In rare cases, there may be a link between hair loss and taking metformin. It is also possible that metformin may cause hair loss indirectly. Taking metformin long-term may increase the risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency, which can sometimes cause hair loss.
Metformin has been shown to support hair growth in people who had PCOS and were being treated with it. In general, metformin does not exert a direct effect on hair, but may promote healthy hair by supporting normal glucose and insulin levels.
Metformin, one of the most common diabetes medications, can indirectly affect hair loss if it is taken long-term. Metformin may deplete the body of B vitamins, which could play a role in losing hair.
Androgens are known to cause an increase in hair growth. Since Metformin reduces androgen levels, it might negatively affect the overall progression of androgenetic alopecia, as hair growth would be decreased. However, due to its mechanism of action, Metformin can be beneficial for CCCA.
Some people can slow or stop hair loss that results from diabetes. The most effective way to do this is by maintaining good control of blood sugar levels and managing stress.
Medicines containing guanidine, such as metformin and phenformin, were developed to treat diabetes. But they fell out of favor due to serious side effects caused by phenformin, and by the discovery of insulin.
Common metformin alternatives are SGLT-2 Inhibitors (Invokana, Farxiga, Jardiance, and Steglatro), GLP – 1 Receptor Agonists ( Bydureon, Byetta, Ozempic, Adlyxin, Rybelsus, Trulicity, and Victoza), Sulfonylureas or SFUs { DiaBeta, Glynase, or Micronase (glyburide or glibenclamide) Amaryl (glimepiride) Diabinese ( ...
Under certain conditions, too much metformin can cause lactic acidosis. The symptoms of lactic acidosis are severe and quick to appear, and usually occur when other health problems not related to the medicine are present and are very severe, such as a heart attack or kidney failure.
Rare Side Effects of Metformin
They also reported flu-like symptoms, sweating, flushing, heart palpitations, rashes, and nail problems.
Summary. Hair loss can be a symptom of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and is thought to have a few possible causes, including hormonal imbalances, poor circulation due to hyperglycemia, or an autoimmune disorder. Hair loss can often be reversed with medications and by getting blood sugar levels under control.
If you stop taking metformin abruptly, your health may suffer. You may experience side effects such as higher blood sugars, an increased A1c, and even weight gain. Over time, higher blood sugar levels can lead to diabetes complications, including: Retinopathy and blindness.
Hair loss is a relatively rare side effect, but a variety of medications may cause it: beta-blockers, blood thinners, antidepressants, cholesterol-lowering drugs, certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hormone-related drugs like thyroid meds, hormone replacement therapies or steroids.
High-Fiber Foods
Researchers posit that exceeding 30 grams of fiber in a day may lower metformin levels in the body due to the fact that fiber binds to the drug and reduces its efficacy. (9) So it may be best to avoid high-fiber foods like oatmeal, chickpeas, avocado, berries, peas, beans, and chia seeds.
The current drug labeling strongly recommends against metformin use in some patients whose kidneys do not work normally because use of metformin in these patients can increase the risk of developing a serious and potentially deadly condition called lactic acidosis, in which too much lactic acid builds up in the blood.
The bottom line. Most of the “myths” regarding long-term side effects of metformin are not cause for concern. However, some side effects, like anemia, are worth being aware of. Generally, though, metformin is considered to be a safe and effective treatment for Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
Whilst thinning hair caused by Male Pattern Baldness will not 'get thicker' again of its own accord, where Telogen Effluvium is the only issue, normal hair growth can resume without intervention so the hair should return to its previous density within approximately six months.
The good news is that hair loss from diabetes isn't permanent, and there are several avenues you can take to restore your hair. Before trying any treatments, it is recommended to talk to your doctor, as they can help you weigh the pros and cons of the treatment you are considering.
Metformin may have an adverse effect on renal function in patients with type 2 DM and moderate CKD.
Physiologically, metformin acts directly or indirectly on the liver to lower glucose production, and acts on the gut to increase glucose utilisation, increase GLP-1 and alter the microbiome.