Medically reviewed by Sophia Yen, Doctor, MPH – Written by Pandia Health Editorial Team. Updated on December 18, 2020

Tin can Taking Hormonal Nascency Control Cause or Forestall Pilus Loss?

TLDR: No, birth command does Not cause or prevent hair loss.

Birth command pills are the most popular form of contraceptives in the U.S. Women don't just have birth control to prevent pregnancy, though. The pill and other forms of hormonal contraceptives tin can likewise help women manage the symptoms of numerous wellness conditions, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) , endometriosis , and fifty-fifty hair loss.

While nearly people may recollect that hair loss and baldness only bear upon men, women actually make upwards almost forty% of all hair-loss handling candidates. For most women, their hair is hugely impactful to their self-esteem and confidence. Experiencing hair loss as a woman can be incredibly sorry. About fifteen% of all hair restoration surgeries are performed on women. Fortunately, there are less invasive treatment options available for what doctors call female design baldness.

But can birth control make the condition worse? And are in that location whatsoever types of nativity control that prevent pilus loss? The following article will explore the symptoms of female pattern alopecia and if nascence control tin forbid — or accelerate — the condition.

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What is hormonal hair loss, and what causes it?

Some women can develop an autoimmune status called androgenetic alopecia, or female pattern baldness. In autoimmune system disorders, the body attacks its own cells and systems. In the example of alopecia, the trunk attacks hair follicles. Hair loss tin bear upon the hair on a person's caput or body. With this disorder, hair falls out in clumps the size of a quarter or larger. Usually, the hair volition abound back eventually. Hair loss tin can exist incredibly sad and scary.

How practise hormones influence pilus growth and loss?

Fortunately, the pill tin be prescribed to aid with female design baldness.

Hormones affect nigh every role of the body, not just the reproductive organs. Hair growth, loss, and integrity are all influenced by hormones . Birth control pills and other hormonal birth command products contain a cocktail of hormones — either estrogen and progestin, or progestin-only. Although the express purpose of the pill is to prevent ovulation and thus, fertilization, the pill influences other physiological processes too.

While the female reproductive arrangement is most heavily influenced by progesterone and estrogen, the female sexual activity hormones, androgens also play a significant office. Androgens are male person sex activity hormones, such equally testosterone. They are present in the female person reproductive system at minimal levels. Men also naturally produce estrogen only in minuscule amounts. Androgens, even so, significantly influence hair loss and growth. The presence of these hormones is one of the biggest reasons why men are decumbent to hair loss and alopecia.

While women only need to produce a tiny amount of androgens for reproductive health, higher levels of androgens can trigger alopecia in women. Women who experience hair loss tend to experience hair thinning and baldness that occurs around the unabridged head. For men, baldness tends to impact specific areas of the head, such every bit the temples, the crown, or the back of the caput.

Fortunately, birth control pills are a non-invasive and constructive way to balance androgen levels in women who are sensitive to their presence. In most cases, women suffering from baldness will need to have birth control pills in addition to medications that reduce androgen production. The virtually pop of these is spironolactone, which is also used to treat loftier blood pressure.

Tin can the nascence control pill crusade hair loss?

In some cases, starting the birth control pill can trigger pilus loss in women who are sensitive to hormonal fluctuations, peculiarly fluctuations of androgens. Women who do not accept any problems with alopecia or hair loss tin can feel some hair loss when offset starting the pill, or if they are on the pill for a period of fourth dimension and then stop taking the pill. Pilus loss in these cases is typically not permanent.

However, women who are prone to hair loss stemming from hormonal issues need to exist aware of the risk of hair loss when starting or stopping the pill.

The reason for this relates to the way the pill impacts the hair cycle, which consists of a growing and a resting phase. Information technology has been suggested that birth control pills can cause hair to switch from the growing phase to the resting phase as well soon and for besides long. This is a form of pilus loss called telogen effluvium.

Seek a professional opinion

If you're concerned about pilus loss or if your nativity control could be contributing to issues with your pilus, it is all-time to consult a professional person. A doctor will be able to recommend the best method of handling or refer you to a specialist.

