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Do Birth Control Pills Cause Hair Fall?

Birth control pills are one of the most popular contraceptive methods worldwide, offering convenience and effectiveness. While birth control pills are generally safe and well-tolerated, many women wonder if they can lead to hair loss.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the connection between birth control pills and hair fall, break down the different types of pills and progestins, and provide evidence-based insights to help you make informed decisions about your health.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hair growth happens in different phases in a cycle namely anagen (growth) phase, catagen (transition) phase, and telogen (resting) phase.

  • Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones like estrogen and progestin, which can influence hair health. Some types of progestins are more likely to contribute to hair fall.

  • Hair fall linked to birth control pills is usually temporary and reversible.

  • If you’re experiencing persistent hair fall, consult a doctor to evaluate your options and rule out other causes.

Understanding Hair Growth

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Hair Growth Cycle (Image by Freepik)

Hair growth and hair fall are natural processes that happen to everyone. To understand why hair falls out or thins, it’s helpful to know a little about how hair grows and what role hormones play in the hair growth cycle.

The Hair Growth Cycle

Your hair doesn’t grow all at once - each hair on your scalp grows independently through three phases:

  1. Anagen (Growth Phase): This is when the strand of hair is actively growing. The anagen phase can last anywhere from 2 to 7 years, depending on your genetics. About 85–90% of the hair on your scalp is in this phase at any given time.

  2. Catagen (Transition Phase): This is a short phase that lasts about 2–3 weeks. During this time, the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the blood supply, stopping growth.

  3. Telogen (Resting Phase): This is the final phase, lasting about 3–4 months. The hair doesn’t grow during this time but stays in the follicle. At the end of this phase, the hair falls out, and a new hair strand begins to grow in its place. It’s normal to lose about 50–100 hairs a day as part of this cycle. However, when more hairs enter the telogen phase at once or the cycle is disrupted, you may notice increased hair fall.

The Role of Hormones in Hair Growth

Hormones are chemical messengers in your body that regulate many processes, including hair growth. Here’s how they play a role:

  • Androgens (Male Hormones): Both men and women have androgens, but they are present in smaller amounts in women. Androgens like testosterone can affect hair follicles, especially in people who are genetically sensitive to them. In some cases, androgens can shrink hair follicles, leading to thinner hair or hair loss.

  • Estrogen (Female Hormone): Estrogen helps keep hair in the growth phase longer, which is why many women notice thicker hair during pregnancy (when estrogen levels are high). Lower estrogen levels, such as after childbirth or during menopause, can lead to increased hair shedding.

  • Thyroid Hormones: Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and energy production in your body. An imbalance in thyroid hormones (too much or too little) can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to hair fall.

  • Stress Hormones: High stress levels can increase hormones like cortisol, which may push more hair follicles into the resting phase, causing temporary hair loss.

Understanding Birth Control Pills

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Birth control pills are a method of preventing pregnancy, taken orally every day. These pills contain synthetic forms of natural hormones - estrogen and progestin, which is the synthetic form of the natural hormone progesterone.

Birth control pills are available in various formulations, but they can broadly be categorised into two types, namely, combined oral contraceptive pills (containing both estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only pills (containing only progestin).

Estrogen Dosages in Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills contain varying amounts of estrogen, which are categorised as:

  • Low-Dose (10-15 mcg): These pills tend to minimise side effects like bloating or nausea and are often recommended for women who are sensitive to hormones. Low-dose formulations may provide less protection against hair fall, particularly for women predisposed to hormonal hair loss.

  • Standard-Dose (20–35 mcg): This is the most common formulation, offering a balance between effectiveness and manageable side effects. Standard-dose pills maintain this benefit with fewer side effects.

  • High-Dose (50 mcg): These pills are typically used for specific medical conditions or when lower-dose pills are ineffective. The amount of estrogen in birth control pills can influence hair health. Higher estrogen doses tend to protect against hair loss by prolonging the hair growth phase and counteracting androgen effects.

Types of Progestins

Progestin is a key component of birth control pills. However, not all progestins are the same. They are categorized into different types based on their development timeline and chemical structure. Here’s a breakdown:

  • First-generation progestins like norethindrone, and norethynodrel, were the earliest progestins developed and are less commonly used today. These have moderate androgenic effects and may contribute to hair fall in some women.

  • Second-generation progestins like levonorgestrel, and norgestrel are widely used and known for their strong progestogenic activity. They are often found in both oral contraceptive pills and emergency contraceptive pills. These have stronger androgenic effects and are more likely to cause hair fall.

