Does tirzepatide cause hair loss

Tirzepatide, sold under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound, has become a game-changing injectable medication for weight loss and managing type 2 diabetes, among other conditions. But with its growing popularity, one common question has emerged: Does tirzepatide cause hair loss?

Though not considered a common side effect, some people have noticed hair loss on tirzepatide, particularly Zepbound. In clinical trials, hair loss was reported in 4%--5% of individuals taking Zepbound compared to 1% of those using a placebo. 

Thinning or shedding strands while taking the medication are most likely the result of the stress of rapid weight loss on the body, but other factors may also contribute to the changes in hair health. The good news? When caused by accelerated weight loss, hair loss on tirzepatide tends to be temporary. 

Here, we’ll break down the possible reasons behind potential hair loss on tirzepatide, how to prevent it, and what to do if you experience it while taking Mounjaro or Zepbound.

Yes, tirzepatide can cause hair loss, but it's not very common. In most cases, hair loss seems to be an indirect effect of the accelerated weight loss brought on by tirzepatide rather than a direct result of the medication. But when caused by weight loss (vs. other potential causes), it’s typically temporary.

Of the two brand-name versions of tirzepatide, only Zepbound’s prescribing information (PI) lists hair loss as a possible side effect. In clinical trials of thousands of adults with obesity or overweight, 4%--5% of those treated with Zepbound (5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg) reported hair loss versus 1% in the placebo group. For context, among the participants taking Zepbound, 25%--29% reported nausea, 19%--23% diarrhea, and 8%--13% vomiting. 

While all three of these gastrointestinal symptoms of Zepbound are also listed as common side effects in the PI for Mounjaro, hair loss is not included in the package insert. That’s not to say hair loss on Mounjaro is impossible. After all, the drug features the same active ingredient (tirzepatide) as Zepbound. Plus, a 2022 study on tirzepatide found that nearly 5%--6% of participants taking the drug (5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg) experienced hair loss or alopecia.

The fastest-acting GLP-1 for less, shipped directly to you

Get started

The exact mechanism by which tirzepatide may cause hair loss isn’t fully understood. However, experts believe that rapid weight loss—one of the drug’s primary effects—is the most common trigger for hair shedding. Several other factors could contribute to the side effect, including other underlying conditions, shifts in hormone levels, changes in nutritional status, and increased physical or emotional stress on the body. 

Let’s take a closer look at what might be going on when it comes to tirzepatide and hair loss.

Rapid weight loss

One of the most common reasons people lose hair during a major health shift—like significant weight loss—is a condition called telogen effluvium (TE), a temporary form of alopecia (hair loss). TE occurs when physical or emotional stress, hormonal changes, or certain medications push more hair follicles than usual into the shedding (or “telogen”) phase. The result? Hair loss, typically on the top of your head, that begins about three months after the triggering event.

While the exact number of pounds shed varies depending on the specific drug and dosage, significant weight loss is common with tirzepatide. In clinical trials, for example, people with obesity or overweight lost between 15% and 20.9% of their body weight in 72 weeks (almost a year and a half) on Zepound. Research also suggests that the higher the dose of tirzepatide, the more weight loss experienced.  

Fortunately, TE (whether triggered by the stress of rapid weight loss or something else)  is usually temporary and reversible. Most people see hair growth within 3–6 months after the shedding starts. 

Nutritional deficiencies

Whenever you lose weight quickly or abruptly change your diet—two common occurrences for people taking tirzepatide—it’s possible to miss out on nutrients your hair needs to stay healthy, like iron, zinc, and biotin, according to research. This is especially possible when taking tirzepatide, since the drug suppresses appetite and slows down digestion—two effects that can lead you to consume fewer calories and, in turn, potentially fall short on key nutrients. 

Without enough of the aforementioned strand-supporting vitamins and nutrients, you might notice your hair feeling thinner, weaker, or shedding more than usual. 

Hormonal changes

When you lose weight rapidly, your body composition changes, which can lead to shifts in hormone levels. 

As a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, tirzepatide, in and of itself, can also influence hormones. By mimicking a gut hormone called GLP-1 (thus the drug class’ name), tirzepatide stimulates insulin production after you eat. Some evidence suggests other GLP-1s, specifically liraglutide or exenatide, may also influence other hormones, such as testosterone, growth hormone, and luteinising hormone in the short-term. However, this relationship still needs more exploratory studies. 

All of these hormones can play a role in hair growth, so any shifts in their levels may disrupt the natural hair growth cycle and potentially contribute to hair loss on tirzepatide. 

Psychological stress

Weight loss isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, too. Whether you’re building a new routine, making big lifestyle changes, or adjusting to a new medication, making all (or some) of these shifts can be stressful. And, as you now (hopefully!) know, stress can negatively impact your hair. 

One small study found that about 32% of men with high self-reported stress levels also experienced hair loss, compared to just 7.5% of those with lower stress. The pattern was similar for women: Hair loss occurred in 9% of those with high stress levels vs. 3.7% with lower stress. This type of emotional and psychological stress can also trigger TE and, thus, lead to excessive shedding.

Underlying conditions

Underlying conditions like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes—which tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat—may be associated with certain types of hair loss, like androgenetic alopecia. 

