Hair loss due to the pill: 5 causes, how long it lasts after stopping and what helps

Yes, the pill can cause hair loss, but usually in a different way than you think. The greatest risk of additional dropout is not when taking the pill, but in the months after stopping or switching. Due to the hormonal shift, more hairs go dormant at the same time, and 2 to 4 months later they fall out.^[1] This is called telogen effluvium and in most cases it recovers on its own within 6 to 9 months. In addition, some leaflets mention hair loss as a side effect that sometimes occurs (in less than 1 in 100 users)^[3], and hormonal contraception can make hereditary hair loss visible in women with a predisposition.^[5] In this blog you can read how to recognize the cause, how long it lasts and when minoxidil is or is not useful. is.

Table of contents

• Can the pill cause hair loss?
• Why do you get hair loss after stopping the pill?
• How long does hair loss last after stopping the pill?
• What are the 5 causes behind it?
• Temporary loss or hereditary hair loss: how do you see the difference?
• Does minoxidil help with hair loss caused by the pill?
• When do you go to the doctor?
• Frequently asked questions
• Sources

Can the pill cause hair loss?

The short answer: it is possible, but it does not happen often and it varies per person. medium. A few examples from official package leaflets:

• In the package leaflet of Cerazette (a pill containing only the progestogen desogestrel), hair loss is listed as "sometimes", so it affects less than 1 in 100 women.^[3]
• With the hormone IUD Levosert (levonorgestrel), both hair loss and increased hair growth on the face and body are listed as "sometimes".^[4]
• The package leaflet of the commonly used combination pill Microgynon 30 does not prevent hair loss listed as a side effect.^[6]

The American Hair Loss Association writes that hormonal contraception may be associated with changes in hair loss, especially when starting, switching or stopping, but that this association has not yet been fully established in independent research.^[5] The group most at risk are women with a hereditary predisposition to thinning hair.

Are you unsure whether your hair loss is still normal? Then first read how many hairs you can lose per day.

Why do you experience hair loss after stopping the pill?

Your hair grows in cycles. Normally, about 15% of your scalp hair is in the resting and shedding phase. After a significant change in your body, this can increase to 30% or more.^[2] Stopping the pill is included in the list of known causes of this telogen effluvium at both DermNet and the British Association of Dermatologists.^[1][2]

Because of that delay, you often do not immediately make the connection with the pill: you stopped in the summer and in the fall you suddenly have a lot of hair in your body. brush.

How long does hair loss last after stopping the pill?

With telogen effluvium, the loss follows a fairly predictable pattern. This is the progression according to dermatological sources:

According to the patient information of Amstelland Hospital, acute telogen hair loss usually stops within 3 to 6 months, and at the latest within a year, if the triggering factor does not recur. There is no known treatment that accelerates recovery.^[7]

What are the 5 causes behind it?

These five causes are the most common:

1. Stopping the pill. The hormone shift triggers a telogen effluvium. This is temporary.^[1]
2. Switching to another drug. Changing the pill or switching to a hormone IUD can also cause loss.^[5]
3. A side effect of the drug itself. Some drugs list hair loss in the package leaflet as a side effect that sometimes occurs.^[3][4]
4. Hereditary hair loss that is visible becomes. Progestins differ in how androgenic they work. Drospirenone has an anti-androgenic effect, desogestrel and norgestimate are low-androgenic. According to the AHLA, taking another pill is no guarantee against hair loss, and stopping the pill does not stop existing hereditary hair loss.^[5] You can read more about this in our blog about hereditary hair loss in women.
5. Something else that is happening at the same time. You often stop taking the pill around pregnancy, a period of stress or a major change in lifestyle. Childbirth, iron deficiency or a thyroid problem can also cause telogen hair loss.^[7]

Temporary loss or hereditary hair loss: how do you tell the difference?

This distinction determines what you can do about it:

Sometimes both occur at the same time: the dropout after quitting then makes up for visible that your hair was already thinning. If in doubt, your doctor can help you make the distinction.

Does minoxidil help with hair loss caused by the pill?

That depends on the cause. Minoxidil is not the solution for temporary loss after stopping the pill: the loss usually recovers on its own. The product information for Regaine for women also states that it is not intended for hair loss that is sudden or patchy, or for which the cause is unknown.^[8]

If it appears to be hereditary hair loss, then minoxidil is an option. The official dosage for women from 18 to 65 years:

• 5% foam: Half a cap (1 gram) once a day on a dry scalp. More or more often does not give better results.^[8]
• 2% lotion: 1 ml 2 times a day, maximum 2 ml per day.^[9]

Count on 12 to 24 weeks of daily use before you can see growth, and take into account some extra loss in weeks 2 to 6. If you see no improvement after 24 weeks of foam, stop.^[8]

Important if you stop because you want to have children: you should not use minoxidil during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding.^[8] Do not use it if you have high blood pressure, and consult your doctor first if you have a heart condition. It is not recommended for people under the age of 18.

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When do you go to the doctor?

Hair loss after stopping the pill is annoying, but usually harmless. Make an appointment with your doctor if:

• you develop bald spots or your hair falls out in spots (this is not compatible with the pill);
• the loss has not diminished after a year;
• you also have other complaints, such as tiredness, coldness, palpitations or heavy periods (think of thyroid or iron deficiency);
• your hair loss occurs together with acne, more hair growth on your face or an irregular cycle;
• you want to switch to another contraceptive because of your hair. Never just stop without an alternative if you do not want to get pregnant.

Frequently asked questions

Will my hair come back after stopping the pill?

In case of temporary loss (telogen effluvium), usually yes. The loss decreases in most women within 6 to 9 months, and then the volume gradually returns. In hereditary hair loss, the hair does not regenerate on its own.

Which pill has the least risk of hair loss?

Pills with an anti-androgen or low-androgen progestin, such as drospirenone or desogestrel, are often mentioned as more beneficial for a predisposition to thinning hair. According to the AHLA, that is not a guarantee. Always discuss a switch with your doctor.

Can I use minoxidil if I want to become pregnant?

No. Minoxidil is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you stop taking the pill because you want to become pregnant, consult your doctor or midwife first.

How long after stopping the pill does hair loss start?

Usually 2 to 4 months after stopping. This delay occurs because the hair first goes through a resting phase before falling out.

This article is general information and does not replace medical advice. Always read the package leaflet and, if in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Prices are as of November 2026.

Sources

1. DermNet, Telogen effluvium (English)
2. British Association of Dermatologists, Telogen effluvium, patient information leaflet (October 2025) (English)
3. Medicine information bank (CBG), Package leaflet Cerazette 75 microgram (desogestrel)
4. Medicine information bank (CBG), Package leaflet Levosert 20 microgram/24 hours (levonorgestrel)
5. American Hair Loss Association, Oral/Hormonal Contraceptives (English)
6. Medicine Evaluation Board, Package leaflet Microgynon 30 (levonorgestrel/ethinylestradiol)
7. Amstelland Hospital, Telogen hair loss (patient information)
8. Electronic Medicines Compendium, SmPC Regaine for Women Once a Day Scalp Foam 5% (English)
9. Electronic Medicines Compendium, SmPC Regaine for Women Regular Strength 2% (English)