Metformin is not typically known to directly cause hair thinning. In fact, some people with PCOS find it actually helps with hair-related symptoms by lowering androgen levels, which are often the root cause of hair loss with PCOS. With PCOS, hair thinning is most commonly driven by elevated androgens (male hormones like Show Full Answer
Metformin is not typically known to directly cause hair thinning. In fact, some people with PCOS find it actually helps with hair-related symptoms by lowering androgen levels, which are often the root cause of hair loss with PCOS. With PCOS, hair thinning is most commonly driven by elevated androgens (male hormones like testosterone). So if hair thinning is happening while on Metformin, it's more likely related to PCOS itself rather than the medication.
That said, everyone's body responds differently. Some things worth discussing with a doctor include:
- Whether androgen levels are being properly managed
- Checking iron, vitamin D, and thyroid levels, as deficiencies can also contribute to hair loss
- Stress levels, which can also be a surprising trigger A myPCOSteam member shared that after starting Metformin, the coarse hair growth actually seemed to stop — suggesting it can have a positive effect for some people.
It's always worth looping in a doctor if hair thinning feels like it's getting worse, so they can look at the full picture and adjust treatment if needed.
May 19
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