Hair-Growth Disorders in Relation to Pregnancy and Hormonal Contraception
April 1973
in “
PubMed
”
pregnancy hormonal contraceptives hair loss scalp increased hair growth face body virilization nortestosterone-containing antiovulation drugs androgenetic alopecia hirsutism gestagen telogen hairs anagen hairs birth control pills contraceptive pills hair thinning hair shedding hair growth resting phase growing phase
Studysummary This article reviews pathologic mechanisms causing hair changes in women on hormonal contraceptives or pregnant and reports no new study results; hormonal effects on the hair cycle stages are suggested.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The document discussed how pregnancy and hormonal contraceptives could lead to hair loss on the scalp and increased hair growth on the face and body in women. These changes were generally temporary and resolved without treatment, except in rare cases of virilization caused by nortestosterone-containing antiovulation drugs, which could lead to androgenetic alopecia and hirsutism. The studies indicated that gestagen might cause temporary disruptions in the hair cycle, increasing the number of telogen (resting) hairs or decreasing the induction of anagen (growing) hairs.
