When we catch a cold or flu, common symptoms like cough, fever, and loss of smell are often dismissed as ordinary. However, a recent study reveals that loss of smell—a symptom brought into sharp focus during the COVID-19 pandemic—could be an indicator of over 139 medical conditions, some far more serious than the flu.

A groundbreaking study by scientists from the UC Irvine Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences in California has highlighted the link between persistent olfactory loss and inflammation, which is associated with numerous health conditions. Published in the journal Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, the study emphasizes that olfactory dysfunction could be an early warning sign for diseases ranging from COVID-19 to neurological and psychological disorders.

The Science Behind Olfactory Loss

Olfactory loss, or the inability to smell, is not just an inconvenience. According to the study, the phenomenon stems from inflammation that can signal various underlying health issues. Researchers found that olfactory dysfunction often precedes other symptoms in conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and even schizophrenia.

For example, Walker et al. (2021) noted that olfactory loss appears well before motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease. Similarly, studies as far back as 1991 (Serby et al.) indicated that the first area of the brain to deteriorate in Alzheimer’s patients is the olfactory pathway. This early warning capability extends to other conditions such as major cardiac events, multiple sclerosis, and schizophrenia, where olfactory loss often precedes the onset of more recognizable symptoms.

Loss of smell - A predictor of mortality and cognitive decline

Perhaps even more concerning is the link between olfactory loss and overall health outcomes. The study connects persistent loss of smell to memory decline, cognitive impairment, and even all-cause mortality. For instance, a study from the University of Chicago found that a rapid decline in the sense of smell could serve as an early indicator of dementia.

Potential of scents

There’s hope, however. A 2023 study exploring “olfactory enrichment” found that exposing older adults to pleasant scents via an odorant diffuser significantly improved memory—by as much as 226%. Researchers believe that these scents may reduce inflammation, offering a potential mechanism for improving brain health.

“We now know that pleasant scents can decrease inflammation, potentially pointing to the mechanism by which such scents can improve brain health,” the researchers stated. This finding opens up exciting possibilities for using scent-based therapies to address a range of conditions linked to olfactory loss.

The implications of these findings are clear: persistent loss of smell should not be ignored. While it may stem from something as simple as a common cold or seasonal allergies, it could also be an early warning sign of a more serious condition. If you or someone you know experiences prolonged olfactory dysfunction, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial.

These studies pave the way for future research into scent-based therapies that could revolutionize how we treat neurological, psychological, and inflammatory conditions. Loss of smell is no longer just a minor inconvenience; it’s a potential gateway to understanding—and perhaps mitigating—a wide range of medical challenges.

Tatiana Zdyb admitted to multiple professional misconduct charges, including intimate relationship with patient and misuse of psychedelic therapy

A London-based psychologist who offered ketamine-assisted psychotherapy to clients has been stripped of her license after admitting to serious professional misconduct, including sexual abuse of a patient, misrepresenting her credentials, and offering unproven treatments.

Zdyb, once publicly known for pioneering the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy in Southwestern Ontario, faced a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday before the Ontario College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts. The hearing addressed three separate notices of professional misconduct, culminating in the revocation of her license to practice.

The hearing, held in Toronto, heard that Zdyb engaged in an inappropriate and intimate relationship with a long-time patient, provided services unlikely to benefit clients, and misrepresented both her role and the safety of the treatments she was offering.

“These findings are not minor breaches,” said hearing chair Ian Nicholson. “They go to the core of your responsibilities as a regulated professional… Your actions represented a fundamental and egregious betrayal of that trust.”

The Psychedelic Controversy: What Is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine, originally developed as a fast-acting anesthetic for medical and veterinary use, has in recent years found a foothold in mental health care, particularly for patients with treatment-resistant depression. It is a controlled substance in Canada, meaning its use outside regulated medical or scientific settings is illegal.

When used under medical supervision, low-dose ketamine infusions or lozenges are believed to rapidly relieve depressive symptoms, sometimes within hours. However, the drug also has hallucinogenic effects and potential for misuse, raising concerns among medical professionals and regulators alike.

While Zdyb was not a medical doctor, she collaborated with prescribing physicians to incorporate ketamine into her psychotherapy sessions. She had previously promoted her clinic, under names like the MindSetting Institute and Zdyb Centre for Health Promotion, as one of the first in the region to offer this form of therapy.

ALSO READ: Matthew Perry Investigation: Can Ketamine Kill Someone?

Ketamine is an anaesthetic used to treat depression, anxiety and pain under supervised and controlled medical settings. However, it does have its side effects, which can lead to distortion of sight, sound and time. It can also produce calming and relaxing effects.

Ketamine increases a person’s heart rate and blood pressure. If overdosed, it can leave users confused and agitated and can cause them to hurt themselves without even realizing it. It can also lead to liver damage and bladder problems.

However, when used in moderation and under the supervision of medical doctors, it can treat depression where traditional antidepressants have failed.

Prof Rupert McShane, a University of Oxford psychiatrist who runs an NHS ketamine treatment clinic told BBC that ketamine “probably turns off the area of the brain that is involved in disappointment.”

