{"id":53095,"date":"2022-09-22T13:01:53","date_gmt":"2022-09-22T17:01:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=53095"},"modified":"2025-08-25T13:23:51","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T17:23:51","slug":"metformin-hair-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/metformin-hair-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Does metformin cause hair loss?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Worried about your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diabetes medications<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> causing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? Or, can <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> actually help with certain types of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alopecia<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metformin\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metformin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0is a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prescription drug<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> available as an immediate or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">extended-release<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tablet that is used in conjunction with a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthy diet<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">weight loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and exercise to treat <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/type-1-vs-type-2-diabetes\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Type 2 diabetes mellitus<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is considered the first-line medication used by <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> professionals to safely and effectively lower <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high blood sugar levels<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> itself is not associated with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, certain conditions <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is used to treat, including <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-is-pcos\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">polycystic ovary syndrome<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PCOS<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Type 2 diabetes<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, may cause hair to fall out or thin in certain individuals. But, good news! There is new <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">scientific evidence<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that suggests <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be able to help stimulate <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair growth<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:6849,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;9&quot;:1,&quot;10&quot;:2,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;14&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0},&quot;15&quot;:&quot;Arial&quot;}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=CONCATENATE(R[0]C[-2],R[0]C[-3],R[0]C[-1])\"><\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<div id=\"coupon-cta\" class=\"coupon-cta master-template\">\n\t\t\t<p id=\"headline\">Save up to 80% on Metformin with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t<p id=\"subheadline\">Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"details-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"details\">\n\t\t\t\t\tMetformin 500 mg (60 Tablets)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"address\">\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"api-response\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-kroger.svg\" alt=\"Kroger Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$5.32<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metformin#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metformin#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-harristeeter.svg\" alt=\"Harris Teeter Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$5.32<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metformin#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metformin#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metformin#blog-cta\" class=\"coupon-see-all-btn\">See Metformin prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<h2 id=\"does-metformin-cause-hair-loss\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin cause hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The simple answer is no, <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> does not cause <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> But, the conditions <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is used to treat are well-known to be associated with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can occur for the following reasons:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a medication <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effect<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From normal, age-related or hormonal causes,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Secondary to systemic disease states or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">health conditions<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that affect <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">androgens (male sex hormones)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pathologic <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alopecia<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which can occur for a variety of reasons.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/why-is-my-hair-falling-out\/\"><b>Why is my hair falling out? Learn the causes of <\/b><b>hair loss<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"hair-loss-from-vitamin-b12-and-folate-deficiency\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4880159\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> evidence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that long-term <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">use of metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be associated with folate (vitamin B9) and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vitamin B12 deficiency<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> secondary to intestinal malabsorption of these essential vitamins. In <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4880159\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clinical studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.endocrinepractice.org\/article\/S1530-891X(20)41486-7\/fulltext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medical reviews<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, individuals taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> demonstrated 9-52% lower levels of vitamin B12 than individuals taking a placebo and lower serum folate compared to control subjects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ods.od.nih.gov\/factsheets\/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamin B12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is necessary for the synthesis of DNA, proper neurological function, and red blood cell function. Vitamin B12 is also a cofactor for the synthesis of close to 100 substrates including DNA, RNA, and proteins, with deficiency in vitamin B12 well-known to cause anemia and neuropsychiatric symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Folate is a coenzyme required for the synthesis of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and the metabolism of amino acids (the building blocks of protein). Folate is primarily acquired through the diet, with deficiency related to poor diet, alcoholism, or a malabsorptive state (i.e., a disorder that prevents your body from effectively absorbing nutrients from your food) as may be seen in individuals taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hair follicles<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are extremely vascular with small networks of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood vessels<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> surrounding the follicular bulb. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hair follicles<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are also considered highly <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metabolic<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, having a rapid and predictable <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">growth cycle<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The role of vitamin B12 and folate in nucleic acid production would suggest they have a significant role in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair growth<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> however, there is limited definitive data demonstrating this is the case.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4248520\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a study of individuals with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alopecia areata<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (AA)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a type of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">immune system<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> mediated <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, mean red blood cell folate concentrations were lower in individuals with AA than controls. In <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jddonline.com\/articles\/vitamin-and-mineral-deficiencies-in-patients-with-telogen-effluvium-a-retrospective-cross-sectional-S1545961616P1235X\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">another study involving individuals who had telogen effluvium (TE)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a temporary and diffuse <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from excessive shedding, 2.6% of individuals demonstrated B12 but not folate deficiency. It is important to note that both of those studies were small, and there is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6380979\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inconclusive evidence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the medical literature as to the exact effect and role vitamin B12 and folate play in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While recommendations vary among institutions and academic societies, individuals taking <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for longer than four months should speak with their <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider about having their folate and\/or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vitamin B12 levels<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> checked.