Coming off pill and hair loss...

[erin-x]

I came off the pill (microgynon) in March this year and have been noticing that my hair is getting a lot thinner. The amount that comes out when I brush it or wash it actually scares me! I think that because my hair has always been thick people aren't taking me seriously!

Is hair loss a side effect of coming off the pill? If yes, is it quite short lived?

I have a big emotional attachment to my hair so I'm getting very worried... :-(

[karenmac60]

Could it be that you've not been losing hair while on it? Pregnant women lose a lot less hair while they are pregnant so after the baby is born they find they seem to be losing loads, but it's just the hair catching up. Maybe the hormones in the pill cause a similar thing to happen. Whatever it is, I hope you don't lose too much x

[erin-x]

I don't know... I never noticed that my hair got any thicker while I was on it. This is definitely the thinnest it's ever been.

Because it has always been thick it's just freaking me out :-(

[Sqad]

Many many causes.............my opinion of likely causes in order of occurrence.

1) Stress..........anxiety, tension ...........
2) Get your thyroid level checked by a simple blood test at your GP's
3)Hormonal imbalance (sex hormones) after coming off the pill.
4) hereditary.....did your mother have thin hair.

Many others, but the above 4 spring to mind in order of occurring.

[slaney]

Hair loss after coming off the pill can happen - it's not at all as common as hair loss after pregnancy, but has the same mechanism with changes to the growing/resting cycle of the hair follicles.
It should be at its worse 3-4 months after stopping and then improve gradually.

[erin-x]

Thanks for answering :-)

I have a doctor's appointment in two weeks so I'm assuming he'll check thyroid function.

My mum has thick hair like me and this is probably the least stressed i've been for about 5 years, which is why this is worrying me. I keep thinking about Gail Porter having alopecia!! My mind really runs wild!! :|