Zepbound and Hair loss

@luamiller - I've been on tirzepatide (Zepbound), but I did not lose hair from it. I already had experienced some androgenetic alopecia, which causes some patchiness and is frustrating trying to cover it up.

For androgenetic alopecia - not hair loss from taking tirzepatide (Zepbound) - I have taken spirinolactone (not sure if it's helping) and Viviscal (my dermatologist told me this year you can just take a prenatal vitamin - but not sure if this is helping).

I also used foam monoxidil. Another dermatologist I saw later told me to take the other kind as my hair might be too thick overall for good penetration of the mousse formula. The monoxidil oral formula seemed to help some, but I started to need to shave blonde hairs getting more noticable all over my face, and I even got sideburns I had to trim. I'd never dealt with any of this before. The dermatologist said the only way to counter this side effect was just to go completely off the medicine, versus reduce, and that it may take a year to resolve. Yikes.

I also have been prescribed finasteride. That at least holds your hair loss where it is, if not improves it. However, I absolutely have to take it before bed, as I get dizziness and nasty side effects.

What has your doctor suggested will counter this effect related to the tirzepatide, specifically? Has your doctor physically examined the hair loss you've seen and taken photos for a baseline?

Thank you for your advice. I see my physician this week and I will let you know what he suggests. I think some of this is due to the weight loss, and will hopefully stabilize.

Tagging a few other Mayo Clinic Connect members who've mentioned tirzepatide (Zepbound) to see if they also have experienced some hair loss, @luamiller.

Please meet, if you've not already, @mef46 @meali @jennyinindy @cabby @merrychristmas. I'd also like you to meet @roch.

@lisalucier temporary hair loss can be a side effect of Zepbound . You may experience temporary hair loss on any rapid weight loss program. Make sure you plenty of protein.

@lisalucier I am taking zepbound and having hair loss. My dermatologist suggested minoxidil 5%. Foam only. The pill he said can encourage facial hair growth but not the foam which is localized.

Has anyone's doctor spoke about Nutrafol relative to hair loss?

@royanthony - I've not heard of Nutrafol, this brand of hair growth product you mentioned, from my dermatologist.

@ami83 - yes, what your doctor warned against with the oral monoxidil was exactly what happened to me. I didn't even realize it at first, cause it was blonde and way on the outer edges of my face. The dermatologist pointed it out to me. That's when she lowered my to dose, but it still caused a problem and I developed sideburns this summer.

@lisalucier Did you research and read about the product? My dermatologist has had this on her business card shelf for years. I don't hesitate to state that whoever really cures thinning or hair loss will be a billionaire overnight.

@royanthony - not yet. I'll check out the research and check with my dermatologist.

I have been on Zepbound for exactly 1 year and started experiencing hair loss the last 5 months. My weight loss has not been rapid and it’s actually fluctuated the last 3 months since I have been determined to exercise and eat better instead of increasing my dose (2.5mg). I eat protein and take supplements. I would be curious to hear what your doctor says, I meet with my doctor next week. I love the empowerment I feel by taking the medication and the control I have over my eating and cravings, but I’m not willing to lose more hair over this so I’m considering weaning off. I’ve read online that hair growth products don’t work against GLP-1 hair loss. If anyone has any success stories, please share. I would also be curious to know if I have to quit taking the drug completely to begin hair regrowth. Or if I could reduce the dosage to every other week or monthly.