Does Phentermine Cause Hair Loss Permanently? (and how to treat it)

Some studies suggest that certain medications can cause hair loss, considered drug-triggered alopecia.

But that might get you wondering, does phentermine cause hair loss, or is it from something else?

If you’ve done some research about the topic, you might notice that there are conflicting answers to this question. The actual answer can differ, especially because people react to medications, food, and various substances differently.

So, how do we explain the experience of many people who used phentermine and lost their hair along with their extra pounds? Well, that can be because phentermine might really trigger hair loss as a side effect, but those who are predisposed to hair loss are more likely to experience it than others.

Although that sounds like a “safe” answer for us, the reality is that there are also many people who took phentermine but never experienced hair loss.

And there were others who only lost weight after they stopped taking phentermine!

Why do these people have different experiences? Lets find out.

Does Phentermine Cause Hair Loss?

As confusing as it might sound, phentermine can cause hair loss to those predisposed to lose hair, but might not cause this side effect to those who aren’t vulnerable or at high risk of experiencing alopecia (the medical term for hair loss).

Studies show, however, that phentermine can lead to hair loss. However, it isn’t listed as an official side effect of using this FDA-approved obesity drug.

The extent of hair loss can vary, also depending on many factors. But it would appear that the less nutritious food you eat and the more you go on a diet, the more likely you might lose your hair.

Does that mean that it’s the phentermine’s action that directly caused the weight loss or is it because of malnutrition?

Let’s discuss more this below.

Reasons Why Phentermine Causes Hair Loss

1. Possibly Due to Chemotoxicity

Hair loss from medications is often associated with chemotherapy, however, it can still happen with other types of drugs and treatments.

Don’t worry because phentermine-induced hair loss isn’t likely to be as profound or noticeable as alopecia due to chemotherapy. However, it can happen due to an effect called chemotoxicity.

This can happen when components of a drug you’re taking disrupt certain body systems, such as the growth of your hair follicles. When that happens, the hair strands don’t grow properly and lead to premature termination.

Chemotoxicity can also push your hair into the resting phase much earlier than they’re supposed to be. When this happens, they also go to the falling out phase prematurely.

With more hair in the resting phase and less growing properly, then you can experience significant hair loss.

2. Possibly Due to Nutritional Deficiencies

Our body’s systems are interconnected with each other, and the action (or lack of action) of one can affect the others.

For example, our bodies are designed to get the nutrients we need from the foods processed by our digestive system. But if the digestive system doesn’t get nutritious foods, then you can experience an imbalance in your other systems.

This can happen when you’re on an appetite-suppression obesity drug such as phentermine.

To cope with the malnutrition, the body rations the nutrients to parts that need it most – and the hair isn’t really high up on the list.

That’s why some people who take weight-loss drugs like phentermine or those who go through certain diet plans like a calorie-restricted diet might be more prone to hair loss.

Although the hair loss itself can be considered a side effect of taking phentermine, it’s just an indirect effect. The main reason is still due to malnutrition or nutritional deficiencies.

However, that’s a side effect that you should still count towards phentermine use. After all, you are more likely to experience this when you’re using phentermine to lose weight.

Warning: If you didn’t know it yet, hair loss isn’t the only side effect of taking phentermine.

3. Possibly Due to Stress

Numerous studies have long shown that stress can trigger hair loss. When you’re trying to lose weight, your mind and body can also be under a lot of stress.

There are different ways that stress can lead to hair loss issues:

• Stress can push your hair into the resting phase (which subsequently leads to the hair fall phase)
• Stress can make you feel the urge to pull your hair to deal with your negative feelings or emotions
• Stress can also make your body attack your hair follicles in a rare immune response

Will Phentermine Make Your Hair Fall Out?

You might notice that hair loss from phentermine starts around 2-3 months after you started taking the obesity drug.

Some of those who experienced this side effect had clumps of hair strands coming off their head while washing or brushing their hair. In such cases, the hair comes off from the root.

If you notice that your hair becomes brittle and breaks away instead of coming off the root, then it might be due to an underlying medical condition (such as hypothyroidism wherein your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones), not hair loss from phentermine.

Talk to your doctor in either case, especially if you’re losing huge clumps of hair while you’re taking the drug.

When Will the Hair Loss Stop?

Hair loss is expected to last throughout the course of your medication, with significant shedding dropping steadily after around 6-8 months since your last dose.

Will My Hair Grow Back After I Stop Taking Phentermine?

Here’s some good news!

If your hair loss is due to the drug you’re taking, such as phentermine, then there’s also a big chance that you can grow your hair back after you stop taking it.

Of course, your hair isn’t going to magically grow back once you stop the treatment. It could take around 2-6 months before some of it will begin to grow.

However, they won’t grow at the same time, and might even grow at a slower rate than they previously did. So, it might take 12-18 months after the last dose before you can actually notice significant regrowth.

