High-androgen progestin contraceptives can trigger androgenetic alopecia in genetically susceptible women, making the relationship between birth control and hair density one of the most important variables to track. This FAQ covers which contraceptives carry the highest risk, how to document the connection with objective data, and what recovery looks like after switching.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Which Contraceptives Are Linked to Hair Loss?
Not all hormonal contraceptives affect hair equally. The key factor is the androgenic activity of the progestin component. Progestins fall on a spectrum from high-androgen to anti-androgenic.
| Progestin | Androgenic Activity | Hair Loss Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Levonorgestrel | High | Higher risk |
| Norgestrel | High | Higher risk |
| Norethindrone | Moderate to High | Moderate risk |
| Desogestrel | Low | Lower risk |
| Norgestimate | Low | Lower risk |
| Drospirenone | Anti-androgenic | Lowest risk |
Women with a family history of androgenetic alopecia are most vulnerable. High-androgen progestins can amplify the effect of DHT on hair follicles, accelerating miniaturization in the frontal scalp and along the part line.
Two Types of Contraceptive-Related Hair Loss
Telogen effluvium occurs when starting, stopping, or switching contraceptives. The hormonal shift pushes a large percentage of follicles into the resting (telogen) phase simultaneously. Shedding typically begins 2 to 4 months after the change and resolves within 3 to 6 months.
Androgenetic alopecia is triggered or worsened by high-androgen progestins in genetically susceptible women. Unlike telogen effluvium, this type of thinning is progressive and may not reverse without treatment.
Distinguishing between these two types is critical, and tracking density over time is the most reliable way to do it.
How to Track the Contraceptive and Hair Loss Connection
Step 1: Baseline Before Any Change
Take a full density reading with myhairline.ai before you start, stop, or switch any contraceptive. This baseline becomes your reference point for every comparison that follows.
Step 2: Log the Change Event
Record the exact date and details of your contraceptive change:
- Previous contraceptive type and duration
- New contraceptive type
- Reason for the switch
- Any other medication changes at the same time
Step 3: Follow-Up Readings at Set Intervals
| Weeks After Change | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks | Early shedding (telogen effluvium onset) |
| 8 weeks | Peak shedding if telogen effluvium is occurring |
| 12 weeks | Shedding should slow if telogen effluvium only |
| 24 weeks | Density should recover if telogen effluvium only |
| 36 to 52 weeks | Continued thinning suggests androgenetic component |
If density has not recovered by 6 months, the hair loss likely has an androgenetic component that requires separate treatment.
What Recovery Looks Like in Tracking Data
Telogen effluvium recovery shows a clear pattern in tracking data: density drops for 2 to 4 months, stabilizes, then gradually returns to baseline over the following 3 to 6 months. The total cycle from onset to full recovery is typically 6 to 12 months.
Androgenetic alopecia triggered by contraceptives shows a different pattern. Density drops and does not recover, or continues to decline slowly even after switching to a low-androgen option. In this case, treatments such as minoxidil (40 to 60% moderate regrowth) or anti-androgen medications may be necessary.
When to See a Dermatologist
Bring your tracking data to a dermatologist if:
- Density has not recovered 6 months after switching contraceptives
- Shedding increases rather than stabilizes after 12 weeks
- You notice widening of the part line or frontal thinning
- You have a family history of female pattern hair loss
Your myhairline.ai density data, timestamped alongside your contraceptive change log, gives your dermatologist objective evidence to guide treatment decisions.
Start Documenting the Connection
If you are starting, stopping, or switching a hormonal contraceptive, now is the time to establish your density baseline. Objective data removes guesswork and gives you a clear picture of how your hair responds to hormonal changes.
Take your baseline reading today at myhairline.ai/analyze.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or gynecologist for personalized guidance on contraceptive choices and hair loss.