Why is my hair going down the drain?

Why Hair Loss Happens on GLP‑1s (Expert Consensus)

Experts say most GLP‑1–related shedding is telogen effluvium, a temporary stress‑related shedding triggered by:

  • Rapid weight loss (the biggest factor) healthline.com

  • Eating much less, leading to protein, iron, zinc, or vitamin D deficiencies healthline.com

  • Hormonal shifts and overall body stress from major lifestyle changes allure.com

This type of shedding usually appears 2–3 months after the trigger and improves once weight stabilizes.

a woman standing in front of a bathroom mirror
a woman standing in front of a bathroom mirror

Most Common Side Effects of GLP-1s

Supplements tailored for fellow GLP-1 users to support your health journey.

woman in white dress sitting on bed
woman in white dress sitting on bed
These effects are frequently reported by people using medications like semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy/Rybelsus) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound):

  • Nausea & vomiting — the most common early side effect due to slowed digestion.

  • Diarrhea or constipation — digestion slows, which can cause either loose stools or difficulty passing stool.

  • Bloating, stomach pain, heartburn, indigestion — tied to delayed gastric emptying.

  • Reduced appetite — part of how the medication works, but can lead to low energy if nutrition drops too much.

  • Fatigue — often related to eating less or adjusting to the medication.

  • Headache or dizziness — sometimes linked to dehydration or low intake.

  • Injection‑site reactions — redness, swelling, or mild pain.

  • Hair thinning — reported by some users, often associated with rapid weight loss.