I found this on the web
HAIR LOSS. Metformin may contribute to male pattern hair loss at the temples and top of head. Although there's nothing in the medical literature to support this linkage, some women have reported that hair loss was made worse by metformin.(24)
MetforminRxList GlucotrolAsk the Doctor Looking around there isn't evidence that metformin causes hair loss (look at last article) - it seems as though it's probably actually linked to PCOS or thyroid problems (which you have)
The following is from the last link:
Answer Having reviewed the matter, I have not been able to find any evidence that metformin causes hair loss.
Examples of drugs that can cause diffuse hair loss include:
- Anticoagulants: heparin, warfarin.
- Antituberculous agents: ethionamide.
- Antithyroid drugs: carbimazole, thiouracil.
- Excess vitamin A and synthetic retinoids.
- Oral contraceptives.
- Cytotoxics: cyclosphosphamide, mercaptopurine derivatives, colchicine, adriamycin.
Although there are numerous other treatments for diabetes, providing your diabetic control is satisfactory on metformin, there is no indication for you to consider a change.
As for other causes of hair loss, this can be the result of:
- Scalp trauma such as traction from rollers, burns, excessive perming, bleaching.
- Systemic disease such as over- or under-active thyroid.
- Skin conditions such as psoriasis and lichen planus.
- Other causes such as iron deficiency, anaemia and stress.
In addition, there is the normal hair loss one associates with ageing, according to one's own individual genetic make-up.
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(Just fixed the links so they didn't put the page out of whack)
Post Edited By Moderator (Jeannie143) : 10/11/2006 3:15:29 PM (GMT-6)