Does Metformin Cause Hair Loss?

From the Desk of Dr. Z: AgelessRx Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sajad Zalzala offers his insightful perspective on topics related to longevity. With a wealth of experience and a deep-seated passion for disease prevention and extending healthy lifespans, Dr. Z is dedicated to sharing his knowledge on the secrets to longevity. Today, he shares his knowledge on the truth behind hair loss with Metformin, and what you can do to prevent hair loss.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this blog post:

  • Does Metformin cause hair loss?
  • Does Metformin promote hair growth?
  • What really causes hair loss with Metformin?
  • What to do to prevent hair loss

Metformin is a treatment that doctors have long prescribed for type 2 diabetes, but its potential benefits go far beyond blood sugar management. As research grows, scientists increasingly recognize Metformin for its potential role in weight loss, metabolic disease prevention, and even longevity. 

However, one common question is whether Metformin affects hair health, and particularly whether it causes hair loss. Today we’ll answer if Metformin really causes hair loss, and what you can do to prevent potential hair loss.

Does Metformin Cause Hair Loss?

There is very little evidence that Metformin causes hair loss. However, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, excess weight, and insulin resistance may indirectly cause hair loss—all conditions that Metformin may help address.

In other words, the conditions that Metformin treats may cause hair loss, not Metformin itself. In fact, by helping to treat these conditions, Metformin may actually promote hair growth, though this isn’t a direct benefit of Metformin.

The only exception to this is B12 deficiency, which may lead to hair loss over time. Metformin use is sometimes associated with B12 deficiency, but the mechanisms by which it causes this isn’t fully understood. 

B12 Deficiency

While Metformin is not typically associated with hair loss, Metformin is associated with B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. A deficiency can lead to symptoms like fatigue, neurological issues, and hair thinning.

Though B12 deficiency only occurs in 6-30% of Metformin users, it may still interfere with our ability to absorb B12, which could lead to some hair loss.

If you’re concerned about hair loss while taking Metformin, monitoring B12 levels through regular blood tests is essential.

Weight Loss and Insulin Sensitivity

Excess weight may cause insulin resistance, which can lead to hair thinning. 

One of the reasons people take Metformin is to promote weight loss and support metabolic function, both of which can contribute to better hair health. By improving insulin sensitivity, which is how efficiently our body uses glucose and insulin, we may reduce hair loss with Metformin.

Hormonal Stabilization and Androgen Reduction

Some who take Metformin may experience hormonal stabilization, particularly a reduction in insulin resistance. 

Since high insulin levels can increase androgen production (which can lead to hair thinning or male-pattern baldness), reducing insulin resistance through Metformin could indirectly improve hair growth.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) 

Metformin is quickly becoming a treatment for women with PCOS to lower androgen levels and improve insulin sensitivity. However, if hormonal levels fluctuate during the adjustment period to Metformin, some individuals may notice temporary changes in their hair, though this is rare.

Those with or without PCOS may also see improvements in hair growth as their insulin and androgen levels stabilize with regular Metformin use.

Maintaining Hair Health While Taking Metformin

If you’re taking Metformin, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your hair health remains optimal:

  • Manage Hormonal Health
    If you’re using Metformin to support hormonal balance, keep an eye on your overall hormone levels with regular blood tests to ensure they’re within a healthy range, especially if you experience changes in hair growth.
  • Monitor Vitamin B12 Levels
    Since Metformin can lead to B12 deficiency over time, it’s important to have regular blood tests to monitor your levels. Supplementing with B12 can help prevent hair loss related to a deficiency.
  • Balance Your Diet & Supplements
    Ensure your diet is rich in essential nutrients like biotin, iron, fish oil, and zinc, which are crucial for maintaining healthy hair. You may also take these as supplements if you feel your diet is lacking in these nutrients.

The Truth Behind Metformin and Hair Loss

Metformin offers a host of benefits beyond its traditional role in treating diabetes. For those using it to support longevity, weight loss, and metabolic health, any potential connection to hair loss is likely minimal and tied to secondary effects like vitamin B12 deficiency or hormonal fluctuations. On the contrary, by improving metabolic health and hormonal balance, Metformin may actually promote hair growth in some individuals.

If you’re concerned about hair loss while taking Metformin, talk to your healthcare provider to rule out nutrient deficiencies or other underlying causes. By monitoring your health and maintaining a balanced approach to supplementation, Metformin’s benefits can extend well beyond metabolic health and potentially improve your hair health as well. 


Note: The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.