Are Female Hair Loss and Birth Control Pills Related?
A lot of women complained about losing their hairs while they are taking birth control pills or as soon as the have started or as they stopped or even as they switch from one brand to another. In fact studies have shown that there is a link between female hair loss and birth control pills. The loss of hair due to birth control is a common thing nowadays especially those who have a genetic predisposition for thinning hair .These women are prone to hair loss while taking birth control pills. Many women may experience thinning hair to varying degrees, usually on a temporary basis. Fortunately they can rest assured as this can usually be corrected by switching to another brand of oral contraceptives.
How can Birth control pills cause hair loss?
Birth control pills causes hair loss owing to the androgenic properties inherent in the pills. Androgens are male hormones and it has been clinically proven to be a direct cause for hair loss since androgens is responsible for the production of DHT, a derivative of the male hormone testosterone.
Some Birth control pills causing hair loss in women
High androgen
Depoprovera® and Norplant® contraceptive implants have about a 10% incidence of increased hair
One of the possible side effects of Implant (Implanon) is hair loss (alopecia),
Mircette. It usually only lasts for a month or two. Both the use of
Diagnosis and treatments
Only low androgen index birth control pills should be used to treat hair loss in women. As a start, it is very important to consult a good gynecologist and/or dermatologist who is knowledgeable about female hair loss. Some of the tests your derm/gyn should run for you are:
TSH
Thyroid antibodies
DHEA-SO4
Free T
CBC with dif, ferritin
Scalp Biopsies
Evaluate Gyn/ob status in regards to oral contraceptives
The following is what Barbara Reed on hairsite.com and other doctors recommended as beneficial for women with hair loss.
Desogen
Diane35
Ortho-Cept
Ortho-Cyclen
Ortho-Tri-Cyclen
Brevicon
Demulen50
Modicon
Micrette
Ovcon-35
Demulen35
It is worth noting that Contraceptive pills come in various hormonal formulations, and your doctor can determine which is right for your specific needs and also if it is necessary to switching pills if necessary until you are emotionally and physically comfortable with the formulation.
In summary, losing your hair due to birth control is a common thing. There are many kinds of BCP and one may be more closely related to your normal hormonal pattern than another. If you are suffering from hormones related hair loss, you might have to try out different kinds of birth control pills until you find one that can stabilize your hormonal levels. Almost all of the times, the hair grows back in no time, so you must be patient, and await your healthy, new hair.
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