Keep in mind that not all birth control pills trigger hair loss. However, if you have noticed a thinning hairline after getting on the pill, you must act immediately. Before jumping to any conclusions, read this post to get the full picture of how birth control and hair loss are linked. Swipe up!
Birth Control and Hair Loss: What is The Link?
Hair growth and hair loss are affected by hormones (1). Birth control pills alter the hormone levels and may cause hormonal hair loss in women who take them (2). Our hair follicles contain androgen receptors. The ovaries produce a small amount of androgens (male sex hormones), especially testosterone. The enzyme 5-alpha reductase reacts with the testosterone to produce dihydrotestosterone or DHT (a type of androgen), which binds to the androgen receptors in the hair follicles and triggers hair loss (1). Birth controls are of three types:
Progestin-only (contain progestin) Combined (contain progestin and estrogen) High androgenic pills
Pills with a dominant androgen component cause hair thinning and hair loss (3). Women with a predisposition to hormone-related hair loss and ultra-sensitivity to hormonal changes can experience hair thinning in varying degrees while taking birth control pills. Some women may lose hair several weeks or months after stopping the pill (2). Not all birth control pills cause hair loss. In fact, progestin pills can prevent hair fall. Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries. This hormone prevents the conversion of testosterone into DHT, preventing hair fall (1). If you are on oral contraception and experiencing hair loss, consult a doctor. They will examine your endocrine profile and suggest a treatment method. In a research study where 1,000 sexually active participants were surveyed in May 2022, the findings indicate that 39% of the respondents do use some form of birth control, and 19% of them are concerned about the side effects. Therefore, consulting a doctor is the best choice to make before taking them. Hair loss caused by birth control pills is often temporary and reversible. In the following section, find out ways to prevent contraceptive-induced hair loss.
How To Reverse Birth Control Induced Hair Loss
1. Get Off The Birth Control Pill
If you are taking pills that contain androgens, discontinue using them. Consult a doctor and switch to progestin-only or combined pills. You may notice hair growth within a few months of stopping the pills. Kyla Beland detailed her experience of stopping the consumption of birth control and how it impacted her life in various aspects. She said, “On the pill, I was losing my hair to the point where it looked like I was having a receding hairline (i).” She also showed before and after pictures of how her hair had been restored 6 months after going off the pill. She added, “So now, a year later, my hair is so much thicker, and I don’t have a receding hairline anymore. All my hair that I used to have before the pill is all back now.”
2. Apply Minoxidil
If your hair loss is severe, the doctor may suggest using topical minoxidil, a medicine proven to promote hair growth (4). You may notice results within a few months of using it. Instead of birth control pills, you may try other contraception methods. These include the following.
Methods Of Non-Hormonal Contraception
Spermicide
A spermicide is a chemical substance that destroys sperms. It is placed inside the vagina before sexual intercourse. You can find it in the forms of creams, gels, and suppositories and use it with a diaphragm or cervical cap to enhance its effectiveness. Some women may experience irritation or allergic reactions to certain spermicides.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a small, flexible silicone cup inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. For the best results, use it along with a spermicide.
Cervical Cap
A cervical cap is a silicone cup inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. It is smaller than a diaphragm.
Male And Female Condoms
Condoms are designed for both men and women. These non-hormonal means of contraception protect against STDs as well. Male and female condoms prevent pregnancy by preventing semen from entering the vagina during sexual intercourse.
Contraceptive Sponge
The contraceptive sponge is made of plastic foam and is inserted into a woman’s vagina before sexual intercourse. It contains spermicide and also acts as a barrier between sperm and the cervix. Those who are allergic to spermicides should not use sponges. Besides birth control pills, a few other factors may cause hair fall in women. You need to take all factors into account to diagnose your issues. Here are a few risk factors that can lead to hair loss in women.
Risk Factors For Hair Loss In Women
Heredity: Androgenic alopecia (female and male pattern baldness) is linked to heredity. If this condition runs in your family, you too will experience it (5). It is characterized by a gradually receding hairline and thinning hair.
Medical Conditions: Many medical conditions may lead to excessive hair fall in women. Autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata can cause patchy hair loss. Ringworm infestation on the scalp may cause inflammation and hair fall. Trichotillomania, a psychological hair-pulling disorder, can also cause hair los s. Pregnancy, malnutrition, surgery, and injury may also trigger telogen effluvium (excessive hair loss) (6).
Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, puberty, menopause, and thyroid problems can lead to hair loss and hair thinning (1). Hormonal hair loss can be either temporary or permanent.
Medications And Supplements: Hair loss is a common side effect of many common medications (7). Radiation therapy (for cancer treatment), drugs used for depression, arthritis, gout, and heart problems may cause hair loss.
Stressful Events: Extremely traumatic or stressful events can lead to excessive hair fall (8). Stress-induced hair loss often occurs a few weeks after the stressful event. However, it is reversible. The hair grows back once the cause of stress is eliminated.
Hairstyles And Hair Treatments: Hairstyles, such as box braids or tight ponytails, can pull on your locks and cause traction alopecia (9). Hair treatments like bleaching, hot-oil treatments, and excessive dyeing can lead to hair breakage and hair fall (10). In many cases, such hair loss is temporary and can be reversed. However, if scarring occurs, hair loss may be permanent (11).
So these are some risk factors associated with hair loss in women, which includes side effects of medication. If you are experiencing hair loss after taking birth control pills, here are a few ways to make your hair look fuller.
Tips To Manage Hair Loss Caused By Birth Control Pills
Consult A Dermatologist
Consult a trichologist if you are distressed by your hair loss. They will assess all the factors responsible for the hair fall and prescribe a suitable treatment.
Use A Volumizing Shampoo And Conditioner
Use volumizing shampoos and other hair care products to add volume and bounce to limp, lifeless hair. The right hair care products can make your hair look fuller.
Get A Shorter Haircut
The right haircut can make a ton of difference to the way your hair looks and feels. Shorter hair is easier to manage and helps create the illusion of fuller hair.
Get Hair Extensions
Hair extensions are an excellent way of adding volume to thin hair. You can go for clip-in extensions, tape extensions, or beaded extensions to add more body and fullness to your locks. Will my hair grow back after stopping birth control? In most cases, yes. But, if you don’t notice any hair growth after a few months of discontinuing birth control, you should consult a doctor. How long does hair loss from birth control last? It may last for a few months even after discontinuing birth control pills. Can birth control change your hair type? No, but it can change your hair texture and thickness. It may make your hair thin, rough, coarse, dry, or brittle. Do birth control pills help hair growth? Birth control pills that contain estrogen may stimulate hair growth in people with low estrogen levels.
While some individuals may experience hair changes on birth control, severe hair loss is uncommon. Listen to a trichologist’s perspective regarding this issue by watching the video below. (i) I Went Off Birth Control for One Year and This Is What Happened…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pkqVumCh40
