Can Birth Control Cause Hair Loss?

Hormonal birth control is known to come with a variety of side effects — mood changes, nausea, acne, and more. But one lesser-discussed concern some people face is hair loss.

So, can birth control cause hair thinning or shedding? The short answer: yes, in some cases. While it's not among the most common side effects, some people do experience hair loss while using hormonal contraceptives.

Let’s explore how hormonal birth control can impact hair health, why it happens, and what you can do about it.

Does Birth Control Cause Hair Loss?

Hormonal contraceptives — including oral pills, IUDs, implants, and patches — can potentially contribute to hair loss. This usually happens due to changes in hormone levels that affect the natural hair growth cycle.

How Hormonal Birth Control Works

Most birth control pills work by altering hormone levels to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, reducing the chances of pregnancy. They generally fall into two main categories:

• Combination pills: Contain both estrogen and progestin.
  
• Mini pills (progestin-only): Do not contain estrogen and may have fewer hormonal side effects for some users.
  

Different pills contain varying hormone types and doses, which can influence side effects — including those related to hair health.

Common Birth Control Side Effects

While many people tolerate hormonal contraceptives well, side effects are possible and usually fade after a few months. Common ones include:

• Spotting between periods
  
• Nausea
  
• Headaches
  
• Mood swings
  
• Breast tenderness
  
• Vaginal discharge
  

Hair loss, while less common, is another possible side effect — usually related to the way hormonal shifts affect the hair cycle.

How Birth Control Can Cause Hair Loss

There are two main ways birth control can lead to hair thinning:

1. Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a temporary hair shedding condition triggered by a disruption to the hair growth cycle. This can happen when the body experiences sudden hormonal changes — like starting or stopping birth control.

Hair normally grows in three stages:

• Anagen (growth): Lasts several years; most hair is in this phase.
  
• Catagen (transition): A short, 2-week phase between growth and rest.
  
• Telogen (resting/shedding): Lasts 3-4 months before hair falls out and regrows.
  

When hormone levels shift, some hair follicles may prematurely enter the telogen phase, leading to noticeable shedding several months later.

Stopping birth control can also lead to this kind of shedding, which is usually temporary and resolves over time.

2. Androgenetic Alopecia (Female Pattern Hair Loss)

Some hormonal contraceptives — particularly those with high-androgen index progestins — may contribute to a form of hereditary hair loss known as androgenetic alopecia.

This type of hair loss is driven by androgens (male hormones like DHT) that cause hair follicles to shrink over time, leading to thinner, weaker hair.

Certain older progestins, like norethindrone, may have androgen-like effects. These can potentially worsen hair thinning in people who are genetically predisposed to female pattern hair loss.

Additional Hair Loss Risk Factors

Aside from birth control, other possible causes of hair loss include:

• Genetics
  
• Hairstyles that cause tension (traction alopecia)
  
• Hormonal imbalances (e.g., PCOS)
  
• Nutritional deficiencies (like low iron, biotin, or zinc)
  

If you notice increased shedding or thinning, a healthcare provider can help determine the root cause.

What to Do About Hair Loss From Birth Control

If you're experiencing hair loss while on hormonal birth control, here are a few steps you can take:

1. Speak to a Healthcare Provider

A provider can perform a scalp exam, review your health history, and order lab work if needed. They’ll help determine whether birth control is the likely cause and explore other possible contributors like thyroid issues or nutrient deficiencies.

2. Consider Changing Birth Control Methods

If your current contraceptive is contributing to hair loss, switching to a lower-androgen index pill or a non-hormonal method may help. Options with lower androgenic activity — like desogestrel or norgestimate — are often preferred for those with a history of hair thinning.

3. Try Hair Growth Treatments

Hair shedding due to telogen effluvium usually resolves over time, but treatments like minoxidil (topical or oral) may speed up regrowth.

For hereditary hair thinning (androgenetic alopecia), treatments like minoxidil or oral medications may also help stabilize and improve hair density. Finasteride is another option, but it’s typically only recommended for postmenopausal women.

Final Thoughts on Birth Control and Hair Loss

Hormonal birth control is an effective and widely used contraceptive method — but like any medication, it can have side effects. Hair loss is one of the less common ones, but it can happen due to shifts in hormone levels or the androgenic activity of certain progestins.

If you’re noticing hair thinning after starting or stopping birth control:

• It could be telogen effluvium, a temporary response to hormonal change.
  
• It could be androgenetic alopecia, particularly if you have a family history of hair loss and are on a pill with a high androgen index.
  

Hair typically regrows with time, especially once your hormones stabilize. That said, if hair loss persists, a healthcare provider can help identify the cause and recommend the right treatment.