Metformin
aka - Glucophage
Metformin, a cornerstone in the management of Type 2 Diabetes, has some potential in treating alopecia, particularly alopecia areata (AA) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Its broad spectrum of action, from improving insulin sensitivity to exhibiting anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, positions metformin as a candidate for addressing the complex mechanisms underlying hair loss. The drug's ability to inhibit inflammatory pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and its role in increasing regulatory T cells (Tregs), further underscore its utility beyond glycemic control, especially in autoimmune hair disorders.
Emerging research and anecdotal evidence suggest that topical metformin, through its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and possibly antioxidant actions, shows promise in stimulating hair growth in AA and cicatricial alopecia, and improving hair health in AGA by modulating the hair growth cycle. Metformin's relevance extends to conditions like PCOS, characterized by insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances that can lead to hair thinning or excess hair growth. By potentially restoring hormonal balance and promoting healthier scalp conditions, metformin could indirectly support hair regrowth.
The exploration of metformin in hair growth stimulation has been met with cautious optimism within the community. Individuals report improvements in hair density and scalp health when incorporating metformin into their regimen, highlighting its potential synergistic effects with other treatments. Despite these positive accounts, the need for personalized treatment strategies and further scientific validation is clear.
While its direct effects on hair regrowth require more extensive clinical trials to fully elucidate, initial research, broad availability and promise across different diseases point towards a beneficial role in hair health.
Research
20 / 1000+ results![Evidence-Based and Potential Benefits of Metformin in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review](/images/research/1664adac-cd28-45a6-b16c-c3f862b795b7/small/15081.jpg)
research Evidence-Based and Potential Benefits of Metformin in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review
![Metformin: an old medication of new fashion: evolving new molecular mechanisms and clinical implications in polycystic ovary syndrome](/images/research/037cd2cb-63ed-4fdf-b2bf-a4b39f6cfc17/small/14833.jpg)
research Metformin: an old medication of new fashion: evolving new molecular mechanisms and clinical implications in polycystic ovary syndrome
![Metformin or Antiandrogen in the Treatment of Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome](/images/research/7689fab4-6a3d-4c37-8f87-98ca76ffe804/small/28155.jpg)
research Metformin or Antiandrogen in the Treatment of Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
research Metformin treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome improves health-related quality-of-life, emotional distress and sexuality
research Metformin improves polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms irrespective of pre-treatment insulin resistance
![The effect of metformin on hirsutism in polycystic ovary syndrome](/images/research/05998587-ffe4-4fa7-944e-f9870d532016/small/28165.jpg)
research The effect of metformin on hirsutism in polycystic ovary syndrome
![Clinical, metabolic, and endocrine parameters in response to metformin and lifestyle intervention in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo control trial](/images/research/236fb4fd-1ce7-479c-abdd-e8b6bc7012b3/small/26279.jpg)
research Clinical, metabolic, and endocrine parameters in response to metformin and lifestyle intervention in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo control trial
![Improvement of endothelial function with metformin and rosiglitazone treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome](/images/research/54773582-42bf-4967-86fa-4926fca3fbb7/small/15105.jpg)
research Improvement of endothelial function with metformin and rosiglitazone treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
research Metformin in dermatology: an overview
![Metformin therapy for the reproductive and metabolic consequences of polycystic ovary syndrome](/images/research/0f1f956f-6606-4224-8cb9-0f150f1a2c1e/small/13778.jpg)
research Metformin therapy for the reproductive and metabolic consequences of polycystic ovary syndrome
![Impact of metformin and rosiglitazone treatment on glucose transporter 4 mRNA expression in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.](/images/research/14b0062a-fcfb-4de9-be0e-38666119df01/small/15024.jpg)
research Impact of metformin and rosiglitazone treatment on glucose transporter 4 mRNA expression in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
![Metformin influence on hormone levels at birth, in PCOS mothers and their newborns](/images/research/198f2afb-65b6-41c1-8313-b2ef343a318d/small/30416.jpg)
research Metformin influence on hormone levels at birth, in PCOS mothers and their newborns
![The Efficacy of 24-Month Metformin for Improving Menses, Hormones, and Metabolic Profiles in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome](/images/research/2427b3cb-a407-48ce-b670-d655c6c18cc5/small/20942.jpg)
research The Efficacy of 24-Month Metformin for Improving Menses, Hormones, and Metabolic Profiles in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
![Anticancer effects of metformin on neuroendocrine tumor cells in vitro](/images/research/c30c63b4-156a-4384-b929-db1d9858bc47/small/20988.jpg)
research Anticancer effects of metformin on neuroendocrine tumor cells in vitro
![Metformin improved health-related quality of life in ethnic Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome](/images/research/164823df-9974-4fd2-9528-0397cfd2cf27/small/14129.jpg)
research Metformin improved health-related quality of life in ethnic Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome
![The Utility of Metformin Therapy in Reproductive-Aged Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)](/images/research/80b4e7df-4538-4072-b1f7-869801d32f0c/small/14377.jpg)
research The Utility of Metformin Therapy in Reproductive-Aged Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
![Use of metformin in pediatric age](/images/research/2acebd10-4894-423c-a301-6dfaa3594287/small/28082.jpg)
research Use of metformin in pediatric age
research Efficacy of metformin therapy in adolescent girls with androgen excess: relation to sex hormone–binding globulin and androgen receptor polymorphisms
![Metformin and Malignant Tumors: Not Over the Hill](/images/research/a143a81c-c4df-493b-b276-62c520c1af92/small/22851.jpg)
research Metformin and Malignant Tumors: Not Over the Hill
![The effect of alfacalcidiol and metformin on metabolic disturbances in women with polycystic ovary syndrome](/images/research/6b228702-0f6e-49ab-a38d-9f0805ae3b5a/small/13914.jpg)