjaro for weight loss. For example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is associated with excess weight, is also a common condition that can lead to hair loss. Furthermore, some studies show that obesity can accelerate hair thinning. Mounjaro’s effect on weight loss may also alleviate the symptoms of PCOS. This may also help reduce hair loss. Although Mounjaro is approved for weight loss treatment, it also has the potential to help with PCOS management. This may contribute to the prevention of hair loss by reducing body weight and alleviating the effects of PCOS. However, these effects are currently not fully proven in clinical trials.

Does Mounjaro Cause Hair Loss?

Although Mounjaro is a new drug, more research needs to be done on its effect on hair follicles. However, preliminary studies and patient reports suggest that it may indeed cause hair loss. For example, a meta-analysis of 8 different studies involving 8847 participants who took Mounjaro for 2 years found that approximately 5.7% of participants experienced alopecia. Another study found that 4% of patients treated with tirzepatide experienced hair loss, compared to 0.7% in the placebo group.

These findings have raised curiosity about whether Mounjaro can cause hair loss. The FDA is also currently reviewing reports of hair loss and suicidal thoughts associated with diabetes and weight loss medicines such as Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy. Although Mounjaro’s hair loss causative points are not yet fully understood, there are theories that it may be related to changes in hormonal balance or metabolic effects. In addition, nutrient deficiencies during rapid weight loss can also lead to hair loss. Therefore, paying attention to your diet and ensuring adequate intake of vitamins and minerals can be useful in preventing this negative effect.

Will Hair Grow Back After Stopping Mounjaro Treatment?

Although Mounjaro is an effective treatment for as long as it is used, stopping treatment may reduce one of the side effects of the drug, such as hair loss. However, hair loss can also be caused by vitamin deficiencies due to the rapid weight loss triggered by Mounjaro. This can be resolved with vitamin supplements.

However, there is no clear answer to the question “Will my hair grow back after stopping Mounjaro treatment?”. If you are considering stopping treatment, it is important to discuss this decision with your healthcare professional. Your specialist will help you assess the benefits and possible side effects of the treatment and make recommendations, such as balancing your diet to prevent hair loss. This way, you can maintain your health while coping with unwanted effects such as hair loss.

Things to Consider When Using Mounjaro

There are several precautions you can take when using Mounjaro to prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth. Here are some things to consider when using Mounjaro:

Take advantage of hair growth treatments:
To prevent drug-induced hair loss and stimulate hair follicles to promote new hair growth, you can use some scientifically proven treatments. One of these treatments is Minoxidil, which increases blood flow to the scalp, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach the hair follicles. This medication is usually applied topically. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting treatments such as Minoxidil. This type of medicine may interact with your existing treatments. Using Minoxidil together with derma rollers can also speed up hair growth. Red light therapy is also an effective way to stimulate hair growth.

Get enough vitamins and minerals in your diet:
You may be following strict diets during weight loss or diabetes management, but you should make sure you are getting the nutrients your body needs for hair health. Deficiencies in vitamins that support hair health, especially vitamins D and E, can cause temporary hair loss. So supplementing the micronutrients missing from your diet can help keep your hair healthy.

Reduce or completely stop smoking:
It is known that smoking can lead to hair loss because nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the hair follicles. The same effect can happen with electronic cigarettes. If you are faced with hair loss, quitting smoking can be beneficial for your hair health.

Avoid styling hair with excessive heat:
Frequent hair styling with high heat can cause hair to dry out and break. This can pave the way for hair loss. Trying to dry your hair naturally and keeping the heat setting low can help protect your hair health.

Do not go out in the sun without protection:
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful rays can lead to dry and weakened hair strands. Don’t forget to wear a hat to protect your hair when you go out, especially in summer.

Avoid chemical products:
Chemical products such as bleaches and hair dyes can damage hair fibers and hair follicles, causing hair loss. Likewise, shampoos containing harsh chemicals can disrupt the hair’s natural oil balance, leading to dry hair and breakage. It is therefore important to use more natural and hair-friendly products.

Do not choose tight hairstyles:
Hairstyles such as tight braids or ponytails can put excessive pressure on the hair follicles, causing hair loss called traction alopecia. Therefore, wearing hair in more free and natural styles can prevent damage to the roots.

Control stress levels:
Physical or psychological stress can trigger hair loss, especially if you have health problems such as diabetes or obesity. Exercising, meditating or seeking professional support to reduce stress can contribute positively to both your overall health and your hair.

What are the Drugs That Can Cause Hair Loss?

Chemotherapy-induced hair loss is the most common cause of alopecia. However, drugs that cause hair loss are not limited to this. Many different medications can cause hair loss. The most common of these medications are the following:

• Oral birth control pills.
• Some heart medicines.
• Specific antibiotics.
• Antifungal treatments.
• Some antidepressants.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
• Excess vitamin A, which can negatively affect hair health.
• Other weight loss medications (for example, Wegovy can lead to hair loss).

However, it is not certain that everyone who takes these medicines will experience hair loss. The effects of medicines on the body vary according to individual characteristics and biological responses. If you think your current treatment is causing hair loss, consulting your doctor is the best step. Professional guidance is important to prevent hair loss and to find suitable options for your treatment.

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