Birth control's potential link to hair loss: Understanding the risks and viable treatment options
In the world of birth control, it's essential to understand the potential effects on our bodies, particularly when it comes to hair loss. Let's delve into the facts.
There are two main types of birth control pills: combined and progestin-only. The progestin-only pill, containing only progestin, is an option for those who cannot take estrogen. While both types prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation and thickening cervical mucus, they differ in their impact on hair loss.
Progestin, present in both types of pills, has androgenic activity, acting similarly to male hormones. This can potentially cause hair loss, particularly in females who are hypersensitive to hormonal changes or have a predisposition to hormonal-related hair loss. The progestin-only pill, however, has the most common side effect of bleeding changes, such as short cycles of spotting, heavy bleeding, or no bleeding at all.
On the other hand, the combined pill, a combination of progestin and estrogen, carries additional health risks such as deep vein thrombosis, heart attack, and stroke.
If hair loss is a concern, it's crucial to identify the cause. Factors ranging from inheriting androgenic alopecia, aging, undergoing cancer treatment, stress, using hair-damaging products, contracting a scalp infection, having a hormonal imbalance, developing thyroid disease, having too little protein, iron, biotin, or zinc, and polycystic ovary syndrome can contribute to hair loss.
For those experiencing hair loss, seeking advice from a board-certified dermatologist is advisable. Treatment options for hair loss may include Minoxidil (Rogaine), laser cap or comb, microneedling, corticosteroid injections, hair transplant, platelet-rich plasma, vitamin and mineral supplements, finasteride (Propecia), spironolactone (Aldactone), and prescription drugs.
Non-hormonal alternatives to birth control pills, such as the copper intrauterine device (IUD), barrier methods (male and female condoms), natural cycle tracking apps (like Natural Cycles), and sterilization (vasectomy or female sterilization), are generally not associated with hair loss or hair thinning. These methods do not use hormones and therefore typically do not influence hair loss related to hormonal changes.
In summary, non-hormonal birth control options avoid the hormone-related side effects—including potential hormonal hair loss—seen with hormonal contraceptives. Therefore, they are generally preferred by those wishing to avoid hair loss risks linked to hormones. If hair loss is a concern, particularly hair thinning related to androgen levels or female pattern hair loss, treatment options typically involve medications like minoxidil, spironolactone, or finasteride (with caution due to birth defect risks), none of which are used for contraception but may be prescribed separately for hair loss management.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hair loss. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20373402 [Accessed 10 Mar. 2023]. [2] American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). Hair loss. [online] Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-scalp/hair-loss [Accessed 10 Mar. 2023]. [3] Planned Parenthood. (2021). Birth control: Non-hormonal options. [online] Available at: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/non-hormonal-birth-control [Accessed 10 Mar. 2023]. [4] American Academy of Family Physicians. (2021). Hair loss. [online] Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/hair-loss/ [Accessed 10 Mar. 2023]. [5] National Health Service. (2021). Hair loss. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hair-loss/ [Accessed 10 Mar. 2023].
- Women's health and health-and-wellness experts suggest that understanding potential hair loss effects from birth control pills is crucial.
- The University of California (UC) advises that hair care products, such as Minoxidil (Rogaine) and laser caps or combs, may be treatment options for women experiencing hair loss.
- Science has identified multiple causes of hair loss in women, including hereditary androgenic alopecia, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications like birth control pills with progestin.
- A board-certified dermatologist can assist in diagnosing the cause of hair loss and recommend appropriate care, which may include prescription drugs such as finasteride (Propecia) and spironolactone (Aldactone).
- The American Academy of Dermatology highlights that hair loss can result from asthma medications, but this is not a common side effect of birth control.
- For those concerned about hair loss, non-hormonal birth control options like the copper intrauterine device (IUD) or condoms may be preferred, as they are generally not associated with hair loss or thinning.
- The Mayo Clinic recommends a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, biotin, and zinc to support hair growth and manage hair loss, whether from birth control or other causes.
- The National Health Service emphasizes that identifying early signs of hair loss, such as excessive shedding or a thinning crown, is important for timely intervention and treatment.
