Hair loss Hell!

by Dee Saba
(New York )

I always had thick hair - that is up until a few months ago. I was on birth control pills for about 16 years before I stopped them this past March. It has been six months since I stopped them and now I am noticing that the top of my hair has thinned out and I even have a small bald spot on the crown of my head. I am a total basket case over this.

I just really need to know what is everyone's opinion why it is thinning? I think it’s due to hormones but am not sure exactly which is why I am doing to the doctors in a week or so to find out. I am scared to wash it, I have a panic attack every time I have to wash it. I don’t see many hairs falling out when I brush or wash it but I still noticed that it has thinned out a lot within the past six months. Help please.....

Editor’s Comments,

Dear Saba,

There are many reasons for thinning hair and birth control pills are definitely a potential cause of hair loss. Depending on what type of BCP you use, the side effects are different too but one thing is for sure, drugs that manipulate your menstrual cycle and your hormones are a cause of diffuse thinning in women.

A few examples of known BCPs that can trigger hair loss is Depo Provera and Yasmin as there have been many discussions about these drugs in the Sudden Hair Loss section. You might want to refer to these threads for another perspective.

You mentioned that you are a long time user of BCPs and it’s a relieve that you can adapt to the pill for 16 years. Another possible cause of hair loss is AFTER you stop the pill. As your body has long become accustomed with BCPs, stopping it might lead to sudden changes of hormone levels. This sudden adjustment might cause hormonal imbalance and trigger the sudden hair loss. In most cases, thinning hair is only prominent after 50% of the hair is lost and that is when the scalp becomes visible.

I suggest you consult a dermatologist or your GP to perform a blood test to see whether your hormone levels are balanced. There are cases that the side effects from BCPs can linger on much later even after you stop using them. Good luck!