Contraception Progestin Type and Female Pattern Hair Loss

    August 2021 in “ Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology ”
    Kelly E. Flanagan, James T. Pathoulas, Chloe J. Walker, Laura J. Burns, Isa Pupo Wiss, Maryanne M. Senna
    Studysummary This article discusses the androgenicity of progestins used in hormonal contraceptives and its potential impact on female pattern hair loss, but reports no new clinical findings. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
    The document discussed the relationship between different types of progestins in hormonal contraceptives and female pattern hair loss (FPHL). It highlighted that androgens are believed to play a role in FPHL by shortening the follicular growth phase and causing miniaturization of hair follicles. The study noted that first-generation progestins have the highest androgen activity, while newer generations have progressively less androgenic activity, with some newer progestins being antiandrogenic. This suggests that the type of progestin in contraceptives could influence the severity of FPHL.
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