Does Phentermine Cause Hair Loss? Get The Facts Straight!

As obesity has become one of the pressing health concerns worldwide, more people are turning towards weight loss aids like phentermine. However, the fact of the matter is that many of them do not understand the implications of these medicines. There have been reports from certain quarters regarding phentermine’s security with a few pointing out hair loss after using it for a while. 

The weight management aspects of phentermine are well documented. It encourages users to adhere to calorie-restricted diets by suppressing appetite and enhancing energy levels. However, recent controversy that it causes hair loss has become a topic of particular interest among health circles. 

Ground studies provide no concrete evidence, with anecdotal reports offering no clear findings doing rounds. Some associate a link between phentermine and hair loss others suggest the opposite. This has become a cause of concern for many of those phentermine users. It is high time to end this discrepancy and confusion.

In this article, we will perform a scientific analysis of phentermine’s activity and investigate whether it has to do anything with hair loss. We will examine how phentermine operates in the body and how it might influence hair growth cycles while inducing body mechanisms to shed weight. So, without any further delay, let’s get started.

Understanding Phentermine

Phentermine is a prescription medicine used for short-term treatment of obesity. Sympathomimetic amines, the group to which phentermine belongs, have a modes operandi of suppressing appetite to stimulate the nervous system.

As a result, heart rate increases making it an effective adjunct to diet and exercise for weight loss. It can be helpful for those individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 30kg making them vulnerable to lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. 

Approved by the FDA in 1959, phentermine is available under various brand names—Apidpex-P and Lomaira. It releases norepinephrine in the brain that helps to decrease appetite. It is normally prescribed for up to 12 weeks to prevent potential side effects. Although phentermine comes to the rescue to shed extra pounds from your body, combining it with lifestyle modifications provides optimal results. 

Common Side Effects of Phentermine

Users may experience increased heart rate, dry mouth, insomnia, etc once they start the medication. While dry mouth occurs due to a decrease in saliva production, insomnia is triggered by phentermine’s stimulant effects.

Apart from this, you may also have instances of headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and irritability. Since phentermine employs the heart to work more intensely leading to a steady increase in heart rate, it is normally not prescribed to individuals with pre-existing heart ailments. 

In certain cases, phentermine use can cause tremors which is indicative of a higher dose. It is advisable to consult the doctor immediately to seek clarification about it. Phentermine’s use can also invoke behavioral changes leading to restlessness, agitation, and mood swings in individuals.

While most people are comfortable with its use, for some it may cause chest pain, blood pressure variations, and breathing difficulties forcing a rethinking of the medicine’s use. 

Does Phentermine Cause Hair Loss?

Now let’s face the question—does phentermine cause hair loss? The use of phentermine as such does not cause the hair to fall. However, when combined with certain other aspects such as hormonal changes, and nutritional deficiencies, the possibility of hair loss cannot be overlooked. Alopecia, the phenomenon associated with hair loss, occurs roughly after three months of the treatment. 

It has been observed that phentermine intake may block some specific proteins essential for hair growth. Hence, ensuring adequate protein intake may solve this problem. Over time with proper nutrition, hair follicles recover and resume hair growth. While undergoing phentermine medication, managing stress and focusing on overall well-being are other ways to ensure optimal weight loss. 

Conclusion

To summarize, we discussed phentermine and some common side effects caused by it. We reflected on how phentermine’s use affects protein absorption and causes hair loss. We understand that adequate protein intake can help us solve this problem. Phentermine has great potential in aiding weight management.

That being said, it is critical to determine if this option is right for you. Proper consultations with a registered medical practitioner become necessary before you make a choice.

Also Read: Is Ibuprofen A Blood Thinner? What You Need To Know!

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