GLP-1 Medications, Hair Loss & How PRP Can Help

Posted on: January 14th, 2026 by Our Team

Medications like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, and Zepbound® have helped millions of people lose weight and improve their health. These medications—called GLP-1 receptor agonists—can be life-changing.

But many patients are now noticing an unexpected side effect: Increased hair shedding.

If you’ve recently started a GLP medication and noticed thinning, excess shedding in the shower, or more hair on your pillow—you are not alone. Let’s talk about why this happens, and what you can do about it.

Why Can GLP Medications Cause Hair Loss?

GLP-1 medications themselves do not directly damage hair follicles. Instead, hair loss is usually related to rapid weight loss and metabolic stress on the body. This commonly triggers a condition called telogen effluvium.

Telogen effluvium is a form of temporary, stress-induced hair shedding that occurs when your body shifts hair follicles prematurely into the “resting” phase of the hair cycle. Common triggers include:

• Rapid weight loss
• Major calorie restriction
• Low protein intake
• Iron or vitamin deficiencies
• Hormonal changes
• Illness or physiologic stress

Hair shedding usually begins 2–4 months after starting weight loss and may continue for several months if the underlying stressors are not corrected.

Will My Hair Grow Back?

In most cases — yes, but regrowth can be slow, uneven, and frustrating.

Many patients find that hair density does not fully return, shedding lasts longer than expected, thinning becomes more noticeable over time, preexisting genetic hair loss becomes unmasked. Early intervention makes a huge difference.

What is PRP and how can it help GLP-Related Hair Loss

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is one of the most effective treatments we use to support regrowth after GLP-associated shedding. It uses your body’s own growth factors to increase blood flow to the scalp, prolong the growth phase (anagen) of hair, reduce shedding and improve overall density and hair caliber.

PRP is especially helpful in patients who have prolonged shedding, thinning, and underlying genetic hair loss. What is great about PRP is that it is a natural, medication- free treatment option.

Hair recovery is not just about PRP — it’s about correcting the internal triggers that caused the shedding. Protein intake, iron/ferritin levels, Vitamin D, B12, thyroid function and any underlying androgenetic hair loss needs to be evaluated for. This allows us to create a personalized hair recovery plan, not just a one-size-fits-all approach.

You should schedule an evaluation if you notice:

• Increased shedding lasting longer than 3 months
• Visible thinning or widening part
• Scalp visibility
• Hair that feels noticeably finer
• Family history of hair loss

Early treatment = better regrowth and better long-term density.

You Don’t Have to Choose Between Your Health and Your Hair

GLP medications can dramatically improve your health — and your hair deserves care too.

If you’re experiencing shedding after starting Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound, we’re here to help you protect your hair while you continue your wellness journey. To learn more about PRP and if it is right for you:

Book a Cosmetic PRP Hairloss Consultation at Essential Dermatology with Dr. Austin Newsome