While metformin is most commonly used for type 2 diabetes, it\u2019s also used to help treat polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
PCOS<\/a> is a hormonal disorder in women, often stemming from insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances with symptoms like irregular periods, hair thinning, acne, and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hair loss isn\u2019t a known side effect of metformin. However, some of the conditions metformin is used to treat (especially PCOS) might cause hair loss, which makes it possible to have hair loss while taking metformin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You might also experience hair loss from other medications and the natural aging process, among others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to note that metformin might not be causing hair loss in those instances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some cases, metformin can cause vitamin B12 deficiency, which may result in hair loss as a symptom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other signs of vitamin B12 deficiency<\/a> can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Metformin is used \u201coff label\u201d to treat PCOS, especially among symptomatic women with insulin resistance with symptoms like acne and hair loss. Metformin can also be used to treat PCOS among lean patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PCOS tends to be associated with high testosterone levels, which can cause hair thinning and loss. If you\u2019re taking metformin for PCOS<\/a>, any hair loss is likely due to the hormonal imbalance from PCOS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hair loss is common during the postpartum period after you have a baby. If you\u2019re taking metformin during your postpartum period, then hair loss is likely due to the fluctuating hormones during the months after delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some medications come with the potential to cause hair loss, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Antidepressants might cause hair loss, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Zoloft, Prozac, and Paxil, as well as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some medications for seizures might cause hair loss, such as valproic acid and pregabalin<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Medications like propranolol, metoprolol, and atenolol are used to treat irregular heart rhythms and high blood pressure, and they might cause hair loss in some people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n High cholesterol and diabetes<\/a> are often connected, so there\u2019s a good chance you might be taking a cholesterol medication in addition to metformin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is that hair loss as a side effect of statins<\/a> (the most common type of cholesterol medication) is considered extremely rare, impacting around 1% of people taking them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s estimated<\/a> that between 6-30% of patients taking metformin could develop vitamin B12 deficiency due to metformin use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not quite clear how metformin can cause B12 deficiency, but one theory is that it interferes with the binding of intrinsic factor, a protein that helps your intestines absorb vitamin B12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you develop a vitamin B12 deficiency, the treatment is vitamin B12 injections. Oral vitamin B12 treatment isn\u2019t sufficient for treating a B12 deficiency because its absorption can be impaired due to the lack of intrinsic factor to absorb it in your intestines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is that hair loss isn\u2019t a common diabetes symptom<\/a>. However, some studies<\/a> have found an association between diabetes and increased hair loss<\/a> in certain populations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In general, the best way to reduce diabetes symptoms and complications is by promoting good blood sugar control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By keeping your blood sugar levels at a healthy range, you can help reduce inflammation and other negative consequences of long-term high blood sugar<\/a> levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some ways to help control your blood sugar levels and prevent possible hair loss include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re experiencing hair loss, there are some treatments available such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using rosemary essential oil on your scalp might help with hair loss, especially in women. Some studies have compared rosemary oil vs minoxidil<\/a> for their effect on hair loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to one 2020 study<\/a>, rosemary oil was as effective as 2% minoxidil (Rogaine) ointment!<\/p>\n\n\n\n To use rosemary oil as a natural remedy for hair loss, try mixing a few drops of rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil) and apply it directly to your scalp after you get out of the bath or shower, or add rosemary to your shampoo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a review<\/a>, pumpkin seed oil increased the hair count of male participants by 30-40% from the baseline after 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Like rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil can be applied topically, or it can be taken orally, which was the case for the participants in the study just mentioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saw palmetto is a tree that forms fruit that is used for natural medicinal purposes. Saw palmetto has anti-androgenic properties<\/a>, which means it can help suppress high levels of male hormones like testosterone, which can lead to hair thinning and loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the results of five randomized controlled trials<\/a>, saw palmetto (used both orally and topically) resulted in an overall 60% improvement in hair quality, 27% improvement in hair count, and around 83% improvement in hair density.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A type of plant phytosterol, beta-sitosterol<\/a> is thought to prevent hair loss by blocking the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a type of androgen (male sex hormone) believed to be responsible for male pattern baldness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beta-sitosterol is found naturally in foods like rice bran, wheat germ, peanuts, corn oil, and soybeans, but it\u2019s also found in more concentrated amounts in supplements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n High stress levels are known to be a contributor to hair loss. When you undergo high levels of stress, your hair follicles can go into a resting phase, which then causes them to fall out when you\u2019re brushing or combing your hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some natural stress-relieving techniques can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A note on biotin:<\/strong> <\/em><\/strong>Biotin is a protein found in your hair, skin, and nails. Biotin supplementation to help prevent hair loss and support hair growth is incredibly popular, yet scientific studies<\/a> have not shown a definitive benefit of biotin supplementation for hair loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hair loss is not a common side effect of metformin, nor is it a symptom of diabetes. However, diabetes might be correlated with hair loss among certain populations, according to some studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you develop vitamin B12 deficiency from taking metformin, hair loss can be an associated side effect. Around 6-30% of people taking metformin can develop vitamin B12 deficiency related to metformin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several over-the-counter and prescription treatments for hair loss, as well as natural hair loss remedies, including rosemary oil, pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, and beta-sitosterol. Stress management techniques can also help combat stress-related hair loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"how](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/HTRD-3-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDoes metformin cause hair loss?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Related causes for hair loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Changing hormones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Medications that can cause hair loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Certain antidepressants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Anticonvulsant drugs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Beta-blockers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cholesterol-lowering medications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"organic](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Organic-Garlic-Tincture-inline-760-x-428-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMetformin, vitamin B12, and hair loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How do you prevent hair loss from diabetes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
5 natural remedies for hair loss <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1) Rosemary oil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2) Pumpkin seed oil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3) Saw palmetto<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4) Beta-sitosterol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5) Stress relief<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Explore More<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"dht-blocking-foods\"](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/1-64-1024x256.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n