Can Birth Control Pills Cause Hair Loss?

Quick Summary: Birth Control Pills & Hair Loss

Birth Control & Hair: While birth control pills are effective for preventing pregnancy, some types may cause temporary hair thinning or loss due to hormonal changes that the pills cause.

Types & Effects: Combined pills contain oestrogen and progestin, whereas mini-pills contain only progestin. The choice can affect hair health, with lower androgen index pills being gentler on hair.

Managing Hair Health: Most hair loss linked to birth control is not permanent. Choosing low-androgen index pills and consulting with healthcare providers can help manage hair concerns.

Key Takeaway: Hair loss from birth control varies by individual but is usually temporary. Monitoring hair health and discussing options with a doctor can optimise both contraceptive benefits and hair well-being.

In navigating reproductive health, birth control pills are a crucial option for many. Despite their benefits, concerns about their link to hair loss are prevalent. This article explores the connection between birth control pills and hair loss, aiming to offer a thorough understanding backed by scientific insights, highlighting underlying mechanisms, and guiding on managing side effects.

Understanding Hair Loss

Hair loss, clinically known as alopecia, varies from temporary shedding to permanent changes. Its causes range from genetic factors to lifestyle choices, with hormonal fluctuations being notably significant.¹ The impact of birth control pills on these hormonal levels brings them into focus when discussing hair health.

What are Birth Control Pills?

Oral contraceptive, or birth control pills, favoured by about 25% of women using contraception to prevent pregnancy, regulate ovulation and menstrual cycles through synthetic forms of hormones oestrogen and progesterone.² They come in two main types:

• Combined Pills: Contain both oestrogen and progestin.
• Mini-Pills: Only contain progestin. 

How do birth control pills work?

By preventing ovulation, altering the uterine lining, and thickening cervical mucus, these pills significantly reduce pregnancy risk. They also offer therapeutic benefits for conditions like severe menstrual symptoms, acne, endometriosis, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) by regulating hormones and menstrual cycles.²

Side effects of birth control pills

Birth control pills can lead to side effects, some of which may impact hair health. Detailed exploration includes:

• Nausea and Weight Gain: Common but typically temporary, these can be managed with timing and dietary adjustments.
• Mood Changes and Headaches: Hormonal adjustments can affect mood and cause headaches, usually improving over time.
• Breast Tenderness and Blood Pressure Changes: Often subside with continued use; monitoring blood pressure is advised.
• Spotting Between Periods: Not uncommon in the initial months.
• Hair Health: Variations in pill formulations can affect hair differently, with some causing thinning or loss due to hormonal changes.^2-3

While not everyone encounters side effects, for many, they are temporary and mild. If you’re considering or experiencing bothersome side effects from birth control pills, it’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider. They can help you assess benefits and risks and choose the best option for you.

Exploring the Link Between Birth Control Pills and Hair Loss

For individuals considering birth control pills, understanding their potential impact on hair is crucial. The synthetic hormones in these contraceptives can influence the natural hair growth cycle, potentially causing more hair to enter the telogen (resting) phase. This shift may lead to a condition known as telogen effluvium – a sudden, temporary form of hair loss marked by decreased hair volume.⁴

You might have encountered the term “androgen index,” which gauges a contraceptive’s potential for exhibiting male hormone-like effects, including influencing hair health. Pills with a high-androgen index are more likely to contribute to hair loss, particularly in those predisposed to androgenetic alopecia. It’s essential to note that not everyone experiences this effect, and for many, any changes are usually temporary.

Treating Hair Loss Due to Birth Control Pills

When choosing an oral contraceptive, it’s essential to consider not only hair health but also your overall health, hormonal balance, and specific needs. However, if hair loss is a concern, opting for a contraceptive with a low androgen index might be advisable.⁴

Here’s a simplified list to guide you:

• Risky Options (High Androgen Index): Ovral, Loestrin, and Nordette are known for their higher androgenic effects.
• Safer Options (Low Androgen Index): Desogen, Ortho-Cept, Ortho Cyclen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and Micronor are friendlier for hair health.

Not every woman who takes birth control pills will experience hair loss. The impact of these contraceptives on hair health varies among individuals due to genetic predispositions, overall health, and hormonal sensitivity.

Transitioning off birth control requires patience as your body adjusts to restore the natural hair growth cycle. It is common for it to take between three and ten months before noticing an end to any birth-control-related hair shedding.⁵ During and after this period, closely monitoring your hair health and consulting with your doctor/trichologist if you notice significant changes is essential.

If you are concerned about the potential impact of birth control pills on your hair, consider the following steps:

1. Consult your healthcare provider: Before starting or changing any contraceptive method, discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional who can provide personalised advice based on your medical history.
2. Monitor your hair health: Keep an eye out for changes, such as increased shedding or thinning. Early detection of any adverse effects can lead to more effective interventions.
3. Explore alternative contraceptive options: If you suspect a link between your birth control pills and hair loss, discuss alternative contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider.

By taking these informed steps, you can better manage the impact of birth control on hair health while meeting your contraceptive needs.

Myth vs. Fact: Clarifying Birth Control Pills and Hair Health

There are a few myths associated with birth control pills and hair health. We have explore some common ones below and given advice where appropriate for women who are taking birth control pills.

Myth: All birth control pills cause hair loss.
Fact: Hair loss side effects vary; some formulations may even benefit hair health for some individuals.

Myth: Hair loss from birth control is always permanent.
Fact: Most hair loss from birth control pills is temporary, improving after hormonal adjustment.

Myth: Ceasing birth control instantly reverses hair loss.
Fact: Recovery takes time as the body’s hormones rebalance and your hair takes time to regrow.

Potential for Birth Control Pills to Promote Hair Growth

Pills classified as having a low androgen index, as mentioned earlier, are more likely to support hair growth, aiding those with androgenetic alopecia. This is because they contain more oestrogen, which lengthens the anagen phase, promoting hair growth.⁶ However, it is important to note that pill selection should consider individual health needs, with professional consultation for conditions causing female hair loss, like PCOS.

Conclusion

While birth control pills offer effective contraception, their potential impact on hair health deserves attention. A comprehensive understanding of contraceptive types and side effects, combined with professional guidance, ensures well-being and informed health decisions.

References

1. Darwin, E., Hirt, P. A., Fertig, R., Doliner, B., Delcanto, G., & Jimenez, J. J. (2018). Alopecia Areata: Review of Epidemiology, Clinical Features, Pathogenesis, and New Treatment Options. International journal of trichology, 10(2), 51–60.https://doi.org/10.4103/ijt.ijt_99_17  
2. Cooper DB, Patel P, Mahdy H. Oral Contraceptive Pills. [Updated 2022 Nov 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430882/ 
3. Kiley, J., & Hammond, C. (2007). Combined oral contraceptives: a comprehensive review. Clinical obstetrics and gynecology, 50(4), 868–877. https://journals.lww.com/00003081-200712000-00004
4. Graves, K. Y., Smith, B. J., & Nuccio, B. C. (2018). Alopecia due to high androgen index contraceptives. JAAPA : official journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, 31(8), 20–24.https://doi.org/10.1097/01.JAA.0000541476.24116.c4 
5. Donovan DrJ. Stopping birth control: Will my hair come back? [Internet]. Donovan Hair Clinic; 2018. Available from: https://donovanmedical.com/hair-blog/stopping-bcp  
6. Patel, M., Harrison, S., & Sinclair, R. (2013). Drugs and hair loss. Dermatologic clinics, 31(1), 67–73. https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0733863512000903