Female Hair Loss: Could the Pill be the Causing Your Hair Loss

No one wants to lose their hair, especially women. For women on the pill, hair loss can be one unexpected side-effect. Women with a family history of female patterned hair loss are particularly at risk. Let’s face it, hair loss for women at any age is traumatic. It can be particularly devastating for younger women on birth control, especially those between the ages of 15 and 35. At least men can shave their heads and look hip, even sexy. Bald is not the look a woman losing her hair wants.

The average lifespan of a single hair is 4.5 years; the hair then falls out and is replaced usually within 6 months by a new hair. Generally speaking, each day you will typically lose about 50 to 100 hairs, and when all is well with your body, an equal number of hair regrowth is happening as well. If you would like more information on What is the Normal Amount of Hair Loss for Women? check out our blog post on the topic.

One of the most popular forms of birth control is oral contraceptive. For the millions of women prescribed the 'pill', and who are experiencing above normal hair loss, progesterone may be the root cause –yes, that pun was intended. Executive director of the International Association of Trichologists David Salinger commented that 10 years ago he would treat one young woman a month for hair thinning. Now he treats one a day. ''The progesterone in some pills can have a male hormonal effect on the hair" Mr Salinger said. "If a female has a genetic tendency and she then takes something which has male hormonal effects, that can trigger the thinning. I'm seeing many, many women in their 20s and 30s getting this type of hair loss."

The "pill" works by suppressing ovulation through the combined actions of two hormones estrogen and progestin, or in some cases progestin alone. Women who are hypersensitive to hormonal changes may experience an acceleration of hair loss, according to Dr. Barry Weiss. Some hypersensitive types may experience hair loss after stopping the pill. While in some cases the pill is used as a hair loss treatment for women. So what should you do?

The American Hair Loss Association recognizes that for the most part oral contraceptives are a safe and effective form of birth control. The AHLA also recognizes that the "pill" has been clinically proven to have other health benefits for some women who use them. However, with that said, the AHLA believes that it is imperative for all women especially for those who have a history of hair loss in their family to be made aware of the potentially devastating effects of birth control pills on normal hair growth. Any woman interested in using oral contraceptives to prevent pregnancy should, according to the American Hair Loss Association, use low-androgen index birth control pills. If you have a strong predisposition for genetic hair loss in your family, the AHLA recommends using non-hormonal form of birth control. If you have a family history of female pattered baldness, we recommend you inform your physician before starting an oral contraceptive.

For the treatment of thinning hair or hair loss, getting the right information is important.To learn more about hair loss and regrowth treatment options or to consult with a Capillus specialist in your area click here or call Capillus for more information at (786) 888 6249 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 272-9599.