Hair Loss Due to Birth Control

Hair loss is one of the possible side effects of hormonal birth control methods. The American Hair Loss Association recommends that women who are concerned about hair loss due to birth control take low-androgen birth control pills and avoid hormonal birth control methods such as patches, rings and implants.

Function

• Because birth control pills contain synthetic hormones, the unfamiliar hormone levels in the body can affect the growth phases of hair and lead to hair loss.

Time Frame

• Hair loss due to birth control is usually temporary, and hair will regrow as soon as the body adjusts to the new hormone levels.

Predisposition

• If members of your family tend to lose their hair as they age, you may be at higher risk for hair loss due to birth control.

Starting Birth Control

• Hair loss due to birth control may occur when you begin taking birth control pills. Unless the hair loss is severe, your doctor will likely advise you to stay on the pill until hormones regulate and hair loss stops.

Stopping Birth Control

• Hair loss due to birth control may also occur when you stop a hormonal birth control method. Herbs such as vitex, dong quai and black cohosh can help regulate hormones and reduce hair loss after stopping birth control.