The Hair and Contraception

CONTENTS
What does ‘androgenetic’ mean?
Criteria for a hair-compatible contraceptive
Stopping contraception
List and rating of contraceptives
Treatment of androgenetic problems

What does ‘androgenetic’ mean?

A predisposition to androgenetic problems means the hair has a hereditary excessive sensitivity to androgen. Androgens, the male hormones, which women also secrete in small quantities, normally circulate in the blood. But on scalps that are receptive to their actions, they can act in two ways:

Sebum: Produced by the sebaceous glands, the secretion of sebum directly depends on androgens, as of puberty (which explains why excess sebum does not appear prior to adolescence). If your hair is too greasy by nature, it is thus the androgen’s fault. Your hormonal pill, depending on its composition, can then amplify the problem, even trigger it, or, on the contrary, fix it.  

Thinning of the hair: In more serious cases, the androgen can be true poison for the hair. Acting on some hair follicles, it reduces their activity, causing thinning out and loss in density of the hair (top of the head, forehead or vertex). That is when we speak of androgenetic alopecia (also called androgenic alopecia) progestogens. Here again, the choice of contraceptives will play a key role, increasing or on the contrary neutralising the androgen’s negative impact.

Criteria for a hair-compatible contraceptive  

What matters is the progestogen (also called progestin) molecule’s composition, and its dosage. Some progestogen molecules have a negative androgenic impact on the scalp: they are so-called first and second generation molecules. Others do not have that effect: they belong to the third generation.

But that is not all: the contraceptive compositions that are best for your hair must also include an estrogen (at least 0.03 mg/day), in order to optimise the progestin molecule’s effect. 

Based on these precise criteria, Centre Clauderer has established four categories of hormonal contraceptives (with four different corresponding colours):

Stopping contraception

Interrupting a ‘very positive’ or ‘positive’ contraceptive can cause diffuse hair loss. It is a logical process: the input of synthesis estrogen can boost the hair’s vitality and prolong the hair cycles during the treatment. Stopping it therefore leads to more hair falling during the loss phase. The loss is usually reversible: after a few weeks, and for as long as the scalp is not particularly sensitive to androgens, everything should be back to normal.

However, if the pill was ‘negative’ for the hair, stopping the contraception can, after a short while, end a previously unexplained hair loss.

List and rating of contraceptives

This up-to-date list includes the main contraceptives available on the market in 2008. By consulting it, you will probably find the contraceptive you are currently using, with the colour-code it belongs to and how we rate it with regards to hair problems.

To be noted: Product names may slightly vary from one country to another.

Treatment of androgenetic problems

If your scalp shows androgenetic predisposition, the question of your contraceptive will be addressed during the hair diagnosis. Its choice is essential: far from being negative for your hair, it can on the contrary help it regain its vitality.

At Centre Clauderer, every time it seems to us that the hormonal treatment is inadequate, we suggest that our client go over her contraception with her physician. And, in case of particularly severe androgenetic hair loss, we recommend consulting a gynecologist in order to see whether an Androcur treatment (the name may vary from one country to another: Cyprostat, Cyproteron, Procur, Cyprone, Cyprohexal, Ciproterona... ) is appropriate. Made of the archetypal anti-androgen molecule (cyproterone acetate), Androcur turns out to be a ‘miracle’ cure in approximately 50% of cases*. Its association with an estrogen has a contraceptive effect. Dosage: Androcur, 25 to 50 mg/day for 20 days out of 28, combined with Diane 35 or a natural estrogen.

* This level of success is much higher in women whose androgenetic alopecia is associated with signs of hyperandrogenia (acnea, major seborrhea, hyperpilosity and especially irregular or lack of menstruations). 

Effective synergy

The best results obtained combine a sensible hormonal treatment with local treatment of the scalp. The former decreases the androgen’s impact on the scalp, while the latter balances back the vital functions of the hair and boosts the regrowing hair.

In collaboration with Dr. Caroline Magot

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Greasy Hair and Sebum
'Androgenetic’: A Word that Scares Women
Impact of Androgen Hormones on Hair Loss
Hair Loss - Women's Androgenetic Alopecia 
Thinner and Fewer Regrowing Hair
Being on Medication and Hair Loss 
Hair Loss Treatments FAQ
Daily Hair Loss: What Is the Norm ?

FOR TREATING:
Anti-Hair Loss Treatments in France
CLAUDERER Anti-Hair Loss Treatments
Clauderer in-Depth Hair Diagnosis

Diagnosis In-depth Clauderer Diagnosis: Have a complete hair checkup