Hair and skin problems can be very complicated to deal with. It can also be incredibly frustrating, especially if you do not see any improvements no matter which products you are using. That’s why it’s essential to take the time to find the perfect product for your specific needs. One excellent option to consider is topical metformin, which may offer hair and skin benefits while helping to treat type 2 diabetes. By reading on, you can learn more about topical metformin, how it’s used, and why this could be an excellent option for your needs.
Topical Metformin Overview
Metformin is a medication that is widely used for a variety of purposes. This medicine works by activating AMP kinase (AMP enzyme), increasing AMP levels. This can lead to different effects in your body, including improving insulin sensitivity due to increased peripheral glucose uptake and reduced circulating androgens.
Topical metformin offers fewer side effects than when metformin is taken orally. When this medication is taken orally, people may experience the following side effects:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
Topical metformin can eliminate these side effects while ensuring that you get the treatment solutions you are looking for. This can be an incredibly effective treatment option for people who cannot tolerate metformin orally. However, if you choose to go with topical metformin, this can only be obtained with a prescription and through a compounding pharmacy.
Topical Metformin Uses
This product is used topically to treat various conditions, including type 2 diabetes, hirsutism, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This section will take a closer look at the different uses for topical metformin so that you can get a better idea of how this product can work for your needs. Here are some of the most common benefits of topical metformin.
Skin
Metformin is known for its effectiveness in improving hyperinsulinemia, which can be highly beneficial for treating conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa and hormonal acne. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin condition that causes lumps in areas like the armpits and groin. These develop because of infections and inflammation in the sweat glands. Topical metformin is also a treatment for acanthosis nigricans, which is a skin condition characterized by the skin’s hyperpigmentation.
Hirsutism (Excessive Hair Growth) and PCOS
Hirsutism is an excessive growth of terminal hair, which is hair that is stiff and pigmented. This hair can be annoying to women and is located on the lip or chin areas. PCOS usually causes this, but other underlying conditions could cause this problem. Metformin reduces the circulating androgens in the body, leading to a decrease in excessive hair in women.
Metformin also reduces circulating insulin, which can impact hair follicles with a higher growth rate due to excessive insulin levels. For this same reason, it is also often used to help treat PCOS, which many women suffer from.
Topical Metformin Dosage
When topical metformin is prescribed, the dosage is usually only about 10% of the dosage that they would get from their oral medications. This means that instead of the patient taking 500 mg of the oral prescription, they would only need 50 mg for their topical treatment. This would be applied to the patient twice a day, typically being applied to the inner wrist. The patient should be closely monitored to check their blood sugar levels when taking this medication.
You must work closely with your doctor when you are taking this product. You want to make sure that this medication will not interact with any other medications you are currently taking. They may also monitor you to see if they have to adjust your dosage to be more effective. If you notice any side effects that you find worrisome, be sure that you contact your doctor as soon as possible. They will advise you as to whether or not you should stop the medication or if they should adjust your dosage.
Topical Metformin Side Effects
Side effects that are associated with metformin are typical as a result of taking metformin orally. These symptoms include:
- Stomach pain
- Gas
- Weight loss
- Constipation
- An unpleasant taste of metal in your mouth
- Headache
- Heartburn
There seem to be fewer side effects when using topical metformin as far as taking this product. That’s why topical metformin tends to be a more popular choice, especially for those who suffer from severe side effects when using this medication. As previously mentioned, if you are experiencing side effects that you find concerning, you should be sure to talk to your doctor about them.
Topical Metformin Treatments
Oral metformin has been frequently used to treat type 2 diabetes, but it can be a beneficial treatment for various other conditions. The topical form can still be used to treat type 2 diabetes as this is an excellent alternative to oral dosing due to the lack of adverse side effects. It can also treat skin and excessive hair conditions that can negatively impact your everyday life. If you suffer from some skin conditions or excessive hair due to your PCOS, talk to your doctor about taking topical metformin.
Conclusion
Topical metformin could be precisely what you need to treat specific hair and skin issues better. If you are trying to find a solution because nothing has worked so far for your needs, it could be a great idea to check it out. The goal here is to help you better understand topical metformin to decide whether or not this is the best option for your needs. Every individual will have their own experience with topical metformin, but you can learn what to expect and even see results when using this product.
Are you ready to get started with topical metformin? Contact EVOLVE patient care to learn more about this treatment!
