Users of GLP-1 medications, such as Mounjaro, are reporting significant side effects including hair loss and skin changes, prompting some to seek alternative solutions.
One individual shared an experience of losing approximately 4 stone (over 56 pounds) over a six-month period on Mounjaro. While pleased with the weight loss, they noted a detrimental impact on their hair and skin around the fourth month of treatment. The hair reportedly began to thin at an alarming rate, losing its gloss and bounce, accompanied by severe dandruff. The user also observed their skin becoming dry and flaky, with more pronounced under-eye dark circles.
These adverse effects are attributed not to the drug itself, but to the drastic calorie reduction and potential nutrient deficiencies that can occur with powerful appetite suppressants. The user noted instances of forgetting to eat and not consuming sufficient nutrients or water.
After discontinuing the medication, the shedding and dandruff subsided, but the hair did not fully regain its previous thickness. Traditional treatments like expensive shampoos and oils proved ineffective. Similarly, skincare routines using retinol and specialized creams failed to restore the skin's lost glow.
A turning point came with the introduction of a supplement called Lyma, which the individual began taking seven months after stopping Mounjaro. Lyma, launched in 2018, has garnered celebrity attention and recently updated its formula to address potential muscle loss in GLP-1 users, marketing it as an 'exercise in a pill' due to an ingredient called gynostemma pentaphyllum.
While the supplement did not lead to noticeable muscle toning for this user, they reported a significant transformation in their skin and hair within six weeks. Their hair regained its pre-medication condition, appearing glossier and growing at an accelerated rate. The user's undereye dark circles faded, and their skin appeared more refreshed and dewy.
The key ingredient identified is Cynatine HNS, a form of natural keratin peptides that support hair, skin, and nail health. The user's Lyma supplement contained 500mg of Cynatine HNS. As the body's ability to produce keratin naturally decreases with age, supplements like this, particularly those with human-like amino acid profiles derived from sheep's wool, are designed for better absorption.
Independent clinical studies cited by the supplement's proponents suggest that users have reported reduced hair loss, increased hair growth, and up to a 95% increase in hair volume after three months. For skin, approximately 60% of users noted improvements in fine lines and wrinkles.
Despite the cost of the Lyma supplement, which is approximately £199 for a month's supply, the user found it a worthwhile investment compared to ineffective beauty products. Even six weeks after stopping the supplement, combined with an improved diet, the positive effects on their hair and skin were maintained.