While it's true that birth control pills are highly effective at preventing unwanted pregnancy and treating other health issues, women with other chance factors should not apply birth command pills as a replacement for hair loss treatment. Birth command pills tin increase the adventure of a claret clot, heart assail, or stroke in women who are over 35, have a family or personal history of these bug, and women who smoke . Talk to your doctor first to decide whether birth command pills are safe for you.

Women who have the higher up risk factors and are also concerned virtually preventing pilus loss and unintended pregnancy can do good from non-hormonal nascence control methods. Copper IUDs and bulwark methods, such as condoms , are effective at preventing pregnancy and will non increase the hazard of claret clots or hair loss.

How can Pandia Health assist?

Equally always, it's crucial that women exercise their enquiry when considering which nascence control method volition work for their needs and lifestyle. Talking to an experienced gynecologist about concerns regarding pilus loss and birth control can as well help with because any fears and reservations. While all nativity control comes with risks, birth control pills have numerous health benefits and can even decrease the chance of developing certain cancers .

At Pandia Health, nosotros take pride in prescribing nativity command based on several factors, including age, ethnicity, BMI, and general wellness. All these factors can influence your torso'southward reaction to birth control, which your doctor will consider when reviewing the all-time options for you lot. With only one $20 payment a year, you can go access to our expert doctors (available in these states ) for 364 days.

To explore your options and find a blazon of hormonal birth control that aligns with your needs and lifestyle, sign up today !

Frequently Asked Questions almost Nascence Control and Hair Loss

How to stop hair loss acquired by birth command?

If yous call up your birth command is causing pilus loss, talk with your doctor most switching to a different method. Birth command pills with lower levels of androgens or non-hormonal options might do the play a joke on.

Does birth control make your hair fall out?

In some cases, the birth control pill tin trigger hair loss in women who are sensitive to hormonal fluctuations. Some hair loss may occur when commencement starting the pill or if the pill is stopped after having been taken for a period of time. Hair loss in these cases is typically not permanent.

Does nascency control make your hair abound?

Birth command pills are a non-invasive and constructive way to remainder androgen levels in women who are prone to hair loss. In most cases, women who experience hair loss will also demand to take medications that reduce androgen production, like spironolactone, for the treatment to be effective.

How common is pilus loss with birth control?

Hormonal methods of nascency command can cause hair loss in some women, and so you are not alone if this happens to you lot. However, it is typically temporary. If your pilus loss continues, this is uncommon, and you should consult a medico.

How common is hair loss afterward stopping birth control?

Some women may feel hair loss later stopping a hormonal birth control method, so yous are not solitary if this happens to you. Yet, it is typically temporary. If your hair loss continues, this is uncommon, and you should consult a doctor.

How long does hair loss concluding later stopping birth control?

Any hair loss triggered by stopping nascence control should end afterward your trunk has adjusted to its new hormone levels, which tin can accept upwardly to 4 months.

What hormone in birth command causes hair loss?

Androgenic progestins can promote androgen action, which can cause temporary hair loss in some cases.

Which birth command does not cause hair loss?

The following birth control options are less likely to crusade hair loss: • Desogen • Ortho-Cyclen • Ortho Tri-Cyclen • Ortho-Cept • Micronor

Can the pill help with pilus loss?

Nascence control pills are a non-invasive and effective way to remainder androgen levels in women who are decumbent to hair loss. In most cases, women with hair loss will also need to take medications that reduce androgen production, like spironolactone, for the treatment to be effective.

Will hair loss from IUD stop?

Hormonal IUDs can crusade hair loss in those who are sensitive to androgens. If you have been experiencing hair loss for an extended menstruum of fourth dimension after your hormonal IUD was inserted, you may desire to switch to a copper IUD.

Can birth control change your hair texture?

In some cases, nascency command tin alter hair texture.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article intend to inform and induce conversation. They are the views of the author and do not necessarily correspond the views of Pandia Health, and are for informational purposes only, even if and to the extent that this article features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to exist, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.