Unfortunately for some, the regrowth can be so slow that it would take many years before they regain the hair they lost during the short phentermine treatment.

You can help speed up the process of regaining your beautiful locks back with these tips and tricks for managing hair loss we share below. These can even be useful as preventive measures to help reduce your hair loss risks or lessen the strands you shed off.

Managing Hair Loss From Phentermine

How Can I Stop My Hair From Falling Out Due To Medication?

1. Get Enough Vitamins & Nutrients

Remember how we discussed above that the hair loss from phentermine could be due to insufficient nutrients or malnutrition?

It would make sense, then, to get enough vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.

However, it’s important to know that phentermine can interact with other medications, vitamins, and supplements. So, it’s best to ask your doctor which vitamins to take or tell them that you’re taking phentermine.

Eating healthy foods can actually be a better option than taking artificial vitamins and supplements if you’re on phentermine.

It’s also best to opt for foods rich in biotin, zinc, iron, and vitamins A, B, and E.

You can give yourself a vitamin boost with foods like avocado, broccoli, strawberries, citrus fruits, spinach, seeds, nuts, and beans.

2. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration deprives many cells in your body of water, which is a very important component in many systems.

Insufficient water levels can lead to or increase your risks of hair loss.

So, stay hydrated. Make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day.

Aside from helping prevent hair loss, staying hydrated can also reduce your risks of other side effects from phentermine use.

3. Avoid Using Harsh Products on Your Hair

Harsh chemicals in certain hair products, especially those that make curly hair become straight, can harm your follicles. These can increase your risks of losing more hair, whether or not you’re using phentermine.

However, because phentermine-induced hair loss is often linked to those predisposed to lose hair, it’s best to keep your risks at a minimum.

If possible, use a gentle shampoo and other hair products, even just during the duration of your phentermine treatment.

4. Manage Your Stress

Because stress can lead to hair loss, you should consider managing it and avoiding your triggers to help you get back your luscious hair locks.

You can try the following to help you avoid phentermine-induced hair loss:

• Get enough rest by sleeping well. So, you should avoid taking phentermine close to your bedtime because it can cause insomnia.
• Find the best stress-managing techniques that work for you, including yoga and meditation

Reversing Hair Loss: How Can I Stimulate My Hair Follicles For Hair Growth?

1. Get Some Vitamin D

Several studies found a direct link between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss. Insufficient levels of this vitamin in the body can cause new hair growth to be stunted, leading to possible bald patches on your head.

These studies have also discovered that supplementation with vitamin D can reverse the hair loss process by stimulating hair follicles and promoting hair growth.

Exposure to sunlight remains one of the best ways to get enough vitamin D. However, in temperate regions and places away from the equator, sunlight might be insufficient or even unavailable.

You can consider taking vitamin D supplementation, but be sure to ask your doctor first and tell them you’re taking phentermine.

These foods are also good sources of vitamin D:

• Oily fish like salmon, herring, sardines, and mackerel
• Red meat (such as lean beef)
• Egg yolks
• Liver
• Some dairy products like cheese

2. Increase Your Protein Intake

Did you know that protein-rich foods are among your best food choices if you’re taking phentermine?

Don’t believe the myths that you’ll lose more weight if you eliminate proteins.

Instead, you’d want to take more proteins because these are important nutrients that your body needs to build muscles. These are also important components for making hair.

There are plenty of protein sources that can still be fat-free and healthy even when you’re on a diet.

The following protein sources can help you manage hair loss while taking phentermine:

• Eggs
• Chicken (without the skin)
• Lean meat
• Fish
• Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Beans and lentils such as soy and chickpeas
• Seeds and nuts, including hemp seeds

3. Increase Your Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake

Omega-3 fatty acids have long been known to help reduce bad cholesterol levels in your body to help maintain your blood pressure and reduce your risks of stroke or a heart attack.

But did you know that they’re also great for your hair? These special fatty acids can keep your hair strong and healthy.

And considering that phentermine can increase your risk of heart disease, increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids to prevent or manage hair loss is like hitting two birds with one stone.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include the following:

• Fatty fish such as sardines, mackerel, salmon, and tuna
• Seafood
• Avocado
• Nuts and seeds, including chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseeds

You can also ask your doctor for omega-3 fatty acid supplements that you can take while you’re on phentermine.

How Is Drug-Induced Hair Loss Treated?

The best way to treat drug-induced hair loss is to stop taking the substance or medication that triggered it in the first place.

Cutting the root of the problem as quickly as possible can save the roots of your hair.

But here’s a big warning: Don’t stop phentermine use without your doctor’s approval! It can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms, including nerve damage, stroke, cardiac arrest, or loss of memory.

Treatment for drug-induced hair loss like that experienced with phentermine can include the options we listed above and using topical applications of minoxidil or finasteride.

