First came the weight loss. Then, a few months later, came the hair in the shower drain. If that sounds familiar, you're far from alone. Hair loss among GLP-1 users has become one of the biggest wellness stories of the year, and a large study published in The BMJ this summer found a measurable link between these medications and hair loss.
The good news: it's treatable, and for many women it's temporary. We asked Dr. Mahsa Sohrab, founder of Mahsa Sohrab, M.D., to walk us through what she recommends.
You worked hard for your results. Your hair deserves the same attention.
Why It Happens Researchers are still working out exactly why GLP-1 medications and hair loss are connected, but rapid weight loss is a well-known trigger. When the body goes through a significant change, more hairs than usual can shift out of their growth phase and into a resting phase at the same time. Because of the way the hair cycle works, the shedding often shows up months after the weight loss began. That's why so many women don't connect the two right away.
Option One: Minoxidil at Home Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine. It's one of the most established medications for stimulating hair growth and maintaining the hair you have. It works by stimulating growth factors and improving blood flow around the follicles, which prolongs the active growth phase of the hair. Topical minoxidil is available over the counter. Low-dose oral minoxidil requires a prescription after a medical evaluation.
Patience is part of the plan. Improvement is gradual and builds over several months, and treatment needs to be continued to maintain results.
It's also worth knowing the possible side effects. With topical minoxidil, the most common are scalp itching, dryness, or flaking. Some women notice unwanted facial hair if the product spreads beyond the scalp. Many people also see a temporary increase in shedding during the first few weeks as older hairs make way for new growth. Oral minoxidil can cause extra body hair, fluid retention, or a faster heartbeat, which is why it requires a medical evaluation first.
If you're wondering about hormones, minoxidil isn't considered a hormonal treatment. It works on the follicle and its blood supply rather than changing your systemic hormones, and it can be used alongside HRT. Some other oral medications used for hair loss, like spironolactone and finasteride, do work through hormones, which is where the confusion often comes from.
Minoxidil isn't recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you have a cat, keep topical formulas well out of reach, since minoxidil is toxic to cats.
Option Two: Keravive in the Office For a non-invasive in-office option, Dr. Sohrab offers Keravive, a treatment focused on scalp cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration. It removes oil, dead skin cells, and buildup from around the hair follicles, creating a healthier environment for hair to grow. There are no needles and no downtime.
Dr. Sohrab is clear about its role: Keravive isn't a primary treatment for regrowth. Think of it as the supporting player that complements your other treatments.
Option Three: PRP Scalp Injections PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, uses your own platelets to deliver growth factors to the scalp and help regenerate hair follicles. By supporting weakened follicles, it can reduce shedding and improve hair density.
PRP is performed as a series of three treatments, followed by maintenance treatments every six months. Like minoxidil, the improvement is gradual, appearing over weeks to months. PRP may also work in synergy with minoxidil to improve hair density, which makes the two a natural pairing.
Where to Start Every case of hair loss is a little different, which is why the first step is a consultation. A doctor can look at the full picture, rule out other contributors, and build a plan that fits your hair and your goals. One important note: if you're on a GLP-1, keep taking it as prescribed and talk with your prescribing doctor before making any changes.
You worked hard for your results. Your hair deserves the same attention.