Taking birth control pills can result in many different side effects, one of which can include hair loss or hair thinning. Losing hair can be devastating for your self-confidence or self-esteem, but it’s important to know that you’re not alone with your struggle. Hair loss and hair thinning due to taking birth control pills affects nearly 26 percent of the population.
What components of birth control pills cause hair loss?
Birth control pills normally cause hair loss in women who have a genetic history of hormone-related hair loss and/or who are sensitive to the hormone changes of the pill. When you take birth control, you are essentially increasing your body’s production of estrogen which is responsible for hair growth and hair loss. For some women, this increase in estrogen affects the natural production of hair or disrupts the period between when your body grows hair and when it releases it.
The hair growth period for your body is called the anagen phase. During this time, your hair grows from its follicle. In contrast, your body also has a resting phase (the telogen phase) where your hair does not grow. Both of these phases are directly associated with the amount of estrogen in your body.
When you take birth control pills, there is a chance that the time between these two phases can be shorter than normal. If this happens, your body will lose hair faster than it can produce it or trigger natural hair loss sooner than expected.
Are birth control pills the only birth control that causes hair loss?
Though birth control pills are thought to be more directly responsible for hair loss, other birth control methods may have this side effect. For example, skin patches, hormone injections, and vaginal rings also cause hair loss or hair thinning in some women.
What can I do if I’m experiencing hair loss or hair thinning?
There are some temporary solutions for hair loss or hair thinning due to birth control. Minoxidil may be prescribed by your doctor for a short period of time.
However, it is important to note that no solution will ever be as effective or as permanent as the one you can find at Hairline Ink. Hairline Ink specializes in scalp micropigmentation, which, through a small procedure, gives you the look of a full head of hair forever. We offer Scalp Micropigmentation in over 50 US cities. Call or text us today at 833-HAIR-INK (833-424-7465) to schedule an appointment, learn about our pricing, or get a free quote!
