Problems with Metformin

Sarabeth28 · 08-23-2007, 05:36 PM

I had been on Metformin for about 6 months. During this time I started to lose my hair. I first had thought it was due to one PCOS, and then stress. I had stopped taking the metformin cause it was not working anymore.
Didn't put two and two together till later on I was put back on it and started to go through the same problems with losing my hair. And not having a period. Has anyone else had any problems???

AngelD · 08-23-2007, 05:59 PM

I haven't heard anything about this as a side effect of metformin in any of the literature I've read about it since being put on it. I have the same problem of hair falling out, but not because of Metformin, I've always had that and I believe it's a symptom of the PCOS for me. I'm waiting to see if met helps that symptom since I've only been on it for 2 days now.

I'd talk to your doctor about it. It may be caused by something else and it's just coincidence that it is coinciding with being on met. Or maybe the met is having a rare side effect for you kind of like an allergic reaction that's not very common.

I've heard of some people not having hair loss symptoms helped by being on met, but they were losing hair before, so it wasn't because of the met.

This may sound contraindicative but perhaps you're not on a high enough dosage of met? If you're still not having periods, then your dose may be too low and perhaps the PCOS symptoms like hair loss and lack of period have just gotten worse because of an inadquate treatment dose. You don't say how much you're taking a day or how long you've been on it this time.

Sarabeth28 · 08-23-2007, 06:12 PM

My dose is 500mg twice a day. I had been back on it for only 3 months and the same thing started to happen. I am seeing a doctor on the 18th so hopefully I will have some answers. It may be just the combination of having PCOS and stress. Or it may deal with having a rare reaction from it. At this point I am not sure. Every time I took a shower I was in tears cause my hair would just fall out. It wasn't your "normal" amount. Prior to this I had all my blood work done so I know it wasn't a underlying problem. Everything came back good. Within a couple weeks of not being on the metformin my hair stops falling out. It has been very difficult. I had once thick hair and now it is very thin. Now I am very uneasy about thinking about going back on it. Need to do something due to I have to be on something for me to have a period.

AngelD · 08-23-2007, 09:16 PM

I understand the hair in the shower thing...it doesn't reduce me to tears since I'm used to it since it's been that way for years...but I do worry about going bald by the time I'm 50. My husband actually has to dismantle the plumbing and snake out the drain once every month or two because my hair clogs it up so bad. They're older pipes which is part of the problem, but even so, he shouldn't have to be doing that so often.

dolgrl · 08-23-2007, 09:41 PM

I have the same problem with my hair falling out. I have been on Met 500mg 3x's a day for 9 months and I have even noticed more facial hair, to the point of having to pluck every night. I still do not get periods being on Met alone, I have to take provera for that. I have not talked to the Dr. yet, but if it is a side effect maybe there is something else they can do. Keep us informed of what the Dr. tells you, please.

Sarabeth28 · 08-23-2007, 11:20 PM

Wish it didn't make me all teary eye about it...but anytime I washed my hair and it start to fall out in clumps yea it made me a little teary eyed. Though now due to me not being on the medicine my hair has stopped falling out. Still thin, but I am dealing with it. The first time I was on metformin I had my periods every month. Then got to a point where I just stopped all together. I will most likely be going back on Provera. Will not take birth control. I have tried all kinds and I have bad luck with it. Plus my husband and I will be seeing a specialist. Hoping to get some information on what we need to do to start a family.

peachvelvel · 08-24-2007, 11:57 PM

I'm on metformin now, have been taking it for 8 months now. I haven't had problems with hair loss while being on it, but have had problems with weight gain. My doctor doesn't believe me that this is what caused me to gain the wieght back though. I've been on weight watchers for a year and a half and lost 33 pounds. As soon as I started metformin I gained 30 pounds back in 2-3 months (while following weight watchers). I don't know why I'm even bothering to take it any more. I'm convinced this is the reason why it's suddenly so hard to lose weight (It wasn't as hard to lose it for the first year I was on Weight Watchers).

Saille · 08-25-2007, 12:44 AM

I haven't heard of that as a side effect of met, either. Not that that means it's not -- but most side effects of met seem to be gastric.

Have you had your thyroid checked recently?

Sarabeth28 · 08-25-2007, 08:53 AM

I have had my thyroid check right before I went back on Met. Everything came back good. So there isn't any underlying problems. I am aware that with PCOS thinning hair is part of it. Though as soon as I start to take the met, in weeks my hair is falling out in clumps. Maybe it is just a very rare side effect. I been trying to do some research and have found nothing. I am heading back to my doctors so hopefully I will be able to get some answers. It is another thing that is so frustrating for me. I need to be on something for my periods but I really have a hard time with any meds. Really not sure what I will be doing next.

ArianC · 08-25-2007, 10:35 PM

Mine started doing the same thing. I have super thick hair (thank goodness!) so at the moment it isn't noticeable. I asked the doc about it and he said it was hormone related and could be due to the met helping my body get back on track. I've been on met for five months now and every single two week span (when my cycle shifts) I notice it again. It is frustrating but I have noticed my hair grows back quick also so I'm not too upset yet. I'll tell ya though I'm gonna be on prenatal viatamins for the entire duration of taking met b/c it is said to help with hair growth. Vitamin E is also a good thing for hair growth.

If it didn't even out soon I would go and talk to doc again and take him a "sample" of the hair loss in a day. I cleaned out my hair brush and brushed my hair in the morning and then in the evening and that proved my point lol!

Sarabeth28 · 08-26-2007, 08:51 PM

Thanks for the last bit of info! Your the first person who also had a problem. I thought it was just me. I am waiting to go back to the doctors and see what will be next. I wish I have more hair to spare....but it hasn't grown back. It just has stopped falling out. That is very interesting about the prenatal vitamins too. Only thought you took them when you are pregnant. Learning all kinds of new stuff! Have to ask my doctor about it when I see him.