Can Birth Control Cause Hair Loss?
While hormonal birth control is a safe and effective option for many people, certain types can sometimes impact the hair growth cycle and lead to temporary shedding in some people. This is why you may have noticed more hair in your brush or shower drain after starting contraceptives.
Hormones influence the natural rhythm of your hair’s growth, rest, and shedding phases. Some birth control methods—especially those with higher androgen activity—can cause hair to shift out of the growth phase sooner, which may result in increased shedding or overall thinning.
That said, not everyone experiences this side effect, and for most people, it’s temporary.
If you’re feeling concerned about hair changes since starting birth control, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider. They can help identify whether your birth control could be contributing to the issue and guide you toward a method that better fits your needs.
Your Hormones and the Hair Growth Cycle
Hair doesn’t grow continuously—it follows a cycle that includes a growth phase (anagen), a transitional phase (catagen), and a resting/shedding phase (telogen).
Shifts in hormone levels, including those from birth control, can sometimes cause more hair follicles to enter the resting phase at once, leading to a noticeable increase in shedding a few months later. This is known as telogen effluvium.
Although it can be alarming to see more hair falling out, this type of hair loss is usually temporary. As your body adjusts to the hormonal changes, your hair cycle typically returns to its natural rhythm.
How the Hormones in Your Birth Control Affect This
Hormonal birth control contains synthetic versions of estrogen and progestin, compounds that mimic your body’s natural hormones. These synthetic hormones do an effective job of preventing pregnancy, but they can also affect how hair follicles behave.
Some types of progestin used in birth control have androgenic properties, meaning they act a bit like male hormones. In people who are genetically sensitive to these androgens, it can sometimes trigger temporary hair thinning or loss.
Not all birth control methods carry the same risk, though. Some contain lower-androgen or anti-androgenic progestins that are less likely to affect hair growth.
Why Some People Notice Hair Thinning While Using Birth Control
Hair loss caused by birth control can happen when hormonal changes affect your hair’s natural growth cycle. Some methods—especially those with androgenic progestins—can increase the likelihood of thinning by shrinking hair follicles in people who are sensitive to these hormones.
This kind of hair loss is usually short-term, but if it continues or feels distressing, a provider can help you explore other options that better support your body and your hair.
How Different Birth Control Types Affect Hair
If you’re noticing changes in your hair and wondering whether your birth control might be playing a role, you’re not alone. Different types of hormonal birth control affect people in different ways, and some methods carry a higher chance of hair thinning than others.
Combination Pills, Mini Pill, and Vaginal Ring
Combination birth control pills—those that contain both estrogen and progestin—are often a good option for people concerned about hair changes. The estrogen in these pills helps balance out the androgenic (male hormone-like) effects of some progestins, which may reduce the risk of hair thinning.
Here’s how the methods compare:
- Combined oral contraceptives (like Sprintec® or Junel Fe®): Often protective against hair loss due to balanced hormone levels.
- Mini pill (progestin-only): May carry a higher risk of hair thinning
- Vaginal rings (like NuvaRing® or Annovera®): Deliver steady hormone levels and are sometimes gentler on the body.
Which Birth Control Options Are More Likely to Cause Hair Loss?
Some hormonal birth control methods use progestins with stronger androgenic activity—these can contribute to hair shedding, especially if you have a genetic predisposition.
Potential higher-risk for hair thinning may include:
- Depo-Provera® shot
- Etonogestrel implants
- Pills with levonorgestrel or norethindrone
Options that are often gentler on hair include pills with:
- Drospirenone (found in Beyaz®)
- Norgestimate (found in Ortho Cyclen® and Sprintec®)
If maintaining your hair’s volume is a priority, take note that these lower-androgenic or anti-androgenic formulations might be a better fit.
How Birth Control Can Affect Your Hair’s Volume and Health
Birth control can sometimes cause potential side effects that affect your hair’s volume and texture, not just cause outright hair loss. These changes might start off subtle but can become more noticeable over time. Knowing what to watch for helps you catch any issues early and find the right solutions.
What to Look For
Hair loss caused by birth control usually looks different from other types of hair loss. You might see more hair on your brush, in the shower drain, or on your pillow.
The hair on your scalp might look thinner, especially along the part or crown, but it’s usually a general thinning across the whole scalp, not patchy bald spots.
Some people notice their hair feels finer, more brittle, or their scalp feels sensitive or a bit inflamed when shedding increases.
When Hair Thinning Might Start
Hair changes often occur 2 to 4 months after starting or stopping birth control. That’s because hair that is already growing stays put before entering the shedding phase.
If you stop birth control, you might notice a temporary increase in hair loss as your hormones shift. This can feel more intense, but usually improves within 6 to 12 months.
What to Do If You Notice Hair Loss From Your Birth Control
Of course, noticing your hair starting to fall out after starting birth control can be concerning, but there are practical steps you can take to manage it and support your hair’s health. The most important thing is to work with your healthcare provider to find the right approach for you.
