Hair loss is a distressing condition affecting many individuals, occurring for a variety of reasons, ranging from genetics to lifestyle factors. For women, hormonal changes often play a significant role in hair thinning or shedding. One potential contributor that has raised concerns is the Mirena coil, a widely used form of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) that releases the hormone levonorgestrel.
This article explores the potential relationship between hair loss and the Mirena coil, examining scientific research, the mechanisms at play, and what women should know if they are concerned about hair thinning while using this contraceptive device.
What is the Mirena Coil?
The Mirena coil is an intrauterine system (IUS) that releases a small amount of the synthetic hormone levonorgestrel directly into the uterus. This hormone works primarily by thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg and by thinning the uterine lining, which helps prevent pregnancy. The Mirena coil is used for contraception, heavy bleeding and can be part of an HRT (hormone replacement therapy) regimen.
Can the Mirena Coil Cause Hair Loss?
The product label for Mirena lists alopecia as one of the side effects in less than 5% of women who received the IUD during clinical trials. Alopecia is the clinical term for hair loss.
Remember there are many other causes of hair loss including
• ageing
• genetics
• thyroid problems, including hypothyroidism
• malnutrition, including lack of sufficient protein or iron
• trauma or prolonged stress
• other medications, such as chemotherapy
• illness or recent surgery
• hormonal changes from childbirth or menopause
• diseases such as alopecia areata
• weight loss
• use of chemical straighteners, hair relaxers, colouring, bleaching, or perming your hair
• using ponytail holders or hair clips that are too tight or a hairstyle that pulls on the hair such as cornrows or braids
• overuse of heat styling tools for your hair, such as hair dryers, curling irons, hot curlers, or flat irons
There are some trials that back up the claim of hair loss with the Mirena IUS they include a Finnish study of women using an IUD containing levonorgestrel, like Mirena, noted hair loss rates of nearly 16 percent of participants. This study surveyed women who had a Mirena IUD inserted between April 1990 and December 1993. However, the study didn’t rule out other possible reasons for their hair loss.
A later review of post-marketing data in New Zealand found that hair loss was reported in 0.33% percent of Mirena users, which is in line with the Mirena product label. In 4 out of 5 of these cases, the timeframe in which hair loss occurred was known and started within 10 months of IUD insertion. Since other possible causes of hair loss were ruled out in some of these women, the researchers believe there’s reasonably strong evidence to suggest that the IUD caused their hair loss.
Further literature on the subject incudes a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, hormonal IUDs, including the Mirena coil, can lead to hair shedding, but the issue tends to resolve once the hormonal balance stabilizes or the device is removed (Rosenfield et al., 2011)*. Additionally, a survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology found that some women experience temporary hair thinning when starting hormonal contraception, including IUDs, although it was generally not a significant issue for most users.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) notes that hormonal contraceptives like Mirena generally have a low incidence of hair loss and that most women do not experience significant hair thinning as a side effect (ACOG, 2019).**
What are the underlying theories as to how the Mirena causes hair loss?
Male and female pattern hair loss is a genetic condition — inherited from either parent. Its underlying cause is slightly different in males and females, in some males the hair follicles are sensitive to androgens (male hormones) causing hair thinning, while in females there is also the influence of reduced oestrogen (a hair friendly hormone) especially at the menopause as well as some androgenic influence.
All women naturally have androgens in their bodies, but only some have hair follicles that react to them. If you have this sensitivity, once it is triggered, your hair follicles will gradually miniaturise, and the hair will grow back thinner over the years. This reduces the volume and length of your hair, eventually making your scalp more visible.
The Mirena coil contains androgens, it has been hypothesised that for some women, the balance between oestrogen and progesterone changes with the Mirena resulting in a relatively lower level of oestrogen and /or a relatively higher level of androgen exacerbating hair loss.
It’s worthwhile also considering that some women have the Mirena inserted to help with menopausal symptoms such as heavy bleeding. If this is the case it might be the relative reduction in oestrogen secondary to the menopause causing the hair thinning and not the Mirena itself. Likewise, hair loss after you give birth can also be a problem with some women. If you’ve had the Mirena inserted after having a baby, your hair loss can most likely be attributed to postpartum hair loss rather than the Mirena itself.
As a side note, if you are concerned that this is a problem then there are some birth control pills that can protect hair follicles which may help slow this thinning process, because they increase your oestrogen levels and/or diminish your levels of testosterone. Oestrogen is a hair-friendly hormone — it helps keep your hair in its growth phase for longer and stops it from moving into its shedding phase.
Is Hair Loss from the Mirena Coil Permanent?
In many cases, any hair loss experienced while using the Mirena coil is temporary and improves once the body adjusts to the hormone or after the device is removed. For most women, hair regrowth begins within several months after discontinuing the device. However, for a small subset of women, the hair thinning may persist beyond this adjustment period, and in rare cases, it may become permanent.
What Can You Do If You Notice Hair Loss?
If you are concerned about hair loss while using the Mirena coil, consider the following steps:
- Consult Your Healthcare Provider: If you notice significant hair thinning, it is essential to discuss the issue with your doctor or a healthcare provider. They can assess whether the Mirena coil is the likely cause and whether other factors, such as stress or nutritional deficiencies, could be contributing to the issue.
- Consider Alternative Contraception: If you and your healthcare provider suspect that the Mirena coil is causing hair loss, you may wish to explore alternative contraceptive options. There are many other methods available, including non-hormonal options like copper IUDs, as well as hormonal options with different formulations.
- Nutritional Support: Ensuring that you are getting adequate nutrition can also help maintain healthy hair. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly those supporting hair health (e.g., iron, biotin, zinc, and vitamin D), may aid in the regrowth of thinning hair. Consulting a trained nutritionist who can undertake tests to see if you are deficient in any nutrient can also be helpful.
- Patience and Monitoring: Hair loss due to hormonal changes often improves over time. If you decide to continue with the Mirena coil, it may be worth monitoring the situation for a few months to see if the shedding resolves.
Conclusion
While hair loss associated with the Mirena coil is a concern for some women, it remains relatively rare and typically reversible. Understanding the potential causes and taking steps to address any concerns can help individuals manage this issue effectively. As with any medical device, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks based on your individual health needs.
If you are experiencing hair loss and suspect it may be linked to the Mirena coil, discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider before you purchase expensive lotions, and shampoos claiming to restore hair loss.
Our shampoos do not claim to regrow hair, what they do do is help optimise your scalp health giving the scalp and hair follicle the best possible chance to regrow.
References:
• * Rosenfield, R. L., & Hordinsky, M. K. (2011). Androgenetic alopecia in women. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 4(7), 25-30.
• ** American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. (2019). Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Intrauterine Devices and Implants. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 730.
https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/postpartum-hair-loss#1