The Best Strategies to Overcome Wegovy Hair Loss

Discover effective strategies to combat Wegovy hair loss or hair loss from excessive weight loss. Wegovy Hair loss can be a distressing side effect for those undergoing Semaglutide (Wegovy) therapy for weight loss. While Wegovy is highly effective for managing weight, some users have reported experiencing hair thinning or loss. Studies have shown that about 3% of patients taking 2.4 mg of Wegovy experience hair loss.¹ This blog post aims to explore the best methods to combat Wegovy hair loss or hair loss from excessive weight loss, providing practical advice and scientifically-backed strategies to maintain healthy hair.

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Understanding the Connection

Wegovy, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, works by regulating appetite and food intake, leading to significant weight loss. However, rapid weight loss itself can sometimes trigger telogen effluvium², a temporary form of hair loss. This type of hair loss occurs when the body undergoes significant physiological stress, such as drastic changes in diet and weight, leading to more hair follicles entering the shedding phase.

Nutritional Support for Wegovy Hair Loss

Protein Supplement

Multivitamin Supplement

Amino Acid Supplement

Balanced Diet: Ensure you maintain a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, can contribute to hair loss.

• Proteins: Hair is primarily made of a protein called keratin. Include protein-rich foods like lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes in your diet. To help offset hair loss, lose weight, and build lean muscle, aim to consume between 0.6 to 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight daily, depending on your activity level and fitness goals (minimum 80 grams per day).
• Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins A, C, D, and E, along with zinc and iron, play crucial roles in hair health. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains to meet these nutritional needs. This daily requirement can be obtained by a daily supplement or a balanced diet.
• Essential amino acids: are also vital for hair health and can be obtained from complete protein sources such as lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, and plant-based options like quinoa and soy. This daily requirement can be obtained by a daily supplement or a balanced diet rich in these nutrients. Tablet form of amino acids -> SHOP Here.

Supplements: If maintaining a balanced diet is challenging, consider supplements.

• Biotin: Known for its role in hair growth, biotin can be beneficial. A daily dose of 2.5 mg is often recommended.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and promote hair growth.

Biotin

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Over-the-Counter Solutions for Wegovy Hair Loss

Nutrafol³: This supplement is designed to support hair growth and improve hair health. It contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, and botanicals that target the root causes of hair thinning, such as stress, hormonal imbalances, and poor nutrition. When purchasing, ensure you select the age-appropriate formulation that best meets your needs. Keep in mind it may take 3-6 months for to see the full effect.

Nutrafol

Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements³: can be an effective option for addressing Wegovy hair loss. These supplements contain a blend of vitamins, minerals, and marine complex AminoMar, designed to nourish hair from within and promote growth. Users typically take the supplements twice daily, and noticeable results can often be seen within three to six months. Viviscal helps to strengthen existing hair, reduce shedding, and improve overall hair health, making it a beneficial addition to your hair care regimen while on Wegovy therapy.

Viviscal

Minoxidil (Rogaine)⁵: An over-the-counter topical treatment that can stimulate hair growth. Apply it directly to the scalp as directed by the product instructions. Although topical minoxidil isn’t proven to promote hair recovery in telogen effluvium, it has theoretical benefits and may be chosen by proactive patients. Recent trials show oral minoxidil as an effective and well-tolerated alternative for those struggling with topical formulations. Do NOT use if pregnant.

Minoxidil (Rogaine)

Other Options for Wegovy Hair Loss

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy⁶: PRP involves injecting platelet-rich plasma from your blood into the scalp. This can stimulate hair growth by enhancing blood supply to hair follicles. PRP therapy is typically administered by a dermatologist or a specialist in hair restoration.

Botulinum toxin A and multivitamin mesotherapy⁷: Recent studies have also shown that both botulinum toxin A and multivitamin mesotherapy are effective in treating telogen effluvium. These treatments demonstrated improvement of the criteria terminal hair and multiple follicular units.