In simple terms, it cannot, be if the dosage is given in a controlled setting and as prescribed. Ketamine infusion therapy uses drugs in small doses than those used for anaesthesia. It acts faster than traditional anti-depressants, but the effects also wear off way quickly. Which is why it is important to monitor patients’ mental state for relapsing back into depression and discouraging them from overdosing on it.

YOU MAY WANT TO READ: Can You Use Ketamine To Treat Depression?

Disciplinary Action Follows Settled Lawsuit

The College first issued an interim suspension of Zdyb’s licence in August 2023, pending investigation. But the roots of concern stretch back even further. Lawyer John Nicholson, who represented a former client of Zdyb's under the pseudonym “A.A.”, said his client’s mental health significantly deteriorated after receiving ketamine treatment under Zdyb’s care in 2020 for mild depression.

“She got worse,” Nicholson told CBC News. “And later, Zdyb recommended psilocybin [magic mushrooms] without having the training or expertise to manage that process. My client was unable to return to work and suffered greatly.”

The lawsuit alleged not only inappropriate treatment but also that Zdyb entered into a romantic relationship with A.A. during the course of her therapy, a clear violation of regulatory rules that prohibit any sexual relationship for at least one year after treatment ends. The case was settled out of court, with Nicholson confirming a monetary agreement but declining to share further details.

Admitted Misconduct and License Revocation

At Wednesday’s hearing, Zdyb admitted to all the allegations presented. Her legal representative, Grant Ferguson, acknowledged the “most serious” charge was the sexual relationship with a former client, which began in September 2022, the same month the patient ceased treatment.

But the College’s regulations are unequivocal: any romantic involvement within a year of therapy ending constitutes sexual abuse, carrying severe consequences including mandatory licence revocation.

Misdiagnoses are common, sometimes things are not as they seem to be, but can you imagine, getting your cancer treated and finding out that it wasn’t cancer at all?

A unique report detailed the case of this 40-year-old woman who developed a tumor in her jaw area over two years. Interestingly, two months before the jaw tumor appeared, she had root canal surgery on a tooth near that area. Also, one month before the tumor, she had surgery to treat endometriosis in her uterus. Doctors surgically removed the jaw tumor. After looking at the tissue under a microscope and performing special tests, they confirmed it was endometriosis.

Endometriosis and How It Affects Body Parts Other Than Uterus

190 million girls and women suffer with this disease, yet we hear about the lack of proper care, treatment or even diagnosis in most cases. Endometriosis, a chronic disease that can cause severe, life-impacting pain during periods, yet it goes undiagnosed in many cases. Yale Medicine explains that due to the varying symptoms, many times healthcare professionals require surgeries to definitively diagnose endometriosis, which can be invasive as well as cause complications.

Jaw Pain in Women With Endometriosis

Like the case study above, researchers have looked into how endometriosis could affect places like the jaw. According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, women with endometriosis who had pelvic pain on one side of their body were also more likely to experience jaw pain on that same side. The study also noted that those with jaw pain were more prone to clenching their teeth.

Researchers surveyed 128 women, most around 33 years old, who had been diagnosed with endometriosis for about six years. All the women had been diagnosed through surgery and had received medical treatment (like hormone therapy) for at least six months in the past. Women with more severe endometriosis or certain other health conditions were not included.

The women filled out questionnaires about their muscle and joint pain. Then, the researchers used statistics to look for connections between the different pains and their endometriosis treatments. What they found was,

• There was a link between pain on the sides of the pelvis and pain on the sides of the jaw, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is where the joint that connects the jawbone to skull
• There was a strong link between teeth clenching and jaw pain (TMJ).
• There was a link between pelvic pain and the type of endometriosis treatment the women received.
• There was also a link between pain outside the pelvis (in other body parts) and the type of endometriosis treatment used.

However, the study did not find a link between:

• Pelvic pain and headaches.
• Teeth clenching and headaches.
• Jaw pain (TMJ) and the type of endometriosis treatment.

Most of the women in the study reported clenching their teeth, but the study didn't look at stress levels. The most common treatments reported by the women were hormone therapy and surgery.

Why Endometriosis and Jaw Pain Might Be Connected

It's easy to dismiss jaw pain as just stress, but if you have endometriosis, there might be more to it. While about one-third of people generally experience jaw joint problems, a 2024 study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine revealed that a much higher percentage, 77% of women with endometriosis—suffer from jaw pain, with nearly half reporting significant pain. These women also reported feeling more pain overall in their bodies. The study also highlighted that it took these women almost three years on average to get an endometriosis diagnosis.

Unfortunately, simple tests like blood, urine, or saliva tests cannot detect endometriosis. Imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRIs might suggest it's present, but the only way to confirm it for sure is through a diagnostic laparoscopy, which is a surgical procedure.

Treatments like pain medications and hormone therapy can help manage the symptoms. However, laparoscopic excision surgery is often used to remove the endometriosis lesions themselves, which can alleviate the problems they're causing.

