October 2025 in “Archives of Dermatological Research” Topical metformin gel is as effective and safe as steroids for treating alopecia areata.
January 2025 in “International Journal of Nanomedicine” Rosemary-based gel with metformin may effectively treat hair loss like minoxidil.
5 citations
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January 2006 in “Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology” Metformin can cause hair loss in some women with PCOS.
343 citations
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December 2008 in “Endocrine Reviews” Metformin helps with menstrual cycles and insulin levels in PCOS but is less effective for hair growth, diabetes prevention, and weight loss, and may improve fertility and reduce diabetes risk.
192 citations
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September 2003 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Metformin is effective for treating excessive hair growth in women with PCOS and may work better than the standard treatment in some ways.