Can metformin cause hair loss

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Can Metformin Cause Hair Loss?

Metformin is a widely used medication primarily prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Given its broad usage, understanding its side effects, including potential impacts on hair health, is crucial.

Metformin and Hair Regrowth

Interestingly, metformin has been observed to have a positive effect on hair regrowth in certain conditions. A study reported hair regrowth in two patients with recalcitrant central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) after the topical application of metformin. CCCA is a progressive scarring alopecia that predominantly affects women of African descent. The study highlighted that metformin, through the mediation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), improved fibrosis in a mouse model of fibroproliferative disorders (FPDs), which may explain its efficacy in promoting hair regrowth in these patients.

Metformin and Hair Cell Protection

Another study explored metformin's protective effects against gentamicin-induced hair cell death in vitro. Gentamicin is an antibiotic known to cause ototoxicity, leading to hair cell loss in the cochlea. The study found that metformin could block the gentamicin-induced translocation of endonuclease G into the nucleus of outer hair cells, thereby attenuating hair cell loss in organ culture. However, this protective effect was not observed in vivo, where metformin did not prevent gentamicin-induced auditory function loss and, at higher dosages, even aggravated the condition.

Conclusion

Current research does not indicate that metformin causes hair loss. On the contrary, it has shown potential benefits in promoting hair regrowth in specific alopecia conditions and protecting hair cells in vitro. However, more extensive in vivo studies are necessary to fully understand its effects and potential side effects related to hair health.