Hair loss is a common concern, and the potential link between birth control and hair changes often arises. This article explores how hormonal contraceptives can influence hair growth and shedding.
How Birth Control Can Affect Hair
Birth control methods, including pills, patches, injections, vaginal rings, and implants, work by adjusting estrogen and progestin levels. These synthetic hormones can influence the hair growth cycle. Hair undergoes three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting/shedding).
Some birth control formulations can cause more hair follicles than usual to shift prematurely from the anagen phase into the telogen phase. This can result in increased hair shedding about three months after starting or stopping a hormonal contraceptive. Progestins can have androgenic activity, mimicking male hormones like DHT, which can affect hair follicles. Birth control pills with a higher androgen index are more likely to contribute to hair loss, while those with lower androgenic activity, such as those containing drospirenone or norgestimate, may be less likely to do so or even support hair growth.
Recognizing Hormonal Hair Loss
Hair loss linked to hormonal birth control often presents as telogen effluvium, a temporary condition characterized by widespread, diffuse hair shedding across the scalp. A larger percentage of hair than the usual 10-15% can enter the resting phase and then shed. This type of shedding becomes noticeable around two to four months after a significant hormonal change, such as starting, stopping, or switching birth control.
Less commonly, birth control with a high androgenic index can exacerbate androgenic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair loss, in individuals with a genetic predisposition. Unlike the sudden shedding of telogen effluvium, androgenic alopecia involves a gradual thinning of hair, characterized by a progressive decrease in hair shaft diameter. While telogen effluvium usually resolves as the body adjusts, androgenic hair loss may require more targeted management.
What to Do If You Experience Hair Loss
If you notice increased hair shedding or thinning after starting or changing birth control, consult a healthcare provider. They can help determine if the hair loss is related to your contraception or another underlying cause. Your doctor can also discuss alternative birth control options that may be more favorable for hair health.
Birth control pills with higher estrogen levels or those with anti-androgenic progestins, like drospirenone, may be recommended as they can prolong the hair’s growth phase and potentially reduce hair loss. General hair care practices, such as gentle brushing, avoiding harsh styling, and a balanced diet, can also support overall hair health. Any hair loss experienced due to birth control is often temporary and resolves once the body adjusts or the medication is changed.
Other Factors Contributing to Hair Loss
While birth control can be a factor, many other conditions can contribute to hair loss. Stress, whether physical or emotional, can lead to increased hair shedding, often manifesting as telogen effluvium. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly those involving iron, zinc, or biotin, can also impact hair health and growth.
Genetic predisposition plays a role in female pattern hair loss, where individuals may experience gradual thinning regardless of medication use. Thyroid issues, such as an overactive or underactive thyroid, can affect hair cycles and result in diffuse hair loss. Additionally, hormonal shifts following childbirth can cause temporary shedding, a common experience unrelated to contraceptive use.