Hair Loss Due to Hormonal Contraceptives

Full and radiant hair is every woman's desire; it symbolises beauty and youth. All the worse if you experience female pattern hair loss and are looking for the causes. Birth control pills are not the first thing you usually think of.

Hormonal contraceptives can affect the female body considerably. In addition to the contraceptive effect, they can also lead to changes in mood, skin appearance and hair growth.

It is therefore common for contraceptives to be cited as the main reason for hair loss in women. This is most commonly due to hair loss caused by taking the pill or stopping the pill. In this article, we explain hormonal contraceptives and possible hair loss as a side effect of the pill.

What different types of hormonal contraceptives are there?

Not all contraceptives can lead to baldness in women (also known as female pattern baldness). Hormone-based contraceptives in particular increase the possibility of alopecia.

Additional hormones trigger certain processes in the cells via the receptors in the hair roots. For example, additional oestrogen (estrogen) can keep the hair in the growth phase or growing phase, whereas androgens can cause hair changes such as hair loss, but also darker and thicker hair.

The most well-known hormonal contraceptive is certainly the pill, other birth control methods are as follows:

-        Intrauterine system

-        Vaginal ring

-        Three-monthly injection

-        Contraceptive implant

-        Hormone patch
 
There is a risk of hair loss with every hormonal contraceptive because, despite the different effects and dosages of the hormone preparations, each body absorbs the contraceptive individually and thus reacts differently.

Even taking the same pill has a different effect on every woman. Therefore, no reliable statements can be made about the risk of hair loss.

Do you suffer from hair loss and want to do something about it? A free hair scan at HAIR & SKIN can provide you with clarity about the causes and hair loss treatment options.

Hair loss due to taking the contraceptive pill – what now?

When people talk about hormonal contraceptives, they usually mean the contraceptive pill, despite the various options listed above. The pill is the most popular contraceptive method worldwide, although it has a long list of side effects.

Taking the pill interferes with the natural hormonal balance of the female body. As a result, many women suffer from hair loss. However, problems with hair loss can still occur, especially when changing contraceptive pills or even when stopping the pill.

Hair loss after starting

Some progestogens are primarily associated with oral contraceptives as triggers for hair loss.

Progestogens are steroid hormones or luteal hormones. They do not prevent ovulation, but do prevent the build-up of the uterine lining through a mucus plug.

Some contraceptive pills mainly use progestogens with an androgenic effect, e.g. levonorgestrel and desogestrel. This androgenic activity promotes the production of male hormones.

An increase in hormones also impairs the growth of scalp hair, leading to unwanted hair loss.

Hair loss after changing the pill

Some women do not want to abandon the pill, but do not feel comfortable with the previous preparation due to certain side effects. However, changing the pill does not necessarily stop hair loss, but can even cause it or make it worse.

There are various ways in which hair loss can occur, e.g. when switching from a combined pill to an oestrogen-free pill. The risk of hair loss can also increase if you switch from a weaker pill to a pill with a stronger androgenic effect or if you take a pill with a different progestogen instead of a combined pill.

Hair loss after stopping the pill

Problems with hair loss can also occur after stopping the pill. When you stop taking the contraceptive pill, additional hormones are withdrawn from the body and the hormonal balance is disrupted. While you are taking the pill, your own hormone production is reduced and has to pick up speed again.

The oestrogen production can lead to increased hair loss until the hormonal balance is restored. The time required for self-regulation is individual. If there is no improvement after a longer period of time, you should consult your GP, who can identify the causes and initiate appropriate treatment.

Everything you can do against pill-induced hair loss

There is no cure for pill-induced hair loss, but the following tips can help prevent hair thinning:

Consult a doctor

A consultation with your GP or gynaecologist is highly recommended before stopping or changing the pill. They can advise you and also explain possible risks and side effects.

When changing pills, you should switch to a pill with a lower progestogen content, such as a combined pill or a mini pill. This can reduce the risk of hair loss.

Gynaecologists in particular are usually the best people to talk to in this regard, as they can also suggest alternative contraceptive methods that have less of an impact on hormone levels.

Family history can also play a role. Although birth control pills work well in most cases, they do have the aforementioned side effects. Other types of birth control also have side effects, for example a non-hormonal form of birth control. If you have skin problems, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist.

Healthy diet

Diet is important for full and healthy hair. B vitamins, vitamin H, zinc, iron and selenium promote healthy hair growth. It is therefore advisable to eat a balanced diet rich in vital nutrients to ensure that you get enough vitamins and minerals. If there are deficiencies, dietary supplements can also help.

The consumption of animal products such as meat and sausage, as well as dairy products, should be limited. Vegetable proteins, healthy fats, fibre and sufficient water should be the focus of your diet.

The right hair care

Naturally, hair care affects the hair from the outside, just as the right nutrition affects the hair from the inside. Gentle hair care can have a positive effect on your hair condition.

The following tips can help prevent hair loss or other hair problems:

-        Do not wash your hair too often

-        Use milder shampoos without surfactants

-        Avoid dry shampoos, volumising powders etc.

-        Avoid hair colouring

-        Avoid excessive heat

-        Regular head massages

-        Medication against hair loss
 
There are various over-the-counter medicines to treat hair loss after stopping the pill. However, some of these can cause unpleasant side effects. Taking such medication should therefore always be discussed with a doctor. If the side effects are too severe, you can also try herbal products.

Grant time to your body

The hormonal balance is significantly altered by taking the pill. It takes a few weeks before any hair loss begins. Even after stopping the pill, the body needs time to eliminate the artificial hormones and produce enough of its own hormones again. This can take between three and six months. Even though it may be difficult, you should take it easy and avoid panicking.

Autologous blood treatment

Especially in the case of diffuse hair loss caused by hormonal contraception, an autologous blood treatment might work wonders.

In this treatment, the body's own blood concentrate is injected into the thinning or bald areas of the scalp. This provides the hair roots with growth factors, which ultimately stops hair loss and can support new hair growth.

A hair transplant

A hair transplant can be the last resort in cases of severe hair loss and a lack of regrowth due to the shedding of hair follicles. However, it is only in exceptional cases that hair falls out together with the hair follicles. If this happens, no new hair will grow in these areas. During a detailed consultation at a hair clinic, you will also find out what the treatment options are.

Conclusion – various solutions against hair loss caused by the pill

Hair loss due to the pill is relatively common. Women are often deeply shocked when their hair continues to fall out even after stopping the pill and they are still confronted with thinning hair.

As taking, changing or stopping the pill causes a major hormonal imbalance, you should not worry too much. It takes a while for the body to adapt to the situation, for oestrogen levels to adjust and for hair loss to stop on its own. Hair loss can be prevented with a healthy diet and the right hair care.

If this is not the case, autologous blood treatment or a hair transplant can help. We will be happy to advise you! Book a non-binding appointment with us now!