Since the birth control pill was approval by the FDA in 1960, it has become one of the most popular forms of contraceptive used today. Millions of women are prescribed the Pill each year in North America, but very few are aware that oral contraceptives are a common trigger of hair loss.
The way the Pill works is by suppressing ovulation and mimicking pregnancy. Women who are predisposed to hormone-related hair loss are prone to thinning after starting on a birth control pill.
As well, women who are sensitive to hormone changes can actually experience hair loss if they stop using a birth control pill.
Physicians recognize that for the most part oral contraceptives are a safe and effective form of birth control. They also recognize that birth control pills have been clinically proven to have other health benefits for some women who use them. It is important, however, to warn Females about the potential risk of hair loss with this form of contraceptive.
Women interested in taking a birth control pill, but wishing to minimize the risk of hair loss, should consider the following low-Testosterone pills. Birth control pills with the least androgenic activity include: Norgestimate (in Ortho-Cyclen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen), Norethindrone (in Ovcon 35), Desogestrel (in Mircette), or Ethynodiol Diacetate (in Demulen, Zovia). If there is a strong predisposition for genetic hair loss in your family, I recommend the use of another non-hormonal form of birth control. The birth control pills listed below have a significant risk for causing or accelerating hair loss.
Progestin implants, such as Norplant, are small rods implanted surgically beneath the skin, usually on the upper arm. The rods release a continuous dose of progestin to prevent ovulation.
Hormone injections of progestin, such as Depo-Provera, are given into the muscles of the upper arm or buttocks. This injection prevents ovulation.
The skin patch (Ortho Evra) is placed on your shoulder, buttocks, or other location. It continually releases progestin and estrogen.
The vaginal ring (NuvaRing) is a flexible ring about two inches in diameter inserted into the vagina. It releases progestin and estrogen.
Dr. Robert Jones is a hair transplant surgeon just west of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His practice is restricted to full time hair restoration surgery. He is president of the International Society of follicular Unit Surgeons, a member of the Internation Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons, and Board Certified by the American Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons. For pictures showing the progress of his transplant please go to his site at http://www.torontohairdoctor.com Dr. Jones has just completed a book "Dr. Robert Jones's complete Hair Loss Guide" with his son, which can be ordered through his site in January of 2007.
