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
,
January 2006 in “Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology” Metformin can cause hair loss in some women with PCOS.
343 citations
,
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
,
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.
75 citations
,
July 2013 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Taking low-dose spironolactone and metformin together works better for PCOS symptoms than either drug alone.
17 citations
,
December 2008 in “Dermatology” Taking metformin with intense-pulsed-light therapy improves hair removal for people with PCOS.
7 citations
,
November 2003 in “Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology” Metformin helps improve symptoms and reproductive outcomes in people with polycystic ovary syndrome.
1 citations
,
May 2022 in “Frontiers in medicine” Metformin helps improve skin regeneration by increasing the growth of skin stem cells.
1 citations
,
June 2017 in “International journal of reproduction, contraception, obstetrics and gynecology” N-acetylcysteine was more effective and had fewer side effects than metformin for improving insulin resistance in women with PCOS.
September 2025 in “Reproductive health of woman” Metformin reduces high male hormone levels in women with PCOS.
January 2024 in “International Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” Hormone levels can help predict metformin treatment success in women with PCOS.
June 2022 in “Biomedical reports” STK11 gene variations do not predict how well metformin will work for PCOS, but may affect hair loss and excess hair growth.
January 2026 in “International Journal of Dermatology Venereology and Leprosy Sciences” Metformin may improve acanthosis nigricans by reducing insulin resistance.
February 2020 in “İstanbul medical journal” Metformin improves early signs of heart disease in women with PCOS and raises apelin levels, but doesn't significantly change artery thickness.
December 2025 in “MEDFARM Jurnal Farmasi dan Kesehatan” Topical metformin shows promise for treating skin conditions like acne and psoriasis.
March 2022 in “International journal of pharmaceutical sciences review and research” PCOS is a hormonal issue in women that is usually treated with birth control pills, metformin, and lifestyle changes, with early treatment helping to reduce complications and improve life quality.
Metformin shows promise for treating skin conditions, but more research is needed.
December 2024 in “Health Science Reports” Topical metformin shows promise for dental and skin treatments, including periodontitis, hair regrowth, wound healing, and acne.
August 2025 in “World Academy of Sciences Journal” Topical metformin shows promise for skin treatments but needs more testing for safety and effectiveness.
1265 citations
,
October 2013 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” The guideline suggests using specific criteria to diagnose PCOS, recommends various treatments for its symptoms, and advises screening for related health issues.
467 citations
,
October 2014 in “European Journal of Endocrinology” The European Society of Endocrinology advises individualized long-term management for PCOS, focusing on lifestyle changes, accurate diagnosis, and treatments for associated health risks and symptoms.
343 citations
,
October 2015 in “Endocrine Practice” The guide recommends specific methods for diagnosing PCOS and various treatments for its symptoms, while considering the health impacts on adolescents.
257 citations
,
July 2018 in “Obstetrics & Gynecology” PCOS is a complex disorder in women that can lead to various health risks and requires personalized treatment.
249 citations
,
November 2003 in “Clinical endocrinology” Insulin resistance is a key factor in polycystic ovary syndrome, but genetics may also contribute.
195 citations
,
November 2019 in “Clinica Chimica Acta” High levels of male hormones, insulin resistance, and obesity are closely linked and worsen polycystic ovary syndrome, but more research is needed to improve treatments.
114 citations
,
January 2014 in “World Journal of Gastroenterology” People with PCOS, especially if obese, often have NAFLD, linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and high androgen levels.
92 citations
,
May 2014 in “The American Journal of Medicine” The conclusion is that early diagnosis and a multi-system treatment approach are crucial for managing PCOS and its associated health risks.
76 citations
,
January 2007 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” Women with PCOS often have skin problems like excessive hair, acne, hair loss, and dark patches, which can be treated with hormonal and non-hormonal therapies.
68 citations
,
May 2021 in “Endocrine” People with diabetes or obesity should manage their conditions carefully as they have a higher risk of severe COVID-19.