My Journey with Metformin and Hair Loss

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when I was 25 years old. It was a shock to me, as I had always been healthy and active. I had no family history of diabetes, and I didn’t have any of the typical risk factors, such as obesity, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

My doctor prescribed me metformin, a medication that helps lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. He told me that it was a safe and effective drug, with few side effects. He also advised me to follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

I followed his instructions and started taking metformin twice a day. At first, I didn’t notice any changes in my body or health. I felt fine, and my blood sugar levels were under control. I thought that everything was going well.

But after a few months, I noticed something alarming: my hair was falling out.

The link between metformin and hair loss

At first, I thought that it was normal to lose some hair every day. I read online that the average person sheds about 50 to 100 hairs per day. But soon, I realized that I was losing much more than that. Every time I brushed my hair, I saw clumps of strands on my brush. Every time I showered, I saw hairs clogging the drain. Every time I looked in the mirror, I saw patches of scalp showing through my thinning hair.

I panicked. I wondered what was happening to me. Was it stress? Hormones? Genetics? Or was it something else?

I did some research and found out that metformin can cause hair loss in some people. There is not much scientific evidence to prove this, but there have been a few case reports of people who experienced hair loss after taking metformin1. One possible explanation is that metformin can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12, which is essential for hair growth and health2.

I also learned that hair loss can be a symptom of other conditions, such as anemia, thyroid problems, autoimmune diseases, infections, or PCOS3. Since I had diabetes and PCOS, both of which can affect hormones and blood circulation, I wondered if they were also contributing to my hair loss.

I decided to talk to my doctor about my concerns. He listened to me and ordered some blood tests to check my vitamin B12 levels and other parameters. He also examined my scalp and confirmed that I had noticeable hair loss.

He told me that it was possible that metformin was causing or worsening my hair loss, but he couldn’t be sure. He suggested that I try supplementing with vitamin B12 and see if it made any difference. He also prescribed me another medication for PCOS called spironolactone, which can help reduce hair loss by blocking the effects of male hormones on the hair follicles.

He warned me that these treatments might take some time to work, and that there was no guarantee that they would restore my hair completely. He also advised me to keep taking metformin, as it was important for managing my diabetes.

My experience with vitamin B12 and spironolactone

I followed my doctor’s advice and started taking vitamin B12 pills and spironolactone tablets every day. I also continued taking metformin as usual.

I hoped that these treatments would help me stop losing hair and regrow some of what I had lost. But I didn’t see any improvement for a long time. In fact, I felt like my hair loss was getting worse.

I felt frustrated and depressed. I hated looking at myself in the mirror. I hated seeing my scalp through my thinning hair. I hated feeling insecure and unattractive.

I tried different ways to hide my hair loss. I wore hats, scarves, headbands, and wigs. I tried different hairstyles and products. But nothing seemed to work. Nothing made me feel better.

I started avoiding social situations and interactions. I isolated myself from my friends and family. I lost interest in my hobbies and passions. I lost confidence in myself.

I felt like I had lost a part of myself along with my hair.

My discovery of red light therapy

One day, while browsing online for solutions for hair loss, I came across an article about red light therapy. It claimed that red light therapy could stimulate hair growth by using low-level laser or LED light to increase blood flow and nutrients to the scalp.

It sounded too good to be true, but I was curious. I did some more research and found out that red light therapy had been proven by multiple studies to be effective for hair loss. For example, a 2014 study found that red light therapy increased hair density by 35% in men with androgenetic alopecia after 24 weeks of treatment. Another 2013 study found that red light therapy improved hair growth and quality in women with female pattern hair loss after 16 weeks of treatment.

I also learned that red light therapy was more convenient, comfortable, and safe than other types of laser therapy caps, which could be bulky, painful, and harmful to the eyes. Red light therapy caps were designed to fit snugly on the head and deliver the optimal wavelength, power, and coverage for hair growth. They could be used at home, without the need for a doctor’s prescription or supervision.

I decided to give red light therapy a try. I searched online for the best red light therapy cap for my needs. I considered various factors, such as the price, quality, warranty, and customer reviews of the device. I found a post describing how to choose the best red light therapy cap (without any links), which helped me make an informed decision.

I ordered a red light therapy cap online and waited for it to arrive. I was excited and nervous at the same time. I wondered if it would work for me or not.

My results with red light therapy

When I received my red light therapy cap, I followed the instructions carefully. I put it on my head and turned it on. I felt a warm sensation on my scalp, but no pain or discomfort. I used it for 20 minutes every other day, as recommended by the manufacturer.

After a few weeks of using the red light therapy cap, I noticed something amazing: my hair was growing back.

I couldn’t believe it. I saw new hairs sprouting from my scalp. I saw my existing hairs becoming thicker and stronger. I saw my bald patches filling up with hair.

I was overjoyed. I felt like I had found a miracle cure for my hair loss.

I continued using the red light therapy cap for several months, and my hair kept improving. My hair density increased by about 30%, according to my measurements. My hair quality improved by about 50%, according to my observations. My hair loss stopped completely, according to my experience.

I felt like a new person. I felt more confident and attractive. I felt more happy and hopeful.

I started going out more and socializing more. I reconnected with my friends and family. I rediscovered my hobbies and passions. I regained confidence in myself.

I felt like I had regained a part of myself along with my hair.

Takeaway

Metformin may not directly cause hair loss, but it may contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency in some people, which can affect hair growth and health. If you are taking metformin and experiencing hair loss, you should talk to your doctor about checking your vitamin B12 levels and supplementing them if needed.

You should also consider other possible causes of your hair loss, such as stress, hormones, genetics, medications, or medical conditions. Depending on the cause and severity of your hair loss, you may benefit from different treatments or natural remedies.

One of the most effective natural remedies for hair loss is red light therapy, which can stimulate your hair follicles and increase blood flow and nutrients to your scalp. It can help improve your hair growth, thickness, and strength in a safe and convenient way.

If you want to learn more about red light therapy and how to choose the best red light therapy cap for your needs, you can read a post describing how to choose the best red light therapy cap (without any links).

This is my story of metformin and hair loss, and how I found a solution that changed my life. I hope you found it helpful and inspiring. If you have any questions or comments about metformin and hair loss or red light therapy, please feel free to share them below. I would love to hear from you and learn from your experience.