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If you’ve been prescribed metformin for PCOS or type 2 diabetes and noticed more hair in your brush or shower drain, you may be wondering:
Does metformin cause hair loss in women?
Let’s break down what the research and clinical experience say.
💊 What Is Metformin and Why Is It Prescribed?
Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed medications worldwide. It’s best known for treating:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Prediabetes
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
In women with PCOS, metformin is often used to:
- Improve insulin sensitivity
- Lower insulin and testosterone levels
- Regulate menstrual cycles
- Improve ovulation and fertility
🧪 Can Metformin Cause Hair Loss?
Metformin is not known to directly cause hair loss as a side effect.
However, there are a few indirect connections worth understanding:
- B12 Deficiency:
Metformin can slightly reduce the absorption of vitamin B12 over time. Severe B12 deficiency has been linked to hair thinning, so if you’ve been on metformin long-term, it’s a good idea to check your B12 levels. - PCOS-Related Hair Changes:
Many women with PCOS experience scalp hair thinning (androgenic alopecia) due to elevated testosterone. Metformin can actually help this by lowering testosterone, but in some cases, improvements may take several months, which can feel discouraging. - Other Medications or Health Issues:
Hair loss can be caused by thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, weight changes, stress, and medications — so if you’re experiencing hair shedding, metformin may not be the true culprit.
💡 What Can You Do About Hair Loss?
If you’re on metformin and noticing hair loss:
- Get your labs checked: Ask your doctor to check B12, iron, and thyroid levels.
- Address hormonal causes: If hair thinning is related to PCOS, adding an anti-androgen like spironolactone may help.
- Consider hair regrowth treatments: Oral minoxidil has become a popular option for women with androgenic hair loss.
👉 Explore oral minoxidil options from Oana Health
🌿 How to Support Healthy Hair on Metformin
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of protein, B12, iron, and zinc.
- Take a B12 supplement if you’ve been on metformin long-term.
- Manage stress with gentle exercise, mindfulness, or therapy.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about combination treatments if PCOS-related hair thinning is a concern.
✅ Final Takeaway
Metformin does not typically cause hair loss in women — and in women with PCOS, it may actually help by lowering testosterone. However, long-term use can contribute to B12 deficiency, which can indirectly impact hair health.
If you’re struggling with hair thinning, it’s important to check your labs, address hormonal imbalances, and explore targeted treatments like oral minoxidil.
👉 Learn more and access affordable oral minoxidil through Oana Health
