Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 10/25/2008

Question
Hello Ms. Conner,

I've been reading some testimonials and articles on the internet that stopping BC pills can cause hair loss. How common is this? I'm worried now, because I just stopped it and have read stories how they experienced excessive shedding until about 6 months later when everything regulated itself, how they had bald spots, and new hair that grew in was thinner and weak. I don't want this to happen to me as I have a lot of medium-thin hair strands, but I also don't want to continue being on the pill after 3 years. I'm very concerned now. I know every woman is different, but is this hair issue after birth control widespread or common? I don't quite know what to do. Are there any herbal/natural products I can take to prevent this?

Answer
Hello Eva,
Thanks for your question.  Many women do experience side effects such as hair loss while on and while discontinuing oral birth control pills.  It is usually a transient effect.  The OCPs are related to several nutritional deficiencies, which may exacerbate the side effects.  This would include B vitamins, especially folic acid, zinc, and vitamin C.  Supplementing with these while both on and while transitioning off the pills may be helpful to prevent the expression of these deficiencies.  Hair loss may also be related to low thyroid function, which can coincide with menstrual irregularities and taking the pill (we don't know the full extent of this intereaction); so correcting this condition will help prevent hair loss.  Other supplements that are important in creating strong healthy hair are protein, silica, and vitamin A.  To correct any deficiencies, a combination of diet and supplementation is often needed.  
If you'd like more information on other steps to assist in discontinuing the OCPs, I'd recommend you find a naturopathic doctor (www.naturopathic.org) in your area for individualized advice.  
Good luck!
Dr Conner