Type 2 diabetes can disrupt circulation and metabolic health, limiting the amount of oxygen and nutrients reaching different body parts, including hair follicles. Over time, this can lead to thinning hair or increased shedding. In other words, if you're experiencing hair loss on tirzepatide, diabetes-related changes in your body, not the medication, could be to blame. Speak to a healthcare professional if you need a second pair of eyes on what might be going on with your body. 

As mentioned above, up to 6% of people taking 5–15 mg of Zepbound for up to 72 weeks experienced hair loss in clinical trials. On the other hand, hair loss is not cited as a side effect for Mounjaro. 

That said, we do know that rapid weight loss itself can sometimes lead to hair shedding. A review, for example, found that 57% of people who underwent bariatric surgery—a procedure that often leads to significant weight loss—also experienced hair loss post-op. While this data doesn’t specifically involve tirzepatide, it does highlight a connection between losing weight quickly and temporary hair thinning. 

If you're taking tirzepatide and want to get ahead of any potential hair thinning, the key is to support your body through the changes that can come with treatment, especially weight loss. And the same is true if you’ve already noticed changes in your locks. 

Here’s how to prevent and treat hair loss on tirzepatide:

Consider a lower dosage

Controlling how quickly you lose weight on tirzepatide isn’t always possible. However, research suggests that weight loss tends to be faster and more significant at higher doses of the drug. And since rapid weight loss can trigger TE, slowing down the rate at which you drop pounds may theoretically reduce any impact on your strands.

While you should never adjust your dosage on your own, consider discussing the side effect with your healthcare provider if hair loss is especially of concern. They can adjust your tirzepatide dosage if and as necessary so that your treatment still supports your healthcare goals without affecting your locks as much (or at all).

Prioritize a balanced, nutrient-rich diet

Make sure you're getting enough of the key nutrients that support hair growth, including:

• Protein (e.g. eggs, fish)

• Iron (e.g. beans, lentils, spinach, tofu)

• Biotin (e.g. almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds)

• Zinc (e.g. oysters, poultry, chickpeas) 

• Vitamin A (e.g. sweet potatoes, bell peppers)

• Vitamin C (e.g. cashews, bell peppers, berries)

• Vitamin E (e.g. avocado, almonds)

This, however, can be easier said than done thanks to tirzepatide’s appetite-suppressing effects. So, if you’re unsure where to start or struggling to get your fill of good-for-you foods, consider working with a healthcare professional, whether that’s your provider (such as one through Ro) or a registered dietitian. These pros can help you build a meal plan that keeps your strands strong and your health goals in mind. If they deem it appropriate, your provider may order blood tests to help them figure out if you may be low or deficient in any key hair-helping nutrients, too. 

Manage your stress levels

Stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle and trigger increased shedding. Early research in mice suggests that blocking a stress-related hormone may help reverse this effect and promote hair regrowth. However, more studies are needed to confirm whether the same holds true for humans.

In the meantime, carving out time for stress-relieving habits can help address hair loss on tirzepatide as well as benefit your overall mental and physical wellbeing. This may involve going for daily walks outside, spending more time with loved ones, or practicing breathwork and meditation. 

Address any underlying causes

When it comes to hair loss, tirzepatide may not be the only factor at play. In fact, there are many different reasons for thinning or shedding strands, including (but not limited to) thyroid disease, anemia, and insulin resistance, such as type 2 diabetes. Talking to your healthcare provider can help you get to the root of what’s causing your hair loss and explore the best next steps. Your provider may recommend blood tests to check for these underlying causes of hair thinning. If another condition is indeed contributing to your hair loss, they can help you address it directly to support hair regrowth and overall health. 

Check in regularly with your healthcare provider

It’s a good idea to schedule regular appointments to keep tabs on your overall health as you continue treatment on tirzepatide. Your provider can keep an eye out for any nutritional gaps, hormonal changes, or other potential contributors to hair thinning. Catching these early means you can take action before shedding becomes more noticeable. 

Depending on the cause of your strand struggles, your healthcare provider may also recommend treatment options, such as oral minoxidil or topical minoxidil. While the former requires an Rx, the topical variety—which you may know by its brand name, Rogaine—is available over the counter. 

Give it time and be gentle

If your hair loss is truly due to TE, remember that it’s most likely a temporary experience. Meaning, your strands should start to grow back within six months after your weight stabilizes and other health stressors have resolved. While you wait, be kind to your hair: Avoid tight hairstyles, minimize heat styling, and skip the box dyes. A little patience (and a lot of TLC) can go a long way.

Ro helps find the right GLP-1 for you

Get started

Hair loss isn’t super common with tirzepatide, but it can happen—especially if you’re losing weight quickly. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about this potential side effect, and remember these key points as you go.

• Zepbound causes hair loss in about 6% of people, whereas hair loss is not mentioned as a side effect of Mounjaro on the drug label.

• Temporary hair shedding known as telogen effluvium (TE) can happen during rapid weight loss—a common occurrence on tirzepatide— as your body adjusts to major health changes.

• While TE appears to be the major cause of tirzepatide hair loss, nutrient imbalances, hormone shifts, and other underlying conditions can also contribute to thinning hair while taking the medication.

• Eating a balanced diet—such as one that’s rich in hair-helping nutrients like iron, biotin, and protein—and reducing your stress levels are two techniques for preventing and treating hair loss on tirzepatide. 

• Regularly checking in with your healthcare provider is also a good idea, as they can best monitor your treatment and help catch any hair loss early. They can also order lab tests to determine whether any underlying conditions or nutrient deficiencies may be to blame.