Can Birth Control Cause Hair Loss?

There are many types of birth control methods available to women, from oral contraceptives and IUDs to implants and injections. They’ve been around for quite some time, with the goal of managing reproductive health and preventing pregnancy in females. For instance, the “pill” was approved by the FDA in 1960 and the first hormonal IUD was FDA-approved for use in the U.S. in 2000.

But while birth control in all its many forms has done wonders for many women around the world in managing their cycles and preventing pregnancy, it can also come with an unwanted side effect: hair loss. Today we will explore the potential link between birth control and hair loss, and how certain hormonal contraceptives can affect hair growth. Can birth control cause hair loss? We will answer that question for you.

Understanding How Birth Control Affects Hormones

Different birth control options can have various effects on the hair. It’s important to understand these differences in order to make the most informed decision possible. You may wonder: can birth control cause hair loss? And the answer isn’t so simple. However, many birth control options, such as the oral contraceptive pill, comprise synthetic forms of the hormones estrogen and progesterone (known as progestin). 

Shifts in hormone levels can significantly impact hair, especially in women with a strong pre-disposition to genetic hair loss.

Birth control methods that contain progestin with androgenic effects have a higher likelihood of causing hair loss than those without androgenic effects. The American Hair Loss Association recommends that women looking to use oral contraceptives for the purpose of contraception go with low-androgen index birth control pills.

But for women who have a strong predisposition towards genetic hair loss, the AHLA recommends trying non-hormonal forms of birth control. Each method of birth control has a different hormonal effect.

Here’s a look at the general hormonal effects of birth control:

• Hormonal balance: Birth control methods, particularly those that feature estrogen and/or progestin, may alter your body’s natural hormone production and balance. This often results in more regulated menstrual cycles, and can also effectively treat conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and heavy, painful periods.
• Side effects: Some women experience side effects such as headaches, mood swings, weight changes, or libido changes due to hormone fluctuations.
• Long-term effects: Hormonal birth control is safe for the most part; however, prolonged use (especially with the implants or shot) can have long-term effects such as bone density loss or increased risk of blood clots.
  

Certain birth control methods, especially those that influence androgen (AKA male hormone) levels, may result in hair thinning or hair loss in females. Androgens include hormones like testosterone, present in both men and women yet at varying levels.

These hormones may impact hair growth and hair loss in many ways, particularly as they relate to conditions such as androgenic alopecia, or female-pattern hair loss.

Types of Birth Control and Their Effects on Hair Growth

As mentioned above, different methods of birth control impact hair differently. It’s important to have a discussion with your hair loss specialist and your physician to come up with the best option for you. The relationship between hair and hormones is complex. Types of birth control with more estrogen can support hair growth, while types that are low in estrogen or high in androgens can increase hair loss.

Studies do show a relationship between androgens and hair loss, and in some cases, excess body hair growth.

Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs)

Combined oral contraceptives (COCs), which contain both estrogen and progesterone, can affect hair growth. If you experience hair thinning, or have a genetic history of this in your family, you may want to choose a birth control pill with higher levels of estrogen than progestin.

Why? Estrogen keeps your hair in its growth phase for longer, while progestin has androgenic effects on your system.

Progestin-Only Methods (Mini Pills, IUDs, Implants, and Injections)

Progestin-only methods may have a stronger effect on androgen levels and potentially lead to hair loss in some women. That being said, first and second generation progestins have higher androgenic properties, while newer progestins tend to have lower androgenic effects.

In the end, different types of birth control can either mitigate or exacerbate hair loss depending on their hormone compositions.

Signs of Hair Loss Related to Birth Control

Identifying symptoms is the first step in making the connection between birth control and hair loss. Common signs of hair loss caused by hormonal changes include:

• Thinning hair
• Increased shedding
• Receding hairlines
• Gradual hair loss
• Visible scalp

One specific type of hair loss, called Telogen Effluvium, is a form of temporary hair shedding that often occurs after experiencing severe stress or changes to your body – including after starting or stopping birth control. This is usually temporary, lasting a few months, unlike other forms of hair loss that are genetic and more long-term, such as Androgenic Alopecia.

Managing Birth Control-Related Hair Loss

If hair loss persists or worsens after starting birth control, it’s important to consult with your doctor and hair loss specialist.

Possible solutions and treatments include:

• Topical Treatments: Using minoxidil (Rogaine) can stimulate hair regrowth. There are both topical and oral treatments, which may work best in some cases when used in conjunction.
• Switching Birth Control Methods: A change in contraceptive methods could potentially help manage hair loss, such as low-androgen index birth control pills.
• Professional Hair Restoration Options: Treatments such as PRP therapy or Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) can promote hair growth. PRP uses platelet-rich blood with growth factors to safely and naturally stimulate regeneration and recovery, while LLLT offers a safe, comfortable treatment option for restoring thinning hair and addressing visible hair loss.

The potential link that exists between hormonal contraceptives and hair loss is due to changes in hormone levels, especially androgens. Consult with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing hair loss linked to birth control.

Contact Medi Tresse

To learn more about the potential link of birth control hair loss, book your personalized consultation with the hair loss specialists at Medi Tresse today. We can discuss treatments tailored to address birth control-related hair loss and your specific needs.