birth control, hair loss, supplements - am I just being paranoid?

LadyMirabelle · 10-11-2006, 05:19 PM

I am on Yaz, and I like it a lot. Lately I have been noticing a little bit more hair falling out in the shower and when I brush it. Not a lot, but my hair does seem a bit thinner. I don't know if I am being paranoid because I have read things about this, or if it is actually happening. No one has said anything about my hair being thin, including my boyfriend and my hair dresser. But, I would rather be safe than sorry...

I am not gentically predisposed to hair loss, and I have read that if you are gentically predisposed to hair loss, pills can cause it. That's just extra info.

I read another post that said if you're thin then it is possible to have reduced estrogen on a pill like this...which can lead to hair loss. I am thin... so I was wondering if that had anything to do with it. But, I have never had spotting or breakthrough bleeding or any other side effects that tend to come from lower-estrogen...

I like this pill a lot because on other pills I have become a crazy person...depressed, crying all the time, anxious... it's awful to live like that. BUT, I'm 21, and I would hate to go through the rest of my life with no hair =(

So, is there a supplement I can take? Is there anything I should do? Should I switch pills? and if I do, is there anything I can ask for that will not make me lose my hair, and not cause anxiety/depression?

Thanks for any help!
-Mirabelle

crzybean · 10-12-2006, 12:35 AM

When I was on Depo a few years ago, I noticed that my hair was thinning out dramatically. I ended up switching to NuvaRing just because I couldn't face the trauma of my hair falling out. Even my hairdresser noticed it! Everything is back to normal that I am using the ring, so maybe you should talk to your doc about switching, even though you love all the positive things about it. There are so many options out there and it's just about finding the method that works best with your body. Just a suggestion!

kittywitty · 10-12-2006, 01:02 AM

First off, you're not being paranoid, just cautious, and rightly so. Anyway, here's a little FYI (from my own research and personal experience):

Birth control pills deplete zinc. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss, so taking extra zinc may help. In addition, look for a pill with a low androgenicity level. Androgens are male hormones that can cause hair loss in some people. Also, birth control pills deplete B vitamins. A deficiency in these can lead to depression and anxiety. So, taking a B complex vitamin may help. I became depressed on Brevicon and I started taking a B complex and felt immediately better.

As far as switching, I'm not sure what to tell you about that. I know I had major hair loss on Estrostep FE. I was on it for two years.

I had thick hair all my life so I didn't notice the thinning right away. But, after about a year and a half, it was pretty obvious to me and everyone else (hairdressers included) that I'd lost quite a bit of hair. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that, in my case, I lost hair the whole time I was on it. It didn't get better, it got worse. However, after stopping it, the hair loss slowed down a lot, and almost stopped. Regarding the estrogen thing, there could be some truth in that. I've taken Ovcon 35 (with 35mcg estrogen) and never had a problem with hair loss on it.

jenn1v · 10-12-2006, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crzybean

When I was on Depo a few years ago, I noticed that my hair was thinning out dramatically. I ended up switching to NuvaRing just because I couldn't face the trauma of my hair falling out. Even my hairdresser noticed it! Everything is back to normal that I am using the ring, so maybe you should talk to your doc about switching, even though you love all the positive things about it. There are so many options out there and it's just about finding the method that works best with your body. Just a suggestion!

Hi crzybean,

I too had a lot of hair loss from Depo. Can i ask how long were you on depo and how long did it take till your hair was full again? Thanks

NinjaCowboy · 10-12-2006, 10:26 PM

I agree that a B-complex vitamin is a good thing. But you might want to take an extra Biotin supplement on top of that - it's very good for your hair & nails...