People with type 2 diabetes or hyperglycemia are frequently prescribed the medication metformin (metformin hydrochloride).
It lessens the amount of sugar your liver produces and improves the receptivity of muscle cells to insulin.
It can also be applied to the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ Many medications can make you lose your hair, which can make the condition you’re being treated for more difficult.
✅ Hair loss is not a known side effect of metformin.
✅ Hair loss is frequently listed as a potential symptom of the illnesses that metformin treats, including type 2 diabetes and PCOS.
✅ As a result, rather than the medication, the underlying illness may be to blame for your hair loss.
✅ Make careful to monitor your blood sugar, level of stress, and other factors that could lead to hair loss or breakage.
✅ Your physician ought to be able to identify the root of your hair loss and suggest a course of treatment.
Does metformin lead to baldness?
The direct link between metformin and hair loss is not well supported by scientific research.
A few sporadic cases of hair loss in metformin users have been made. According to one study, a person with type 2 diabetes who used metformin and the diabetes medication sitagliptin had hair loss on their brows and eyelashes. This may have been a side effect of the drug, although it’s not totally certain. There might have been further factors.
According to a 2013 study, metformin use over an extended period of time may result in lower levels of folate and vitamin B-12. A 2015 case-control research also discovered a link between high blood sugar levels and baldness.
Your lack of vitamin B-12 or the fact that you are taking metformin for hyperglycemia could be to blame for your hair loss rather than the medication itself. It’s unclear exactly how hair loss, hyperglycemia, and vitamin B-12 levels are related.
Other connected reasons for hair loss
Even while metformin may not be the reason for your hair loss, there are a few things that could make it worse when you’re taking the medication. This comprises:
- Stress. Your medical condition (such as diabetes or PCOS) may be putting stress on your body, which could lead to temporary hair loss.
- Hormones. Your hormone levels may be impacted by PCOS and diabetes. Your hair growth may be impacted by fluctuating hormones.
- PCOS. Hair loss is one of PCOS’s typical symptoms.
- Hyperglycemia. Your blood vessels may suffer from high blood sugar, which could have an impact on how quickly your hair grows.
Vitamin B-12 and metformin
Ask your doctor about the connection between metformin and vitamin B-12 if you’re suffering hair loss while taking the drug. Although your body doesn’t require much vitamin B-12, a deficiency can lead to major problems, such as:
- Hair fall
- lack of vigor
- weakness
- constipation
- Appetite loss
- Slimming down
A vitamin B-12 deficiency-related adverse effect may be made more likely by metformin. Consult your doctor about adding foods containing vitamin B-12 to your diet if you are taking metformin, experiencing hair loss, and are worried that you may be vitamin B-12 deficient. Some examples of such foods are:
- beef
- fish
- eggs
- milk
Another suggestion from your doctor might be a vitamin B-12 supplement.
Natural hair loss treatments
Here are a few straightforward home remedies you can use to decrease hair loss.
- Decrease your level of stress. Reading, painting, dancing, and other enjoyable activities can help you feel less stressed.
- Steer clear of tight hairstyles that could pull or damage your hair, such as braids or ponytails.
- Steer clear of using hot tools to straighten or curl your hair.
- Ensure that you are eating enough food. Deficits in certain nutrients could accelerate hair loss.
Consult your doctor about the best course of treatment if an underlying medical condition is the root of your hair loss.
When should I go to visit a doctor?
Consult your doctor if you’ve observed that your hair is thinning, breaking, or falling out. It can be a symptom of a deeper issue.
If: Schedule a quick appointment with your doctor.
- Your abrupt hair loss
- Without prior notice, your hair is thinning quickly.
- Your hair loss is stressing you out.