Help with Permanent Removal of Birth Control-Induced Hair
Birth control-induced hair growth, also known as hirsutism, can be a frustrating side effect for many women. While hormonal contraceptives are primarily used for pregnancy prevention, they can sometimes lead to unwanted hair growth in various areas of the body. Fortunately, electrolysis offers a permanent solution for removing this excess hair. Let’s explore the connection between birth control and hair growth, and how the permanent hair removal experts at The Vertical Wellness Spa can help you get rid of unwanted hair, regardless of the cause. Understanding this connection will empower you to make informed decisions about your body and your hair removal options.
How Hormones Affect Skin and Hair
The relationship between hormones and hair is complex. Sometimes, hormones in birth control cause unusual hair growth. Hormones play a significant role in normal skin physiology and many dermatologic conditions. Not all hormonal birth control is the same, so the side effects aren’t all the same either. Hormonal birth control comes in many forms (implants, IUDs, injections/shots, pills, patches, and rings) and contains different types and levels of hormones.
Hormonal birth control methods work by altering the body’s natural hormone levels to prevent pregnancy. However, these hormonal changes can sometimes trigger increased hair growth in some women. Birth control pills and other hormonal contraceptives contain synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone. Some progestins (synthetic progesterone) have androgenic effects, meaning they can stimulate hair growth in a manner similar to male hormones. This can lead to the development of coarse, dark hair in areas where it’s typically unwanted, such as the face, chest, and abdomen.
Estrogen impacts hair and skin by decreasing oil production and keeping hair in its growth phase longer. Androgens (a group of hormones that includes testosterone) cause the skin to produce more oil, and cause hair follicles in certain parts of the body to produce hair that is coarse and dark, while also potentially causing hair loss from the scalp in some women.
The estrogen found in methods with both estrogen and progestin—like the pill—can suppress the ovaries’ production of androgens, and increase the amount of a protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) which ties up androgens found in the blood so that they can’t enter the cells in the skin and hair follicles.
Types of Birth Control Most Likely to Cause Hair Growth
Not all birth control methods are equally likely to cause excess hair growth. Those with higher androgenic activity are more prone to causing hirsutism. Examples include:
- Progestin-only pills (mini-pills)
- Hormonal IUDs
- Contraceptive implants
- Injectable contraceptives (e.g., Depo-Provera)
In contrast, combined oral contraceptives containing both estrogen and progestin are less likely to cause hair growth and may even help reduce it in some cases.
At The Vertical Wellness Spa, we support women with not only permanent hair removal but also hormonal imbalance management wellness practices. Alison has worked with hundreds of women suffering from birth control induced hair growth over the years, and is committed to helping all clients feel seen and supported at The Vertical Wellness Spa.
Electrolysis: The Only FDA-Approved Permanent Removal for Unwanted Hair
Birth control-induced hair growth can be a challenging side effect for many women. While it may be possible to switch to a different form of contraception, this isn’t always feasible or desirable. Electrolysis offers a permanent solution for removing unwanted hair, regardless of its cause. If you are experiencing unwanted hair growth due to hormonal birth control, electrolysis offers a permanent hair removal solution.
Many women with hormonal hair turn to laser hair removal. However, this approach can often exacerbate the problem, as scattershot laser treatment is known to activate other follicles and cause a recurring issue inadvertently. Importantly, laser is not a truly permanent hair removal method. Although the procedure is often touted as a form of “permanent” hair removal, laser treatment only reduces the number of unwanted hairs in a given area. It doesn’t get rid of unwanted hairs completely.
Electrolysis is a preferable solution to laser treatments, as it precisely targets problem follicles and permanently eliminates their ability to grow hair. Electrolysis is a hair removal treatment that involves a fine probe being inserted into hair follicles and then passing an electric charge through the surrounding cells. By targeting the hair follicle, electrolysis is suited for all types of hair and skin. Electrolysis gets rid of thin, thick and coarse hair. Your hair removal plan will have to be customized according to your body and desired results. Permanent hair removal by electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal. The FDA is responsible for protecting and promoting public health and is the regulating body for medical devices.
Thermolysis Is The Preferred Hair Removal For Women With birth control induced hair growth
Electrolysis can be the perfect solution for removing stubborn body hair. Regardless of the cause of your unwanted hair growth – heredity, metabolic, or hormonal conditions – electrolysis will permanently remove unwanted hair to reveal a glowing, confident you. At The Vertical Wellness Spa, we use the thermolysis method of electrolysis. Thermolysis is heat-based electrolysis, also known as the shortwave method. A thermolytic epilator destroys the hair follicle by injecting each follicle with high-frequency radio energy. This energy produces localized heat and weakens cells and surrounding tissues to prevent future hair growth. This is a process called electrocoagulation. There are no chemicals used with this method, which makes it safer than other methods of electrolysis.
With thermolysis, individual hairs are treated in mere seconds, as there are not many steps involved in this procedure. An electrologist can move swiftly from hair to hair and can reach a lot of hair follicles. The electrologist may use a higher-intensity current for a shorter period of time or a lower-intensity current for a longer period of time.
Permanent Hair Removal and More Hormonal Imbalance Resources At The Vertical Wellness Spa.
With over 20 years of experience in permanent hair removal, Alison and her team of electrologists have helped thousands of clients from all over Los Angeles to achieve permanent results with the thermolysis modality of electrolysis. Thermolysis is effective and safe for all skin tones and hair types. When used by a professional electrologist, thermolysis will ensure permanent hair removal for your chin, upper lip, sideburns, neck, chest, back, thighs, legs, fingers, toes, and any other body part where you may have unwanted hair. We invite you to read our client testimonials and success stories, or schedule a consultation to discuss your situation and your goals. If you suffer from birth control-induced hair growth, be sure to mention this condition to Alison so that she may recommend the best course of action specific to stubborn hormonal hair.
Always consult with your healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any medication or supplements.