Birth Control Pills and Hair Loss

Thousands of women have been terrorized by excessive hair loss and shedding due to the birth control pill. This little known side effect is emotionally debilitating and sometimes irreversible. Some of us have lost hair going off the pill, and some of us have lost hair by being on it. Either way, the potential of Hair loss increases.

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The Pill and Hair Loss: Understanding the Connection

Since approval by the FDA in 1960, oral contraception (the Pill) has become one of the most popular forms of birth control used today. Millions of women are prescribed the Pill each year in this country, but very few are aware that oral contraceptives are a common trigger of hair loss.

The Pill suppresses ovulation by the combined actions of the hormones estrogen and progestin, or in some cases progestin alone. Women who are predisposed to hormonal-related hair loss, or who are hypersensitive to the hormonal changes taking place in their bodies, can have hair loss to varying degrees while on the Pill or, more commonly, several weeks or months after stopping the Pill. (However, the Pill can sometimes be prescribed for androgenetic alopecia – female pattern baldness.

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Oral Contraceptives and Hair Loss: What You Need to Know

The American Hair Loss Association (ALHA) recognizes that for the most part oral contraceptives are a safe and effective form of birth control. It also recognizes that the Pill has been clinically proven to have other health benefits for some women who use them. However, the AHLA believes that it is imperative for all women — especially for those who have a history of Hair Loss in their family — to be aware of the potentially devastating effects birth control pills can have on normal hair growth.

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Choosing Birth Control Pills to Minimize Hair Loss Risks

The AHLA recommends that all women interested in using oral contraceptives for the prevention of conception should only use low-androgen index birth control pills. Pills with the least androgenic activity include norgestimate (in Ortho-Cyclen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen), norethindrone (in Ovcon 35), desogestrel (in Mircette), or ethynodiol diacetate (in Demulen, Zovia). If there is a strong predisposition for genetic hair loss in your family, the AHLA recommends the use of another non-hormonal form of birth control. Each woman should decide based on her own needs in consultation with her own doctor.

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Hormonal Contraceptives and Their Impact on Hair Loss

The hormonal contraceptives listed below have a significant potential for causing or exacerbating Hair Loss. Note: any medication or therapy that alters a woman’s hormones — including, but not limited to, contraceptives — can trigger Hair Loss.

Progestin implants

Hormone injections

Of progestin, such as Depo-Provera, are given into the muscles of the upper arm or buttocks. This injection prevents ovulation.

The skin patch (Ortho Evra)

The vaginal ring (NuvaRing)

Is a flexible ring about 2 inches in diameter inserted into the vagina. It releases progestin and estrogen.

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Birth Control Pills and Hair Loss

Birth Control Pills and Hair Loss

The Pill and Hair Loss: Understanding the Connection

The Pill and Hair Loss: Understanding the Connection

Oral Contraceptives and Hair Loss: What You Need to Know

Oral Contraceptives and Hair Loss: What You Need to Know

Choosing Birth Control Pills to Minimize Hair Loss Risks

Choosing Birth Control Pills to Minimize Hair Loss Risks

Hormonal Contraceptives and Their Impact on Hair Loss

Progestin implants

Progestin implants

Hormone injections

Hormone injections

The skin patch (Ortho Evra)

The skin patch (Ortho Evra)

The vaginal ring (NuvaRing)

The vaginal ring (NuvaRing)

The right treatment for you

The right treatment for you

Joseph Lore | Hair Loss Specialist

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