Scalp Care

Gentle Hair Care Routine: Use mild, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Avoid harsh treatments like frequent coloring, perming, or straightening.

Scalp Massage: Regular scalp massages can increase blood circulation to hair follicles, promoting hair growth. Use natural oils like coconut or argan oil for added nourishment.

Lifestyle Modifications for Wegovy Hair Loss

Stress Management: High-stress levels can exacerbate hair loss. Incorporate stress-reducing practices such as yoga, meditation, and regular physical activity into your routine.

Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Poor sleep can negatively impact hair health.

Monitoring and Professional Guidance

1. Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your overall health and the side effects of Wegovy therapy. Regular lab checks are crucial when addressing hair loss, as conditions like low thyroid hormone and low ferritin levels can contribute to thinning hair. It’s important to maintain regular checkups with your doctor to monitor and manage these conditions effectively.
2. Dermatologist Consultation: If hair loss persists or worsens, consult a dermatologist specializing in hair loss. They can provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Conclusion

While hair loss can be an unsettling side effect of Semaglutide (Wegovy) therapy, several strategies can help mitigate this issue. By maintaining a balanced diet, adopting a gentle hair care routine, considering medical interventions, managing stress, and seeking professional guidance, you can effectively combat Wegovy hair loss and maintain healthy hair. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medical treatments to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

Directions for Use

• When beginning therapy, it’s crucial to ensure you get enough protein and essential amino acids daily. Add a multivitamin and biotin to your daily vitamin routine. Make sure you’re getting omega-3s in your diet; salmon is a great source. If you don’t eat fish, consider taking an omega-3 supplement.
• If you are already experiencing hair loss, consider trying Nutrafol or Viviscal supplementation. While it may take some time to see results, these products have proven successful for some patients. Both Nutrafol and Viviscal typically take about three to six months to show visible results. However, some users may start noticing improvements in hair health and growth as early as three months. Individual results can vary based on factors like the severity of hair loss and adherence to the supplementation regimen.
• If you notice that your hair loss is worsening despite taking supplements or using over-the-counter treatments, it is important to seek professional medical advice to determine what underlying factors could be contributing. Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist, a specialist in skin and hair conditions, who can provide a comprehensive evaluation and recommend appropriate treatments or medications tailored to your specific situation. Early intervention by a dermatologist can be crucial in managing hair loss effectively.

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References

1. Wegovy [package insert]. Plainsboro, NJ: Novo Nordisk A/S.; Accessed June 15, 2024. ↩︎
2. Asghar F, Shamim N, Farooque U, Sheikh H, Aqeel R. Telogen Effluvium: A Review of the Literature. Cureus. 2020 May 27;12(5):e8320. doi: 10.7759/cureus.8320. PMID: 32607303; PMCID: PMC7320655. ↩︎
3. Drake L, Reyes-Hadsall S, Martinez J, Heinrich C, Huang K, Mostaghimi A. Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements for Treating Hair Loss: A Systematic Review. JAMA Dermatol. 2023 Jan 1;159(1):79-86. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.4867. PMID: 36449274. ↩︎
4. Drake L, Reyes-Hadsall S, Martinez J, Heinrich C, Huang K, Mostaghimi A. Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements for Treating Hair Loss: A Systematic Review. JAMA Dermatol. 2023 Jan 1;159(1):79-86. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.4867. PMID: 36449274. ↩︎
5. Randolph M, Tosti A. Oral minoxidil treatment for hair loss: A review of efficacy and safety. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021 Mar;84(3):737-746. ↩︎
6. El-Dawla RE, Abdelhaleem M, Abdelhamed A. Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of female patients with chronic telogen effluvium: A randomised, controlled, double-blind, pilot clinical trial. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2023 Jan-Mar;89(2):195-203. doi: 10.25259/IJDVL_1011_20. PMID: 35593290. ↩︎
7. Khattab FM, Rady A, Khashaba SA. Recent modalities in treatment of telogen effluvium: Comparative study. Dermatol Ther. 2022 Oct;35(10):e15720. ↩︎