Key takeaways:
Some types of birth control can cause hair loss. But, in general, it isn’t a common side effect.
Birth control containing a low-androgenic progestin (such as drospirenone) and estrogen is less likely to cause hair loss. Examples include Yaz, Beyaz, and Viorele.
Birth control that contains a more androgenic progestin (such as norethindrone) without an estrogen may be more likely to cause hair loss. Examples include Errin and Heather.
Hair is in a constant state of turnover — some hair falls out, and new hair grows in. Most hair loss (alopecia) occurs when you shed more hair than you grow. If this happens, you might notice more hair in your brush or in the shower drain. Or you may notice a difference in how your hair looks or feels.
Hair loss can happen for many reasons, including aging, hormones, or as a medication side effect. And, if you’re one of the millions who use hormonal birth control, you may wonder if there’s a connection. Can birth control cause hair loss or growth? And are some types of birth control more likely to affect your hair than others?
Can birth control cause hair loss or growth?
Yes, the hormones in birth control can affect your hair growth. But not all birth control pills have the same effects. A lot depends on which hormones they contain.
Search and compare options
Estrogen (either naturally occurring or in birth control) can support healthy hair growth. It does this by:
Lengthening the hair growth phase
Making hair thicker and stronger
Helping turn testosterone into estrogen
Decreasing dihydrotestosterone (a hormone linked to hair loss) activity
Hormonal birth control can also contain a progestin — either alone or combined with an estrogen. Progestins are lab-made versions of progesterone. Some progestins have “androgenic” activity, which means they can act like testosterone in your body. These types of progestins may be more likely to cause hair loss. Other progestins don’t have as much androgenic activity, which means they’re less likely to lead to hair loss.
In general, combination birth control pills (estrogen plus progestin) may help support hair growth. That’s because — as we noted above — estrogen is good for hair growth. It may also help balance out androgenic effects from the progestin.
6 birth control brands that shouldn’t cause hair loss
Remember: Hair loss isn’t a common birth control side effect, regardless of the brand. But hair loss may be even less likely with some types of low androgen birth control, including these 6 options. Let’s take a closer look.
1. Yasmin and Yaz
Yasmin and Yaz are oral birth control pills that contain drospirenone with ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). Both are FDA approved for pregnancy prevention. They’re less likely to cause hair loss since they contain drospirenone, a progestin with low androgenic activity.
Yaz is also approved to treat acne and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
2. Beyaz
Beyaz (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate) contains the same hormones as Yaz and Yasmin. The key difference is that it also includes a type of folic acid called levomefolate. Beyaz is approved to prevent pregnancy, treat acne and PMDD, and supplement folic acid. Folic acid is recommended for anyone capable of becoming pregnant — even if you’re not actively trying to conceive. It can also help prevent anemia, which can happen during menstruation.
3. Viorele and Volnea
Viorele and Volnea both contain the same two ingredients: desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). Just like drospirenone, desogestrel doesn’t have a lot of androgenic activity. This means it’s less likely to cause hair loss.
These birth control pills are generic versions of brand-name Mircette (now discontinued). They’re approved to prevent pregnancy.
Several other desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol pills are also available, including:
4. Nextstellis
Nextstellis is another drospirenone-containing combination pill that’s approved for pregnancy prevention. But it contains estetrol, a newer estrogen that acts more like the estrogen your body makes naturally during pregnancy. Estetrol may cause fewer estrogen-related side effects, such as breakthrough bleeding.
5. Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo
Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo both contain norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. Norgestimate is a progestin without a lot of androgenic effects.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is approved to prevent pregnancy and treat acne. Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo is similar but contains less estrogen and is approved only to prevent pregnancy. This low-dose version may be a good option if you’re sensitive to estrogen-related side effects.
The brand name versions of these medications have been discontinued, but generic options are available.
6. Slynd
Slynd is a progestin-only pill that contains drospirenone. It’s approved to prevent pregnancy. If you prefer to avoid estrogens or are unable to take them, Slynd may be a birth control option worth considering.
A note about birth control and PCOS hair loss
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that causes hormonal imbalances, including high levels of androgens. It’s a common cause of scalp hair loss before menopause.
A combination birth control pill is a first-choice treatment to help with hormone imbalances caused by PCOS. But experts don’t recommend a particular birth control brand over others. In this situation, any formulation may help with scalp hair loss, if it’s related to PCOS.
Which birth control brands may contribute to hair thinning?
