Does Metformin Cause Hair Loss? Things to Know

Patients with type 2 diabetes or hyperglycemia frequently receive the medication metformin (metformin hydrochloride) as a prescription. Does metformin cause hair loss?

Some people have concerns that metformin can cause hair loss, though there is not much evidence to prove that’s true.

In this article, we’ll look at metformin’s typical side effects, causes of hair loss associated with diabetes, and how to treat it if it does occur.

Does Metformin Cause Hair Loss?

There is little scientific evidence that metformin directly causes hair loss.

There have been a few isolated reports of hair loss in metformin users. In one reportTrusted Source, a person with type 2 diabetes who took metformin and another diabetes drug, sitagliptin, experienced eyebrow and eyelash hair loss.

Although it’s not entirely certain, it’s possible that this was a side effect of the medication. Other reasons could have existed.

Your lack of vitamin B-12 and metformin use for hyperglycemia may both be contributing factors to your hair loss rather than the medication itself. It’s unclear exactly how hair loss, hyperglycemia, and vitamin B-12 levels are related.

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Common Metformin Side Effects

Metformin can cause some common side effects. They include:

• Diarrhea: Because metformin increases the absorption of glucose in the intestines, it may cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset by irritating the gut lining. Usually transient, this can be alleviated by taking metformin with meals.
• Nausea: Up until your body adjusts to the medication, metformin can make you feel queasy because it alters how the liver produces glucose.
• Weight loss: Although metformin is not a weight loss medication, because it enhances how the body reacts to glucose and insulin, it may promote greater fat loss and less fat storage.
• Headache: Mild headaches may appear as your body adjusts to the way that metformin works, which prevents the liver from producing glucose. If your headaches last for a long time or get worse, let your doctor know.
• Metallic taste in mouth: The temporary presence of a metallic or bad taste in the mouth may be experienced by 3 out of 100 metformin users. Normally, this effect only persists for a few days.

Other Related Causes for Hair Loss

While metformin may not be the cause of your hair loss, there are a few factors that might contribute to your hair thinning, breaking, or falling out while you’re taking metformin.

This includes:

• Stress. Your medical condition (such as diabetes or PCOS) may be putting stress on your body, and this stress may cause temporary hair loss.
• Hormones. Your hormone levels can be affected by diabetes and PCOS. Hormone changes may have an impact on hair growth.
• PCOS. Thinner hair is one of the most typical signs of PCOS.
• Hyperglycemia. Your blood vessels may become damaged from high blood sugar, which could have an impact on how quickly your hair grows.

Remedies for Hair Loss

If you have experienced hair loss, it can be stressful or frustrating.

The visible symptoms and underlying causes of this symptom can be addressed while also taking care of your hair in certain ways.

• Check for nutrient deficiencies: Healthy hair needs enough vitamins and minerals, even though specific nutrients are not linked to hair loss. The body might be lacking essential nutrients for supporting healthy hair if dietary intake is insufficient or digestive health is compromised.
• Consider hair loss treatment: To promote hair growth, some drugs can be used, including minoxidil (Rogaine). It takes time to work; at least six months of daily treatment are needed. However, if your hair loss is more severe, this method may work well for you.
• Reduce stress: There may be a connection between stress and temporary changes in hair growth, despite the fact that this is easier said than done, according to some research.
• Be gentle with your hair: Hair breakage or loss may increase if it is brushed, washed, or styled roughly. Not being gentle can make hair loss appear worse if the hair is already thin or if other conditions are causing it.

Final Words: Does Metformin Cause Hair Loss

Numerous medications can result in hair loss, which can complicate the treatment you’re receiving for your condition. Metformin isn’t a known cause of hair loss.

However, type 2 diabetes and PCOS, two conditions that are treated with metformin, frequently list hair loss as a potential symptom. Therefore, your hair loss might be caused by the underlying condition as opposed to the treatment.

Make sure to monitor your blood sugar, stress levels, and other factors that could lead to hair loss or breakage. The root of your hair loss should be identified by your doctor, who can also suggest potential treatments.

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