Metformin & Hair Loss

stacieslife · 08-20-2008, 12:57 PM

I am 34, average weight - 132 lbs and I do not have excess hair growth. I've been on Metformin for about 4 months for infertility. I'm starting to notice my hair loss and it's freaking me out. Could it be the Metformin since I don't have a problem with extra hair or the PCOS?

Has anyone experienced this? Will your hair come back ?

Thanks for any info.

ms_tara · 08-20-2008, 05:26 PM

I have been on 1500 mg of Met XR since April 2008. I was originally on the regular form of Met and then switched to extended release. That helped with the hair loss, but I'm still loosing hair.

Because Met is known to cause B12 deficiencies that can lead to hair loss, I've also added a B vitamin complex. I have not noticed a significant improvement from the vitamins.

I recently brought this hair loss question with my Endocrinologist and she can't explain it. She just suggested that I give it more time and she switched me to Glumetza, which is the brand name version of Met XR. I'm hoping that will help and I will share if it does.

It really doesn't help that hair loss is not an official side effect of Met. Some argue that it's not the Met at all and that it's just PCOS.

I would suggest switching to extended release and add a B vitamin complex. Sorry I can't be of more help, but I know it helps to know that others are going through the same thing...

stacieslife · 08-20-2008, 08:23 PM

Thanks for the response. I'm in the same boat. I'm debating whether I should just stop the Metformin and perhaps adopt.

The next step would be IVF and I'm not sure if I want to spend that kind of money for something that might or might not work.

Thanks again and good luck.

kimm · 08-20-2008, 11:44 PM

Hi there -

Do you mind telling me about how far into using metformin that you started to notice the shedding?

I have a script for this because I'm hoping it will help stop hairloss that I'm currently battling. (just started a thyroid med so I'm giving that a chance to kick in first)

Of course now I'm terrified to try it because I don't want to worsen the situation!!

If I do decide to take the leap I was just curious to find out how far in I might see it.

Hope it stops for both of you. I know how stressful it is to go through!!!!

Thanks!!

stacieslife · 08-21-2008, 11:18 AM

I've been using it for 5 months. I also researched my blood pressure medicine last night and it causes hair loss also. So now I'm wondering if it could be that or perhaps a combination that is causing it. My gyno did say they thought Metformin was suppose to help with hair loss not cause it. So I'm very confused and ready to stop taking everything.

Good luck girls.

kimm · 08-21-2008, 01:59 PM

isn't it frustrating trying to figure this stuff out?

I feel like I'm playing a very not fun game of "choose your own adventure"

heycupcake · 08-21-2008, 05:57 PM

I had extremely bad hairloss on Met, so I did a LOT of research. I can't remember what I figured out, since it's been a while, but I can tell you what I started taking: calcium supplements, vitamin D supplements, Maximum Greens multivitamin from GNC, and liquid B12 from GNC. Something in that combination helped me because I have virtually no excess hairloss now. It stopped within days of taking them. I believe it's the multivitamin and the B12, but it seems like I read the calcium helps your body absorb B vitamins or something. And of course vitamin D helps your body use calcium.

kimm · 08-22-2008, 01:07 AM

thanks for the input! I do keep hearing about the B's (which I'm taking now even before I go on it)

do you happen to remember the timeframes? When the shedding started, when you started vitamins and when it stopped?

I've just started a thyroid med, so I need to give that time and make sure it doesn't make anything worse. I'm just trying to get a handle on how far in people are seeing hairloss on met so I can know when I'd look for it if it happens (which I reeeeeally hope doesn't)

Congrats on your upcoming wedding by the way! (saw your other post, which I don't know the answer to!)

ms_tara · 08-22-2008, 02:01 PM

heycupcake, thanks for that info! I'm currently experimenting with different supplements, so I'll try what you suggested. I'll also let you all know if I see an improvement...

ms_tara · 09-06-2008, 08:07 PM

Ok, so I tried those supplements. My hair loss has improved about 50% and I've just noticed that some of my hair is growing back along my hair line! Also, the hair growth on my stomach and thighs has thinned out and is less coarse.

I doubt that the supplements have anything to do with the new growth. I think it's the Met! Yay! I'm excited to see some improvement finally. Now if I could just get the acne to improve...

lyndim · 09-06-2008, 08:14 PM

i read in one of the other posts that over the counter Nizoral shampoo (or prescription if you can get it) helps decrease the hair loss. I was thinking of trying that myself, but haven't started it yet. you might try a search for that post in the hair issues section of the message board. also sounds like i need to take more B vitamins, too.

kimm · 09-07-2008, 10:04 PM

Ms Tara -

thanks for the update! I'm still sitting here with my Fortamet trying to screw up the courage to get started on it.

So do you feel like it's helping to lower your androgens?

Also do you test as insulin resistant? I don't so I keep going back and for on whether or not it will help.

I hope you keep seeing improvement!!! Big Cyber hug from me!

- Kimm

heycupcake · 09-08-2008, 11:00 AM

Ms. Tara -

Glad you had some improvement with it! I know the combination helped me tremendously. The liquid b12 makes all the difference, for me.

ms_tara · 09-08-2008, 03:09 PM

Thanks again Sara! It has made such a difference and I hope it continues to improve...

Kimm: I do not know if I'm insulin resistant. My OB saw the cysts on my ovaries and put me on metformin fairly quickly without testing for insulin resistance. Since being on metformin my insulin was tested and it is very much under control.

My testosterone was tested in July and it was at 68, which is still too high. I'm just now starting to see improvement with the hair and will retest again in November to really see if metformin is making a difference. I'm now getting myself mentally prepared for better diet and exercise so hopefully the combination of all this is what I'll need to really improve my hormone levels...

Lyndim: Thanks for recommending Nizoral! I may try and get something prescription strength next time I see my endo.

molliesc · 09-11-2008, 02:50 PM

I've noticed this as well. I started Met at the beginning of August and my hair feels thinner now, you know? It doesn't fall out in bunches, but it is noticeable to me. I may try the B-12 - does that interfere with trying to get pregnant in any way?