While The American Hair Loss Association (AHLA) states that they understand birth control pills to be safe and effective in general, 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.”
If you’re concerned about the potential effects of birth control pills on your hair growth, talk to your doctor about strategies to help prevent unwanted nutrient deficiencies and their potential effects on your hair health. As research shows an association between micronutrient deficiencies and telogen effluvium, and OC use is connected to a slew of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, experts agree that preventing vitamin and mineral deficiencies by supplementing with key ingredients is a smart move (for both you and your hair). Supplementing with therapeutic doses of vitamin C, D, and E, selenium, and zinc is helpful when using oral contraceptives.
If you’re currently on hormonal birth control, Nutrafol’s consulting naturopathic doctors may also recommend talking to your doctor about adding other supplements to your regimen, such as B vitamins. Vitamin B-Booster can help support the increased B vitamin need noted in users of “the pill.”
As with any medication, there are varying degrees of risk associated with taking birth control pills, but if you work with your doctor, you can come up with ways to prevent any negative effects on the hair.