  • Third-generation progestins like desogestrel, and norgestimate, were Developed to improve safety and tolerability. These progestins are associated with fewer side effects compared to earlier generations. These have low androgenic activity and are less likely to cause hair fall.

  • Fourth-generation progestins like drospirenone, and dienogest, are the newest progestins and are designed to mimic natural progesterone more closely. They are often used in birth control pills tailored for women with specific hormonal needs. These are anti-androgenic, meaning they counteract the effects of male hormones when there is an excess of it due to underlying conditions and may even improve hair health.

The Relationship Between Birth Control Pills and Hair Fall

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The relationship between birth control pills and hair fall is complex and depends on several factors, including the formulation of the pill, the individual's hormonal makeup, and how their body responds to synthetic hormones.

Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you understand this connection better:

Hormones in the Birth Control Pill and Hair Growth

Birth control pills can have varying effects on hair growth, depending on the type of progestin and estrogen in the pill, as well as your hormonal response. In some cases, birth control pills can help reduce hair fall, while in others, they may contribute to it.

Progestins can have varying levels of androgenic activity. While androgens play a role in maintaining muscle and bone health, too much androgen activity can shrink hair follicles, leading to thinner hair or hair fall.

For women with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), birth control pills can be beneficial. PCOS often causes elevated levels of androgens, which can lead to hair thinning or excessive hair growth in unwanted areas. Birth control pills containing progestins with low androgenic properties (e.g., drospirenone, desogestrel, etc) can help regulate androgen levels, reducing hair fall and improving hair health.

Additionally, the estrogen in these pills helps extend the hair growth phase, promoting thicker, healthier hair. The protective effect comes from estrogen's ability to stimulate hair follicles and balance the potential negative impact of androgenic progestins. Women experiencing hair concerns may benefit from discussing standard or higher-dose estrogen options with their doctor.

However, birth control pills can also lead to hair fall in some cases. Pills containing progestins with androgenic effects (e.g., levonorgestrel) may worsen hair thinning, especially in women who are genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss). Additionally, starting or stopping birth control pills can cause temporary hair shedding due to hormonal fluctuations, a condition known as telogen effluvium.

Other Possible Reasons for Hair Fall

Underlying Conditions

Sometimes, hair fall may not be directly caused by birth control pills but by an underlying condition. For example:

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This condition is associated with hormonal imbalances that can cause hair thinning.

  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, or biotin can also lead to hair loss.

If you’re experiencing significant hair fall, it is important to consult a doctor to rule out these or other potential causes.

Individual Variability

Not everyone reacts to birth control pills in the same way. Some women may experience hair fall, while others may notice no change or even improved hair health. Your genetic predisposition, overall health, and the specific formulation of the pill all play a role in how your body responds.

How to Manage Hair Fall While on Birth Control Pills

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If you’re concerned about hair fall while using birth control pills, here are some practical steps to help manage it:

  • Choose the Right Pill: Not all birth control pills affect hair health the same way. If you’re experiencing hair fall, consider switching to a pill with progestin that has lower androgenic effects. Estrogen can promote hair growth, so pills with a higher estrogenic effect may be beneficial.

    Consult your doctor to find the best option for you.

  • Focus on Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can support hair health. Include foods high in iron (leafy greens, lentils), zinc (nuts, seeds), and biotin (eggs, almonds) to strengthen your hair and reduce shedding.

  • Manage Stress: Stress can worsen hair fall, so practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to keep stress levels in check.

  • Seek Professional Advice: If hair fall persists, consult a dermatologist. They can help identify underlying causes and recommend treatments like topical solutions or supplements.

Conclusion

In summary, birth control pills can either help or harm hair growth depending on the formulation and your individual hormonal makeup. If you’re concerned about hair fall, the best course of action is to consult a doctor who can help you choose the right birth control pill for your needs.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Will I have hair loss after stopping the pill?

    Hair loss after stopping birth control pills is usually temporary and caused by hormonal fluctuations, a condition called telogen effluvium. In most cases, your hair will grow back within 6–12 months as your body adjusts.

  • Will hair loss after the birth control pill grow back?

    In most cases, hair loss after stopping the birth control pill is temporary, and your hair will grow back once your hormones stabilise.

  • How can I prevent hair loss while on the birth control pill?

    Choose a pill that contains progestin with lower androgenic effects, maintain a balanced diet, and consult a doctor if you experience significant hair fall.

Important

This blog, including its text, images, and infographics, is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalized advice, always consult a doctor.

Further Reading

For more details on this or related topics, refer to the papers listed in references below, or check out the other blogs on our website dulycare.in.

References

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