Talking to a Healthcare Provider
Your provider is your partner in understanding what’s happening and exploring solutions. When you talk to them, consider:
- When you started noticing hair loss
- How much hair you’re losing
- Any other symptoms you’ve experienced
- All medications and supplements you’re currently taking
- Any other health conditions you are currently experiencing, or have experienced in the past
Your provider may suggest simple blood tests to rule out other causes like thyroid issues or nutrient deficiencies. Together, you can decide if your current birth control is the best fit for your health and hair. Some options—like Yaz®, Sprintec®, and Junel Fe®—have hormone profiles that tend to be gentler on hair and might be worth discussing.
How to Manage Hair Loss and Support Hair Growth
Here are some strategies that can help:
- Switch to a birth control with lower androgenic activity if your provider agrees
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in iron, protein, and B vitamins to strengthen hair
- Talk to your provider before starting supplements like biotin or hair vitamins
- Use gentle hair care practices: avoid tight hairstyles, reduce heat styling, and be gentle when brushing
- Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques, since stress can worsen hair loss
Taking these steps alongside a healthcare provider can help you find the best birth control option for your hair and overall well-being.
Coping With Temporary Hair Troubles
Hair loss caused by birth control is usually temporary. For most people, hair starts to grow back within 3 to 6 months after addressing the cause, whether that means switching to a different birth control or giving your body time to adjust. Hormonal contraceptives don’t permanently damage hair follicles; they simply influence them through hormone signals that can be changed.
How quickly your hair recovers depends on your overall health, stress levels, and genetics. Some notice improvement just weeks after switching to a birth control option that’s gentler on hair, while for others, it may take a few months for full regrowth. Remember, hair grows slowly—about half an inch per month—so patience really pays off.
But remember, you don’t have to compromise between effective contraception and healthy hair. Many birth control options today are designed with lower androgenic effects to better protect your hair. Working closely with your healthcare provider helps you find the best fit for your body, lifestyle, and hair health.
At Nurx, our medical experts are here to help you find options that balance reliable pregnancy prevention with minimal hair-related side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Which birth control pills can cause hair loss?
Pills with higher androgenic activity—like those containing levonorgestrel or norethindrone—are more likely to be linked with hair loss.
Does hair loss after starting birth control grow back?
Yes, hair loss related to birth control is often temporary. Hair typically grows back after a period of time or once you stop and switch medications.
Is it possible toavoid experiencing hair loss while taking birth control?
Choosing birth control pills with lower androgenic properties can help. Consult a healthcare provider to find the best option for minimizing hair loss.
Can taking birth control impact your hair?
Yes, the hormonal changes from birth control can impact your hair growth cycle and cause temporary hair loss in some people.
The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon this content for medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to a medical professional.
NuvaRing® (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring), Rx only, is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. This drug may cause side effects, including irregular uterine bleeding, nausea, breast tenderness, headache, and increased or unusual vaginal discharge. If you would like to learn more, see full prescribing information, here. You are encouraged to report negative side effects to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Annovera® (segesterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol vaginal system, 0.15mg/0.013mg), Rx only, is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. This drug may cause side effects, including headache, nausea/vomiting, yeast infection, and abdominal pain. If you would like to learn more, see full prescribing information, here. You are encouraged to report negative side effects to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Sprintec® (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol), Rx only, is an oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. This drug may cause side effects, including headaches, irregular and/or heavy uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, nausea and/or vomiting and back pain. If you would like to learn more, please see the full prescription information here. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit MedWatch: HTTPS://WWW.FDA.GOV/SAFETY/MEDWATCH /default.htm or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Junel Fe 1/20® (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous fumarate), Rx only, is an oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. This drug may cause side effects, including headaches, irregular and/or heavy uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, nausea and/or vomiting and back pain. If you would like to learn more, please see the full prescription information here. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit MedWatch: HTTPS://WWW.FDA.GOV/SAFETY/MEDWATCH /default.htm or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Beyaz® (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol/levomefolate calcium tablets and levomefolate calcium tablets), Rx only, is an oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. This drug may cause side effects, including irregular and/or heavy uterine bleeding, headache, breast tenderness, nausea, and dizziness. If you would like to learn more, please see the full prescription information here. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit MedWatch: HTTPS://WWW.FDA.GOV/SAFETY/MEDWATCH /default.htm or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol, Rx only, is an oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. This drug may cause side effects, including headaches, irregular and/or heavy uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, nausea and/or vomiting and back pain. If you would like to learn more, please see the full prescription information here. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit MedWatch: HTTPS://WWW.FDA.GOV/SAFETY/MEDWATCH /default.htm or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Depo-SubQ Provera 104® (medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension, 104mg/0.65mL for subcutaneous use), Rx only, is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. This drug may cause side effects, including dysfunctional uterine bleeding (irregular, increase, decrease, spotting), headache, and weight gain. If you would like to learn more, see full prescribing information, here. You are encouraged to report negative side effects to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
