Why Is My Hair Falling Out? Let’s Talk GLP-1s, Postpartum, and Seasonal Shedding
Between postpartum changes, seasonal shifts, and the rise of GLP-1s for weight loss, it’s no wonder so many of us are noticing more hair in the shower drain. If you’ve been wondering what’s normal, and what you can do about it, you’re not alone.
Gretchen Friese, Bosley MD/Keranique Trichologist and Hairstylist, shares the questions she get asked most often, breaking down the common causes of hair loss and offering ways to keep your strands (and confidence) strong.
Many people are using GLP- 1s for weight loss. I often get the question: Is my hair falling out because of the medication?
Finally getting into our skinny jeans is a great feeling! But having a skinny ponytail isn’t what we want to have as a result. So why are people seeing a lot of hair loss with their weight loss? It isn’t really a direct result of the actual GLP-1 medications. The hair loss is a result of the rapid weight loss.
Rapid weight loss often means reduced calorie intake, which can also reduce essential nutrients. When we have diets that are low in protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and B vitamins we are experiencing a nutritional deficiency. This deficiency can weaken our hair follicles and result in excessive shedding. In addition, when we lose weight really fast it can also trigger a hormonal shift that can alter our thyroid function and sex hormones, which can contribute to thinning hair.
What can we do to help the situation? First and foremost, I recommend making sure you are getting enough protein daily (46g for women, 56g for men). Hair is made of keratin (a protein), so insufficient protein can weaken strands and slow regrowth. Also, consider taking supplement(s) that include iron, biotin, vitamin D, and zinc to help avoid nutritional deficiency. Once a balanced diet and stable weight are maintained, hair often begins to regrow within 6–12 months. Weight loss hair loss is usually temporary and related to trauma on the body and nutrient loss rather than permanent damage.
The seasons are changing, and the weather is getting cooler. Is seasonal hair loss a real thing?
Yes, seasonal shedding is a real thing for us humans. Just like our pups who leave “doggie glitter” all over the house at certain times of the year, we are mammals. Just like our canine companions and other animals, we can shed hair in order to make room for a different coat of hair. For example, in the fall we may experience a bit more shedding to get ready for our “winter coat”.
How can we combat this?
Pay attention to your haircare. Avoid excessive brushing, use heat protection when styling your hair and opt for more loose hairstyles rather than tight ponytails or braids.
Keep a healthy scalp. Make sure you are washing your hair enough (at least every two days). This will keep your scalp clean and free of buildup from oils, hair products, dirt and toxins. Massage your scalp. A gentle scalp massage can improve circulation and support follicle health.
Stay healthy on the inside. Make sure you are getting enough protein - remember: hair is made of keratin, which is a protein. Include foods rich in iron, zinc, omega-3s, vitamin D, and biotin. Some great fall foods for this are: apples, pears, cranberries, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, beets, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, eggs, turkey, lentils, and Greek yogurt. And lastly, stay hydrated! It may seem counter productive because it’s cooler outside and we aren’t sweating as much but water intake is especially important in the colder or drier months. Dehydration can worsen hair shedding. I also recommend taking a multivitamin or any supplements that are recommended by a health care provider.
Watch your stress levels. Seasonal changes (especially reduced daylight) can influence our stress and hormonal balances. Make sure to get regular exercise and some good zzz’s. Some other stress management options are: yoga (also exercise), meditation/prayer, deep breathing, and journaling.
When should you seek medical advice?
If you are concerned that your seasonal hair loss is something more serious, such as: it is severe or patchy, it continues beyond 2-3 months, or you notice additional symptoms (fatigue, brittle nails, thyroid concerns), you should talk to a medical professional.
To summarize: Seasonal hair loss is usually temporary. Supporting overall scalp health, nutrition, and stress balance helps minimize the impact until your hair cycle stabilizes. Happy Fall Y’all!
I had a baby 3 months ago and my hair is falling out like crazy! What is happening?
We love our new bundles of joy. Life couldn’t be better but why isn’t our hair getting the memo? Postpartum hair loss, which is medically known as “telogen effluvium”, is a common and temporary condition that affects many women after childbirth. Women often see: excessive hair shedding, particularly when brushing or washing, hair accumulation on pillows, clothing, or in drains and thinning concentrated at the temples, crown, or in the hairline.
Why does this happen? Well, when we are pregnant our estrogen levels are elevated. This prolongs the growth phase (anagen) of the hair cycle, which can result in fuller, thicker hair, and less shedding of the hair. After childbirth, estrogen levels return to their pre-pregnancy baseline, which can trigger a large amount of the hairs that haven’t been shedding to enter the resting phase (telogen). This can lead to increased shedding, often noticed 2–4 months postpartum. New moms are under more day to day stress and aren’t getting as much sleep as they were pre-baby, and this can contribute to some hair loss as well.
Postpartum hair loss typically peaks around 4–5 months after delivery and gradually improves. By 9–12 months postpartum, most women notice their hair returning to its usual density. You can expect your hair to feel more “normal” by the baby's first birthday.
Some postpartum management strategies can include:
Practice gentle hair care: Use wide-tooth combs, avoid excessive heat styling, and minimize hairstyles that pull on the hair.
Appropriate hair products: Volumizing shampoos and lightweight conditioners may help hair appear fuller. Avoid heavy products that can weigh hair down. I like BosleyMD and Keranique hair products for this.
Proper nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and biotin to support overall hair health. Stay hydrated!
Supplements: Continuing prenatal vitamins may be beneficial, but supplementation should be guided by a healthcare provider.
Selfcare: Try to get enough rest and make sure you are taking care of your needs while managing the needs of the baby.
What are some general haircare tips you can give me?
Believe it or not I get this question a lot! People get caught up in their day-to-day, forgetting to keep up on some of the simple things we can do to take care of our hair. Here is a checklist of some things I like to recommend:
Wash your hair enough and properly. Especially if you are experiencing more shedding than normal (normal being 100-150 strands a day). Normal hair should be washed at least 3 times a week but if you are concerned with hair loss, I recommend every other or even every day. When you wash your hair, shampoo twice! The first round will get product and debris out of your strands and the second will really clean your hair and scalp. Follow with a conditioner catered to your hair type.
Use a hair mask: Sometimes our shampoo and conditioner aren’t quite enough. I recommend using a hair mask once a week to help keep strands strong and moisturized. The proper way to use a hair mask is: wash your hair (twice), towel dry, apply the mask roots to ends and leave on for 5-10 minutes. You will then rinse and follow up with your normal conditioner - this will lock in that moisture. Think of that last step as the moisturizer you would apply to your face after a mask. We need that extra step!
Use heat protection: Even if you are just blow drying your hair, you need to put something on your strands to create a barrier between the hair and the heat. This will help prevent dry hair, breakage and split ends. One of my favorite products for this is the Keranique Rejuvenate Lift & Repair Treatment Spray. It is a great heat protectant as well as a treatment to help reduce breakage and split ends.
Get regular haircuts: Even if you are trying to grow your hair out, it is important to trim the ends of your hair to prevent split ends and breakage. Remember, your hair won’t get longer if you are losing length from the ends as those strands “cut themselves” by breaking from the bottom.
Editor’s note: At Hello Mamas, we love sharing great health and wellness tips, but this is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare team before starting any new routine or treatment. Also, at Hello Mamas, we share products we personally love and may earn a small commission from affiliate links. This doesn’t affect the price you pay. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in, but your experience may vary.
