Birth control pills and contraceptives can cause side effects. Headaches, nausea, spotting (bleeding between periods), changes in your menstrual cycle, and discomfort in your breasts are just a few of the most frequent symptoms.
The birth control pill can also produce a few adverse effects that are less frequent, such as sex desire changes or potentially dangerous concerns like blood clots. These are uncommon, but they should be considered when taking birth control.
Hair loss is not a direct side effect from birth control pills, but the hormones in the birth control pill and their effect on the body, may alter the hair’s development cycle and cause telogen effluvium, a kind of temporary hair shedding.
In addition, birth control pill hormones can cause hairs to remain in the resting phase for too long or enter the shedding phase too quickly, which can result in hair loss.
Someone with a family history of hair loss may be more vulnerable to hair loss with birth control tablets.
Two Types of Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills come in two varieties; each one includes distinct hormones.
The first, tiny tablets, are made up entirely of progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone.
Combination tablets, on the other hand, include both progestin and a synthetic type of estrogen. The synthetic form of estrogen used in the pill will be determined by the manufacturer.
Pregnancies are prevented by these hormones, either in combination or solely by progestin.
Progestin thickens cervical mucus, preventing sperm from reaching an egg. If synthetic estrogen is present, it prevents the natural estrogen surge that triggers the release of an egg.
Unfortunately, owing to the androgenic action of these hormones, both the micro pill and the combo pill can induce hair loss.
What Hormone In Birth Control Causes Hair Loss?
Hormones in all birth control tablets can cause hair loss.
The hormones that are least likely to induce hair loss are:
- norgestimate
- norethindrone
- desogestrel
- ethynodiol diacetae
These have the lowest androgenic effect because of their low androgen index.
Androgens, especially dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are the hormones that cause birth control hair loss by shrinking the hair follicles until they can no longer grow and hold hair. Although most hormones in birth controls will typically be more anti-androgenic, they can sometimes act as androgens.
A hormone which is found in birth control tablets that can cause hair loss is progestin.
This synthetic version of progesterone, unlike natural progesterone, has androgenic activity, which means it may have effects comparable to male hormones.
Birth control pills’ androgenic action can result in a variety of side effects, including hair loss. Some progestins have a higher level of androgenicity than others.
Females who are susceptible to hormonal changes or have a tendency to hormonal-related hair loss are more likely to have hair loss with birth control tablets.
Those having a history of hair loss in their family should be aware of this potential adverse effect. Anyone concerned about hair loss can consult a physician about taking medication with reduced androgenic activity. They might also inquire about nonhormonal birth control options.
How You Can Stop Hair Loss From Birth Control
Choosing a tablet with a low androgen index and taking it as prescribed by your healthcare practitioner is the most effective approach to avoid hair loss while on the birth control pill.
You may buy a variety of birth control pills online, including those with a low androgen index, such as norgestimate or desogestrel and Ethinylestradiol. If you’ve recently begun taking the pill and have observed that your hair is thinning or losing more than usual, you should contact your healthcare practitioner as soon as possible.
If you experience hair loss due to telogen effluvium, your healthcare practitioner may order a blood test to measure your hormone levels.
Depending on the reason for your hair loss, you may need to modify the type of birth control pill you’re taking, such as switching to a tablet with less androgenic activity or moving from a progestin-only pill to one with estrogen.
Hair growth medicines like minoxidil can help speed up the regrowth process and restore your hair if you already have visible hair loss.
If your hair loss doesn’t improve in three to six months, your doctor may prescribe minoxidil, either alone or in combination with anti-inflammatory medicines.
Can Hormonal Hair Loss Be Reversed?
Hormone-related hair loss is a reality for many women after menopause and during pregnancy. But will the hair grow back? Yes, eventually it most likely will, but there are other things you can do to facilitate the hair regrowth.
Hormonal imbalances may be a contributing factor to hair loss in many cases. Fortunatley, there are medications and other therapies to help resolve hormonal imbalances and to reclaim the lost hair caused by excessive or insufficient hormone production.
A few simple lifestyle changes can do a lot to take good care of one’s hair. Wash your hair every second or third day using a mild shampoo. Don’t comb or brush your hair when it is wet. Detangling your hair with your fingertips can be a gentler way of doing it.
Avoid putting your hair up in a tight bun or ponytail as it puts additional stress on your follicles and hair as it is constantly under tension. Also, avoid using hair dryers or irons on your hair since they might dry and damage it.
How Can I Grow Back My Hair?
Take a look at some of the natural treatments available as they can aid in stimulating hair development and enhancing existing hair.
Massage Your Scalp With Different Oils
Massaging the scalp can help stimulate hair growth, especially when combined with hair oil. This activates the scalp, increasing blood flow and promotes thickness in the dermal papilla cells. Taking some time to massage your scalp on a regular basis will also help you relax and unwind.
Try Supplements Containing Ginseng
Hair follicles are stimulated by ginseng. Ginsenosides, the active ingredients in ginseng, are considered to be responsible for the herb’s hair-boosting properties. If you decide to try ginseng, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be aware of any potential adverse effects.
Relax, Stay Positive, and Live a Healthy Lifestyle
All that being said, to achieve the desired result you must commit to caring for your hair each day. If your hair loss is due to emotional or stress-related issues, try to relax and care for yourself.
Maintain a positive attitude and make every attempt to live a healthy lifestyle that works in tandem with your hair treatment plan. And if you’re losing hair as a result of a hormonal shift or birth control pills, you should visit a doctor for advice on medications and therapies.