Does metformin cause hair loss in women
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Metformin and Hair Loss in Women: An Analysis
Introduction to Metformin and Hair Health
Metformin is a widely used medication primarily prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes. However, its effects extend beyond glycemic control, influencing various physiological aspects, including hair health. This article explores whether metformin causes hair loss in women, synthesizing findings from recent research.
Metformin and Hair Regrowth in Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) is a progressive scarring alopecia predominantly affecting women of African descent. A study documented two cases where topical metformin application led to hair regrowth in patients with recalcitrant CCCA. This suggests that metformin may have a positive effect on hair health by improving fibrosis through the mediation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This finding indicates that metformin might not cause hair loss but could potentially aid in hair regrowth in specific conditions.
Metformin and Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive disorder often associated with hirsutism, characterized by excessive hair growth. A study involving 16 women with PCOS and hirsutism assessed the impact of metformin on hair growth. The results showed a significant improvement in hirsutism, with reductions in the Ferriman and Gallwey (F-G) score and patient self-assessment scores during the metformin treatment phase compared to placebo. This improvement in hair growth velocity further supports the notion that metformin does not cause hair loss but may enhance hair growth in women with PCOS.
Conclusion
Current research does not support the idea that metformin causes hair loss in women. On the contrary, studies indicate that metformin may promote hair regrowth in conditions like CCCA and improve hair growth in women with PCOS. Therefore, metformin appears to have a beneficial rather than detrimental effect on hair health in women.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic