Hair Loss After Stopping Birth Control: Does it Happen?
Birth control pills are now widely used by many women. They are also known as contraceptive pills.
It is reported that oral contraceptives have been used by more than 60 million women worldwide.
Though popularly used by many women, it still has many side effects.
Hair loss is one of the many side effects that occur while taking birth control pills and even after stopping them.
Women may notice clumps of hair falling out even after several months of discontinuing the consumption of contraceptive pills.
This condition is formally known as Telogen Effluvium.
Read on to learn more about hair loss after stopping birth control pills.
What is a birth control pill
As the name suggests, ‘birth control’ pills prevent birth, i.e., pregnancy.
It is the most socially significant medical advancement of the twentieth century.
Earlier, birth control pills were usually used only for preventing pregnancy.
But over time, doctors also used it to treat other conditions.
Recently, birth control pills have been widely used for treating Polycystic Ovarian Disease or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
Not only this but these pills are also used for the treatment of acne or for reducing hair growth, especially facial hair.
It is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
It is advised that one should take it daily, and usually at the same hour.
The advice is given because taking it consistently helps keep hormone levels from fluctuating.
After effect on hair
As of now, there are only three types of oral contraceptive pills:
- Combined Estrogen and Progesterone pills, commonly known as Combined Oral Contraceptives (COC)
- Progesterone-Only Pill (POP)
- Continuous or extended-use pill
Of these three, two are the most commonly used, the COC and POP.
Estrogen and Progesterone, the two female reproductive hormones, are the active ingredients in them.
They play an active role in hair growth and development in women.
Estrogen increases the time hair spends in the resting phase, known as the Telogen phase.
Michelle Green, M.D., a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City, stated that during the Telogen phase, hair sheds 25 to 100 strands daily and is not actively growing.
This phase extends longer, so women lose more hair than they grow.
Also, your body may take time to adjust to the hormonal changes that occur during and after taking and stopping the birth control pills.
So, the shedding may continue for some months.
How hair loss after stopping birth control looks like
As mentioned before, the synthetic hormone— Estrogen present in birth control pills makes the hair stay longer in the Telogen phase of the hair cycle.
This may continue even after stopping the pills as the body needs time to adjust.
This may cause Telogen Effluvium.
It usually occurs at the top of the scalp. It is often temporary, and the hair may grow back.
It makes the following changes in the hair:
Hair fall
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, it is normal to shed 50-100 strands of hair daily.
But if you have Telogen Effluvium, you may shed up to 300 strands of hair per day.
You may notice more than usual hair shedding while brushing or washing.
Even you may see hair strands lying on your pillow.
In acute Telogen Effluvium, the hair fall or shedding lasts less than six months.
However, in the case of chronic Telogen Effluvium, it may last more than six months.
Hair thinning
If you have Telogen Effluvium, you may notice your hair thinner as time passes.
The thinning usually occurs at the top of the head.
It may not affect the back and sides of your head.
The hair thinning may not affect your hairline or cause complete baldness.
Hair thinning is a symptom similar to Female Pattern Hair Loss.
Treatment
Usually, women don’t take the road to severe treatment options to stop hair loss after quitting birth control.
Yet sometimes, you may need to consult your doctor when there is excessive hair loss because of stopping birth control pills.
The doctor may suggest Minoxidil 2%, which is proven efficient for hair regrowth.
It is the only FDA-approved over-the-counter medicine for women’s hair loss.
Minoxidil stimulates hair growth by increasing the hair-growing phase of the hair cycle, known as Anagen.
Moreover, Minoxidil works for women by dilating the blood vessels.
It encourages blood and nutrient flow to your hair follicles, leading to fuller hair.
Takeaway
Hair loss after stopping birth control or contraceptive pills is normal.
However, it is not everyone’s case. Some may have hair fall, while some may not.
The hair fall happens because birth control pills contain synthetic hormones like Estrogen.
It makes the hair stay longer in the Telogen phase of the hair cycle.
Due to this, you lose more hair than you see active growth.
It makes your hair look thinner, usually at the top of your head.
The Telogen Effluvium usually goes on its own.
But, in case it is severe, you may consult your doctor.
A standard treatment used by doctors is 2% Minoxidil.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will hair loss last after stopping birth control?
Hair loss because of stopping birth control pills may start after 4-8 weeks of discontinuation of the contraceptive pills. You may shed up to 300 strands of hair daily. However, your hair may return to regular shedding within 9-12 months.
Is hair loss after stopping birth control permanent?
Consuming birth control pills may cause you to lose significant strands of hair. However, you don’t need to worry. The hair shedding is usually not permanent. It may go away within some months after stopping the contraceptive pills.
Why am I losing so much hair after stopping birth control?
Losing hair more than regular hair shedding is normal after discontinuing birth control pills. This happens because of Telogen Effluvium. The pills make your hair stay longer in the resting phase of the hair cycle. This makes you lose more hair. This can continue even after stopping birth control as the body may need time to adjust to discontinuing the pills.
Does your hair change after stopping birth control?
Yes, your hair may change after stopping birth control pills. You can notice more hair shedding and thin hair on the top of the scalp. It may also sometimes affect the texture of your hair. However, these changes usually will only last for a while.
