Dear Alice,
I have taken three depo-provera shots. My hair started falling out excessively
several months ago. In looking for answers I found out that this is a side effect to
the shots. I was not informed of that before I took the shots. I saw in one of your
Go Ask Alice! answers that depo-provera suppresses the Follicle Stimulating
Hormone
and the Luteinizing Hormone. What is this hormone? Is this what makes my hair fall out? And do you know if there is anything I can do to stop it? My next shot is due by May 15 but I am not going to get it. Thanks.
Dear Reader,
Pharmacia-Upjohn, the manufacturer of Depo-provera, reports that between 1 and 5
percent of women who receive the injections experience hair loss or no hair growth.
A 1998 study by Cornell University found that among New York City adolescents, 10
percent experienced hair loss while using Depo.
No one is sure why some women experience hair loss on Depo-provera, although most
scientists' best guess is that it is hormonally related. This contraceptive is an
injected form of progesterone that interrupts your normal hormone production.
Neither the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) nor the Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
affect hair growth. Both FSH and LH stimulate the production of estrogen and a
mature egg.
A drug's side effects can't always be predicted in each individual case. However,
if your hair fall-out is due to Depo-provera, then when you discontinue using it,
your hair will grow back. Call your health care provider right away. Tell the
receptionist your symptoms related to using Depo. Your provider probably will see
you as soon as possible. You have two concerns: one is to get off Depo and stop
hair loss. Two is to make sure you are protected from pregnancy and sexually
transmitted infections (STIs). It may be back to condoms until you decide on another
form of birth control for you to use more successfully.
In the future, you can always ask to review with your provider the prescribing
information about a drug that you consider or will be taking. This information will
explain possible side effects, the rate at which they occur, as well as any reasons
an individual should not take the medication. Your provider will probably be pleased
that you're taking such a detailed interest in a drug that will ultimately be
affecting your body.
- Alice
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Hair loss with Depo-provera?