You can consider taking Hår Vokse, a breakthrough in hair restoration therapy.

Top 5 Reasons to Choose Hår Vokse for Hair Loss

Here are some of the top reasons why you’ll love HårVokse for phentermine-induced hair loss:

• Clinical studies show that it stops hair loss and promotes re-growth in 63.9% of the test participants
• The dual-action formula works by both preventing hair loss and initiating new growth. By taking this supplement, you can quickly put an end to your hair-loss nightmare
• It’s made of powerful yet natural ingredients such as marine collagen and amino acids that can promote hair regrowth without using harsh chemicals
• Aside from activating hair follicles to make your hair grow, the new strands are also healthy because they’re packed with vitamins and minerals. So, you can quickly have fuller, thicker hair that looks healthy
• It is also formulated for all hair types

Plus, Hår Vokse comes packed with the following nutrients that are important components for hair growth and health:

• Vitamin E – improves the health of your hair by promoting shiny and luscious strands
• Vitamin B6 – nourishes your scalp and keeps hair follicles healthy
• Amla extract – stimulates hair growth and minimizes hair loss
• Biotin – promotes hair growth
• L-arginine amino acids – can help prevent hair breakage, premature graying, and hair loss
• L-cysteine amino acids – building blocks of keratin to promote hair growth
• Copper – helps promote melanin production, avoid premature graying, and keep your hair from thinning
• Selenium – boosts hair growth and prevents hair loss
• Rosemary rose extract – alleviates dandruff, prevents premature graying, and promotes glossier hair
• Hydrolyzed marine collagen – strengthens hair from the roots

Learn more about Hår Vokse for hair loss here

Important Precautions While Taking Phentermine

Aside from hair loss, these are some of the other side effects and risks that you should know about:

• Feeling nervous
• Reduced interest in sex
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue
• Heart-related emergencies such as abnormal heartbeat, shakiness, trouble breathing, and chest pains
• High blood pressure
• Low blood sugar levels (confusion, fast heartbeat, dizziness, and shaking)

Also, phentermine is a scheduled drug because it has the potential to become abused.

Making Safer Choices: What’s Our Recommendation?

Considering that phentermine can cause various side effects, it might be a good idea to find safer options instead.

We recommend PhenQ, a dietary supplement with stimulating and appetite-suppression effects similar to phentermine but without the many side effects linked to the prescription drug.

The advantages of PhenQ include:

• PhenQ appetite suppressants don’t cause hair loss
• It’s made of a unique formula that can support all weight-loss journeys
• It can crush cravings so you can eat less every mealtime but in a natural way
• It burns fats to help you lose weight while preserving your muscles
• It promotes your metabolism to help incinerate those excess pounds
• It helps balance your mood instead of causing depression (a common side effect of phentermine)

FAQs

Is Hair Loss From Phentermine Permanent?

No. Like other drug-induced alopecia, hair loss from phentermine isn’t likely to be permanent. You can grow your hair back once you stop taking the drug.

However, it can take several months or even years to fully regain your hair to its former glory.

Does Phentermine 37.5 Mg Cause Hair Loss?

Yes, it’s possible. Although it isn’t listed as an official side effect of taking phentermine, some people experienced hair loss. It’s unknown, however, whether a higher dosage can increase your risks.

What Drugs Cause Hair Loss?

There are many medications that can cause hair loss.

Some of these are:

• Weight loss drugs like phentermine
• Anti-clotting drugs
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Drugs that suppress the immune system (such as those used in chemotherapy)
• Drugs that treat breast cancer and other cancers
• Acne medications containing vitamin A (retinoids)
• Certain antibiotics and antifungal drugs
• Epilepsy drugs (anticonvulsants)
• Antidepressants
• High blood pressure medications (anti-hypertensives), such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics
• Mood stabilizers
• Steroids
• Tamoxifen blocks the estrogen receptor to prevent breast cancer.
• Thyroid medications
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Parkinson’s disease drugs

Do Steroids Cause Hair Loss in Females?

Although certain steroids, particularly anabolic steroids, can lead to hair loss in men, they might have the opposite effect in women!

Anabolic steroids are a synthetic version of testosterone, and they can lead to hair growth in women.

Due to this mechanism, steroids are being considered as a treatment for hair loss.

To reduce the side effects and deliver it where it’s needed, steroid injections are usually done directly on the skin or spot with hair loss. However, your doctor might also recommend intravenous delivery to circulate the substance throughout your body.

However, you shouldn’t take steroids to treat your hair loss from phentermine, unless they’re prescribed by your doctor.

Final Thoughts

If you are predisposed to hair loss, phentermine may speed up the process. Anyone considering taking phentermine should speak with their doctor about their individual risk for hair loss.

Phentermine is a powerful weight loss medication and should be used only as directed by a physician.