Should I restart after suffering hair loss last time?

[TheRoundTable1983]

I am seriously considering restarting Mounjaro and and just looking for some opinions, really.

I initially started it exactly 12 months ago and was on it for 3.5 months. I only lost 1.5 stone and, along with it, a ton of hair. I am completely guilty of not being responsible the first time I embarked upon my MJ journey. I barely ate, and certainly didn’t make sure I was eating enough protein etc, so my calorie intake for the 14 odd weeks I was on it would have been significantly lower than what my body was previously used to.

I ultimately stopped taking it due to the severe hair loss I experienced. It started about 2 months after I started MJ and still continues to this day. I wonder if it was coincidental - I am almost 42 and my hormones could have been beginning to naturally fluctuate anyway, but I worry that the MJ itself has permanently altered my hormone make up which is why I’m still losing hair. If I could guarantee this was the case, of course I’d never go near it again.
I have read so, so many people saying it’s the rapid weight loss that causes the hair loss, and whilst I believe that to be the case for some, I genuinely feel that the medication is responsible for my hair loss given that I was losing around 1.5lbs per week and over 4.5 months, this was by no means rapid!

I am debating whether to restart. With a focus on hitting calorie, protein and water intake goals - basically using it more responsibly this time, but I am petrified the hair loss will increase. So far, even though I’ve been losing hair, it’s still okay, just a lot thinner. I don’t have any bald patches or anything. I am so down about my weight and I know first hand how MJ stops food noise. That in itself was such a blessing last time, but I just don’t know if I dare tempt fate for a second time…

I think you should talk to a doctor about your hair loss. There's plenty of things it could be but I don't think it's mounjaro.

Rapid weight loss can cause telogen effluvium which is temporary. 21 lb in 14 weeks is 1.5lb a week. That's not that rapid and I wouldn't expect you to keep losing hair after coming off mounjaro. Maybe within 3 months of stopping mounjaro but not now.

Things like PCOS and other disorders can cause hair loss. They can also cause you to gain weight, so it could be whatever caused you to gain weight is also causing you to lose hair.

Or it could be a deficiency, talk to your doctor for blood tests.

Completely agree with @Mumconnect - telogen effluvium associated with sudden weight loss is usually temporary. A chronic case needs to be investigated as it could be a sign of an underlying issue.

Probably long Covid

Thanks for your thoughts. Yes, I have blood tests booked for early July. I did have some back in December and everything was fine except slightly low ferritin for which I am taking Ferrous Sulphate. I was scanned last year for ovarian cysts - none were found. It will be interesting to see what the next bloods show. If anything. Thanks again.

I haven’t had Covid, thankfully, but I know this is a longstanding side effect for a lot of those who have.

i started it in November last year. In about Feb my hair loss started and I’ve been so so worried about it. Nearly stopped the mounjaro. But literally it’s settled down in the last couple weeks. I never thought it would stop! I’m so glad I didn’t stop the mounjaro