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"metformin-associated-hair-growth\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-associated <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair growth<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is emerging data suggesting that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">topical<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">use of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5595695\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can improve cutaneous wound healing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including potentially regenerating the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair follicle<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In early data released from an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.karger.com\/Article\/Abstract\/521400\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in vitro<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> aiming to characterize the mechanism behind <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019s ability to regrow hair, scientists demonstrated that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> stimulates the activity of several biomarkers related to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair growth<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and improves the survival rate of transplanted <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair follicles<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While more data is needed to further characterize and promote the use of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">topical<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to regrow hair, for many, this could be considered one of the more desirable <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects of metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"other-causes-of-hair-loss-during-metformin-treatment\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other causes of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> during <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> treatment<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"hair-loss-from-pcos\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PCOS<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Polycystic ovary syndrome<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PCOS<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) is a hormonal condition where women experience menstrual irregularity, infertility, obesity, acne, and excess <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair growth<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in a male-pattern as a result of enlarged, cystic ovaries that overproduce <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">androgens<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While the exact cause of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PCOS<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is unknown, there are some genetic components and most <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fertstert.org\/article\/S0015-0282(17)30485-5\/fulltext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">women with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PCOS<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">insulin resistance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is known to be related to the overproduction of testosterone in this condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormonal imbalance<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in women that is characterized by abnormal <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">androgen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> levels or elevated testosterone can lead to a type of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> called female <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">androgenetic alopecia<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (FAGA). In <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31677111\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAGA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, there is diffuse hair thinning over the central scalp, with an intact frontal hairline. The frequency of this condition occurring increases with age after puberty, and approximately <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s40257-019-00479-x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one-third of women<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with female <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">androgenetic alopecia<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> also have abnormal <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">androgen<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hormone levels<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Thankfully, FAGA is a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medical condition<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that progresses slowly and can be stopped or corrected if caught early.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"hair-loss-from-type-2-diabetes-mellitus\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Type 2 diabetes mellitus<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Type 2 diabetes mellitus<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a condition where <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood glucose<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is too high and the cells of the body are resistant to insulin. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is effective at lowering <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood glucose<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, lowering hemoglobin A1c (a long-term marker of elevated <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood glucose levels<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), improving cardiovascular mortality, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cell.com\/cell-metabolism\/fulltext\/S1550-4131(14)00441-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reducing cancer burden<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in individuals with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Type 2 diabetes<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> exerts its <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">glucose<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-lowering effects by decreasing hepatic <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">glucose<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> production, increasing insulin-mediated suppression of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">glucose<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> production, and improving <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">glucose<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> uptake by peripheral tissues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to Nancy Mitchell, RN, a geriatric nurse with decades of experience treating individuals with diabetes,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elevated <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood glucose<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> damages <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood vessels<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that supply <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair follicles<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with oxygen and nutrients needed for growth. Diabetes affects our blood supply in a similar way that nicotine does in cigarette smokers. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood sugar<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> causes the vessels to stiffen and narrow. Starved <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair follicles<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> don\u2019t receive the nourishment they need to repair and continue thriving. That\u2019s why <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is relatively common among diabetics<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nancy additionally noted that, \u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes also affects estrogen levels, especially in women. And, decreased estrogen is associated with weakening and thinning of hair strands<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The experts are all in agreement on this one: <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, insulin, and other medications that are used to treat diabetes are not direct causes of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in most diabetic patients. Just remember to take your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">supplements<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if they are needed!