Ozempic, once known mainly for helping people manage type 2 diabetes, is now practically a household name for another reason: weight loss. The drug—and its semaglutide siblings like Wegovy, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, and Zepbound—has become a go-to for those looking to shed pounds fast but the rise of Ozempic has come with side effects that users didn’t quite see coming.

It started with the Ozempic face—that sunken, aged look from rapid weight loss. Then came the Ozempic butt, Ozempic hands, and even reports of changes to genital appearance like the so-called Ozempic penis. As more people turn to semaglutide drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss, a surprising list of aesthetic side effects is emerging. Social media is full of before-and-after images not just of trimmed waists, but of gaunt cheeks, drooping skin, sagging arms, and visible bones in places people never expected. These aren't just cosmetic concerns—they raise important questions about how these drugs reshape the body in unintended ways. Curious where the science stands? Let’s break it all down.

Across social media and Reddit threads, people are asking- Why is my hair thinning since I started this medication? Is it the drug? Or is it the weight loss?

What Is Ozempic Hair?

Telogen effluvium is the most likely explanation. This is a condition where large numbers of hair follicles enter a “resting” phase at the same time and shed together, leading to noticeable thinning. It typically starts about three months after a stressful event—and yes, that includes rapid weight loss.

Why Rapid Weight Loss Triggers Hair Loss?

Hair growth follows a cycle. It includes a growth phase, a rest phase, and a shedding phase. Normally, these cycles are staggered so you’re not losing all your hair at once. But major physiological stress—like surgery, trauma, or drastic weight loss—can throw this rhythm off. When too many follicles hit the rest phase at once, hair falls out in clumps.

This doesn’t mean it’s permanent. In most cases, hair does grow back over several months. But the emotional and psychological toll during the shedding period can be significant.

What Else Might Be Reason for Hair Thinning And Hair Loss?

1. Nutrient Deficiencies

Ozempic suppresses appetite. That’s one of the reasons it works so well for weight loss. But eating less food also means fewer nutrients—especially if your diet wasn’t balanced to begin with. Deficiencies in iron, biotin, zinc, and protein can impair hair growth. Women, in particular, are at higher risk of iron deficiency, which is tightly linked to hair thinning.

2. Hormonal Shifts

Semaglutide mimics GLP-1, a hormone that helps regulate insulin and blood sugar levels. Hormonal changes, especially those involving insulin or cortisol, can affect hair cycles. We see similar shifts during menopause, thyroid imbalances, or postpartum—each of which is linked to hair loss.

3. Stress—Physical and Emotional

Whether it’s the underlying condition (like diabetes), the rapid change in body weight, or the stress of seeing more hair in the drain each morning, stress itself is a well-documented hair loss trigger. And once stress hits, it can form a vicious cycle—more shedding, more stress, more shedding.

How Common Is Ozempic-Linked Hair Loss?

Right now, we don’t have exact numbers. In Wegovy’s clinical trials, about 3% of participants reported increased shedding—compared to 1% in the placebo group. That 2% margin might sound small, but given the millions now using semaglutide-based drugs, it adds up. In 2023 alone, nearly 2% of the U.S. population was prescribed Ozempic or similar GLP-1 agonists.

That’s a huge number of people and even a small side effect becomes a big deal when the user base is massive.

On Reddit, one longtime type 2 diabetic described their three-year experience on Ozempic. They didn’t notice sudden hair fallout, but gradually saw thinning over time—alongside other gastrointestinal side effects like sulfur gas and diarrhea. When they stopped taking the medication, their gut issues resolved and their hair began growing back. Interestingly, their weight stayed off even without the drug.

While anecdotal, stories like this point to the need for deeper research and more personalized monitoring.

What To Do If You're Experiencing Hair Loss on Ozempic

If your hair is thinning after starting Ozempic, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. Here's what to do:

First, rule out other medical causes. Thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune conditions, or nutrient deficiencies may be the real culprits. Don’t self-diagnose.

Sometimes, the combination of medications can amplify hair loss risks. A review with your provider can identify if alternatives might work better for you—without compromising your health goals.

Even if your appetite is low, aim for nutrient-dense meals. Include lean protein, leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, and supplements if necessary. Consider bloodwork to check iron, B12, and zinc levels.

Avoid tight hairstyles, heat tools, and harsh chemical treatments. Your follicles need time to recover. Switch to gentle hair products and wide-tooth combs.

Chronic stress prolongs telogen effluvium. Explore stress-management tools like mindfulness, therapy, walking outdoors, or journaling.

Some dermatologists recommend treatments like PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, which uses your own blood’s growth factors to promote regrowth. While not FDA-approved for all types of hair loss, it's increasingly popular and worth exploring with a specialist.

Hair loss tied to Ozempic isn’t inevitable, and it doesn’t happen to everyone. For many, the benefits of GLP-1 medications—weight loss, improved blood sugar control, reduced risk of heart disease—far outweigh the risks but side effects like hair thinning remind us that no drug is free from trade-offs.