Hair loss isn’t common with any birth control brand. But it may be more likely to happen if your birth control contains a highly androgenic progestin. This includes the following progestins:
Norethindrone
Ethynodiol diacetate
Medroxyprogesterone
Levonorgestrel
Norgestrel
The table below highlights some birth controls that contain these types of progestins. Though, remember, combination pills may be less likely to cause hair loss.
| Progestin-only pills | Combination pills | Non-oral birth control methods |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Keep in mind that there are many possible causes for hair loss. Birth control is only one potential contributing factor.
Is it normal to experience hair loss after stopping birth control?
Yes, hair loss is normal after stopping birth control. But it doesn’t happen to everyone, and it usually isn’t severe. This type of hair loss is called telogen effluvium, and it can happen if you suddenly stop estrogen-containing medications. When hair loss occurs, you’ll usually notice it about 3 months after stopping birth control.
Can you treat hair loss after stopping birth control?
You shouldn’t need to treat hair loss after stopping birth control. It’s temporary and typically resolves on its own. Your hair growth should return to its normal pattern over the next 3 to 6 months. Plus, most hair-loss treatments take at least 6 months to start working.
If you’re experiencing severe hair loss, such as bald patches, contact your primary care provider. This type of hair loss doesn’t typically happen after stopping birth control.
Frequently asked questions
Nexplanon is a hormonal birth control implant that goes in your arm. Nexplanon contains a progestin called etonogestrel. Etonogestrel has low androgenic activity, which means it’s less likely to cause hair loss than some other types of progestins.
Birth control that contains a progestin with low or no androgenic activity, plus an estrogen, is the least likely to cause hair loss.
Birth control containing an androgenic progestin is more likely to cause hair loss.
It’s hard to say if your hair will grow back after you stop taking birth control. Most of the time, hair loss caused by medication is reversible. But, in some cases, it may be permanent. And keep in mind: It’s totally normal to lose some hair after stopping birth control.
If you’re concerned about hair loss, talk to your prescriber. They can recommend the best treatment option or make changes to your birth control to help manage or reverse hair loss safely.
No, the copper IUD (Paraguard) doesn’t contain any hormones, so it won’t cause hormonal hair loss.
But be aware: Paraguard can cause heavier periods for some people, which can lead to anemia. One symptom of anemia is brittle hair and nails. If you have a copper IUD and notice changes in your hair, talk to your prescriber. They can evaluate you for anemia and make treatment recommendations, if needed.
Nexplanon is a hormonal birth control implant that goes in your arm. Nexplanon contains a progestin called etonogestrel. Etonogestrel has low androgenic activity, which means it’s less likely to cause hair loss than some other types of progestins.
Birth control that contains a progestin with low or no androgenic activity, plus an estrogen, is the least likely to cause hair loss.
Birth control containing an androgenic progestin is more likely to cause hair loss.
It’s hard to say if your hair will grow back after you stop taking birth control. Most of the time, hair loss caused by medication is reversible. But, in some cases, it may be permanent. And keep in mind: It’s totally normal to lose some hair after stopping birth control.
If you’re concerned about hair loss, talk to your prescriber. They can recommend the best treatment option or make changes to your birth control to help manage or reverse hair loss safely.
No, the copper IUD (Paraguard) doesn’t contain any hormones, so it won’t cause hormonal hair loss.
But be aware: Paraguard can cause heavier periods for some people, which can lead to anemia. One symptom of anemia is brittle hair and nails. If you have a copper IUD and notice changes in your hair, talk to your prescriber. They can evaluate you for anemia and make treatment recommendations, if needed.
The bottom line
Hormonal birth control can cause hair loss, though it doesn’t happen very often. It may be more likely to happen if you’re using birth control with a highly “androgenic” progestin.
If you’re looking for options that are less likely to cause hair loss, stick with a birth control that combines a low-androgenic progestin (like drospirenone) with an estrogen. Examples include Yaz, Beyad, Viorele, Nextsellis, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and Slynd. And, as always, check in with your prescriber if you have any concerns — including how birth control may affect your hair.
Why trust our experts?
References
Brough, K. R., et al. (2017). Hormonal therapy in female pattern hair loss. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology.
Daniels, K., et al. (2020). Current contraceptive status among women aged 15–49: United States, 2017–2019. National Center for Health Statistics.
Fruzzetti, F., et al. (2021). Estetrol: A new choice for contraception. Journal of Clinical Medicine.
Hughes, E. C., et al. (2024). Telogen effluvium. StatPearls.
Teede, H. J., et al. (2023). Recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