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\t\t<div class=\"singlecare-dynamic-newsletter-wrapper sin-newsletter-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"heading\">Get our diabetes newsletter<\/span>\n\t\t\t<form class=\"form-wrapper\" data-newsletter-form=\"1\" data-subsource=\"Diabetes Newsletter\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"dynamic-email\">Email<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"email\" id=\"dynamic-email\" class=\"email\" required>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class=\"submit-form-btn\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Click to sign up\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"success-message\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"metformin-hair-loss-recovery\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metformin<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> recovery<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/hair-loss-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treatment options<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> available for individuals who notice their <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair fall<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> out or start to thin. Deciding which options are best for you will depend on the type of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> occurring and recommendations from your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Follow <\/b><b>medical advice<\/b><b>.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> When taking any <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prescription medication<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> it is important to follow <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medical advice<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and take your medications exactly as prescribed. If you are wanting to begin a treatment for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, be sure to speak with your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider to make sure your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> treatments do not interfere with any of your medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Intervene early. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice your hair beginning to thin or fall out, seek help early. The earlier diabetic-associated <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is noticed, the greater the chance of stopping the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and regrowing hair.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Maintain a <\/b><b>healthy diet<\/b><b>.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A well-balanced diet is necessary to obtain adequate micronutrients. Micronutrients are necessary for healthy development of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair follicle<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, promotion of the hair cycle, and strengthening immune defense mechanisms that may be responsible for certain types of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alopecia<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Consider taking vitamin B12 and folate <\/b><b>supplements<\/b><b>.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Long-term <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> use is associated with decreased intestinal absorption of vitamin B12 and folate which are essential vitamins that must be acquired through diet. Vitamin B12 in the amounts found in most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vitamin B12 supplements<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may not be adequate <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">supplementation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for severe <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vitamin B12 deficiency<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Some <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> providers may recommend vitamin B12 injections for severely deficient individuals. Vitamin B12 is relatively safe with a low potential for toxicity, so there is no upper limit on the amount that can be taken. Folate can safely be supplemented at a dosage of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S1056872705001443?via%3Dihub\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">400-1000 mcg<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> per day.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Consider using over-the-counter <\/b><b>minoxidil<\/b><b>.<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minoxidil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">topical<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> preparation available as a liquid, spray, or foam made for daily use. It is available in several concentrations and is sold as a generic or under the brand name Rogaine for men and women. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6691938\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minoxidil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has a very well-defined safety and efficacy profile and is used in the management of several types of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Use <\/b><b>supplements<\/b><b> biotin containing with caution.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> There are many <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">supplements<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> available that claim to stop <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or regrow hair quickly. Many of these <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">supplements<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contain biotin, a B vitamin that is involved in a variety of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metabolic<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> processes. Notably, biotin is also used in many <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blood tests<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and chemical assays. When biotin is circulating in the blood above physiological levels due to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">supplementation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, these laboratory tests will give back incorrect results due to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5951654\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">biotin interference<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Make sure you inform your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provider about biotin <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">supplementation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before you have diagnostic laboratory procedures.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/biotin-for-hair-growth\/\"><b>How to take biotin for <\/b><b>hair growth<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Talk to your <\/b><b>healthcare<\/b><b> provider about <\/b><b>prescription medications<\/b><b> like <\/b><b>finasteride<\/b><b>.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Propecia is the brand name for the 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">finasteride<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finasteride<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is FDA-approved to treat <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">male pattern baldness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in men only. This medication is associated with undesirable sexual <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so it is recommended to carefully weigh the risks and benefits before beginning treatment with Propecia.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/finasteride-for-women\/\"><b>Does <\/b><b>finasteride<\/b><b> work for women<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Try an at-home <\/b><b>hair growth<\/b><b> laser. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several cap devices that use low-level light\/laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair growth<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8675345\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies have conclusively shown<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> these devices to significantly increase hair density. They are expensive though, so brace yourself before you shop.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Or, ask about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with microneedling.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> While the exact microneedling mechanism of action is yet to be determined, we know that tissue microinjury can stimulate re-vascularization and promote the tissue healing cascade. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/epdf\/10.1111\/jocd.14525\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> examining scalp microneedling for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair loss<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have demonstrated significantly more <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hair growth<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with microneedling when compared to even <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">minoxidil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Use <\/b><b>topical<\/b><b> rosemary oil.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Rosemary essential oil applied to the scalp and massaged in has shown to cause a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25842469\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">significant increase in hair count<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and decrease in scalp itching after six months of use.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Worried about your diabetes medications causing hair loss? Or, can metformin actually help with certain types of alopecia? Metformin\u00a0is a prescription drug available as an immediate or extended-release tablet that is used in conjunction with a healthy diet, weight loss, and exercise to treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metformin is considered the first-line medication used [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":133,"featured_media":53099,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[10298,12752],"coauthors":[20759],"class_list":["post-53095","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-diabetes","tag-medication-side-effects","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Does metformin cause hair loss? | SingleCare<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Metformin is a drug used to treat PCOS and Type 2 diabetes. It is not associated with hair loss. 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It is not associated with hair loss. 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