Hair Loss Metformin

[kathymor]

I was diagnosed with Diabetes about 6 months ago. I was put on metformin and within a week my counts were under control. Within the first month I lost 13 lbs. About 2 months ago, my hair started coming out when I washed and brushed it. The amount of hair loss was shocking. I did some research on the internet and saw where others were complaining of the same thing. I went back to my doctors and she said that it is not a side effect from the medicine. She did a series of test and everything came back normal. She threw her hands up and said go to a dermotologist. He told that due to the stress the medicine was causing on my system I developed telogen effuvium (hair loss). I finally have a reason my hair started falling out. I also found out that is is a temporary condition. I have stopped taking metformin and I am controlling my diabetes with diet. My dietician is working with me to keep my levels under control.

[princesslinda]

Welcome Kathy. Telogen effluvium is quite common, we see it a lot in the dermatology office I do transcription for. Generally, it is caused by stress, crash dieting, anesthesia, some antidepressants, anemia, hypothyroidism, that sort of thing. Usually a doctor/dermatologist will run some blood tests checking for underlying causes. This usually resolves in a few months, though it can assuredly be quite stressful while you're going through it.

Good to hear that you're doing so well controlling you blood sugars.

I have noticed that many diabetics have thinner hair, so there must be some correlation. I had a lot of hair loss prior to my diagnosis, but after starting on metformin and getting better control, this resolved.

[kgm0612]

Welcome to the forum.

I've been taking Metformin for 6.5 years and have never noticed any hair falling out, but I do have thin hair to begin with.

Karen