Hair loss happens for many reasons. Sometimes there is no way to know what the underlying cause is. Other times, it’s easy to point out, especially when there has been a significant change in a person’s life. For many women, a change in hormone levels or the use of medication can be common reasons for experiencing hair loss. For some, birth control medications could be the underlying cause of hair loss, especially if you have just started using them in the last three or so months. Why is it happening, and what can be done about it?

Birth Control Can Cause Hair Loss

It goes without saying that any significant change in your body can bring about hair loss. Keep in mind that birth control pills have a high likelihood of doing this because of how they interact with the body’s hormone levels. Often, women experience hair that is thinning or falling out. Some women who have been using the pill for a long time and suddenly stop may see the onset of hair loss from that experience as well.

There are a few key reasons why this happens. First off, remember that any type of change to the body is like a shock to it. That often leads to the onset of hair loss.

How Birth Control Pills Work

The goal of birth control pills is to prevent pregnancy, which they do in different ways, depending on which are taken. Most are designed to include female hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. When estrogen increases, this causes a mature egg to leave the ovaries in the process called ovulation. Birth control works to stop that surge of estrogen. They can also change the lining of the uterus so that if an egg is fertilized, it cannot implant and grow.

Why Birth Control Causes Hair Loss

No matter which type is taken, it is very common for these medications to cause hair loss in women. It is more likely to happen in women who are sensitive to hormones. It may also be more common in women who have a history of hair loss related to hormone changes or those who have a family that has these types of complications.

Birth control pills cause your hair to move through the hair growth cycle at a different pace than what is normal. That is, starting them or stopping them could cause your hair to move into the resting phase soon and, in some cases, can keep hair in that phase – which typically lasts for several months – for longer than normal. This often leads to hair loss that can be lasting.

If you are taking any type of birth control that relates to hormones, you are likely at risk for hair loss because of the way it changes the hormones in your body.

What Can You Do About Hair Loss From the Pill?

If you are experiencing hair loss that you believe is related to your use of the pill or other birth control products, turn to your doctor as a first step. Determine if this is normal based on the type of medication you are taking. You may also want to talk to your doctor about non-hormonal products that could help you with birth control.

It is not always necessary to stop taking the pill. Though those who have serious or significant hair loss may need to do so, others may not. That’s because the hair growth cycle will continue over time, and as it does, it will allow for your hair to enter the growing phase and start over. This can often take as long as three to four months.

It is a good idea to stay in touch with your doctor about any changes you have when you start taking the pill or using any type of hormonal birth control. Be sure to have routine bloodwork to ensure your body remains as healthy as possible.

For many women, there are treatments that can also help with hair loss that does not improve, including Minoxidil or Low. Talk to your doctor about using these products to meet your body’s specific needs to encourage hair growth while you remain on birth control. To learn more about what solutions are available to you, contact Unique Hair Concepts for a free consultation.