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Can Prolonged Intake Of Diane 35 Causes Hair Loss?

Posted on Sat, 23 Nov 2013

Question: Hi, I was on Diane 35 for close to 8 years. I stopped the pill several times for a period of 2-3 months during that time. I completely came off the pill in mid Dec 2013. In April, I noticed thinning of my hair and increased shedding which has continued ever since. As a result, I have lost over 80% of my hair in the period April - October and my scalp is visible at this time. The shedding continues. Can you please advise if this is common side effect of stopping Diane and if there is any hope for regrowth? We are trying to conceive and hence, I am unable to use Rogaine to try to grow my hair back. I am very desperate at this time. Thank you for your input

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Other causes of hair fall need to be excluded Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thanks for your query. * Prolonged use of Diane 35 can cause alteration in hair pattern, but NOT massive loss of hair. Hence, a search should be made for other causes of excessive hair-fall, such as :- - Hypothryoidism, which is the commonest cause, apart from fungal infection of the scalp. - I therefore, strongly recommend that you get your Thyroid hormones levels done. If hypothyroidism is diagnosed, correction with replacement therapy with Thyroxin hormone will reverse the hair-fall. Incidentally, the common features of hypothyroidism are lethargy, tiredness, coarse/dry skin, weight gain, enlarged tongue, menstrual irregularities, infertility- apart from, of course, excessive hair fall. - If thyroid test is normal, consult a dermatologist who will examine a scrapping of scalp skin to look for fungal infection or, dnadruff. If found positive, a regular course of anti-fungal drug will restore hair-growth. - Further, Rogaine has severe side effects in susceptible people. Hence, please use it UNDER CLOSE SUPERVISION OF YOUR TREATING DERMATOLOGIST. * Lastly, following withdrawal of Diane 35, hair fall may stop. However, the literature makes no mention of this fact. Hope I have answered your query. if you have further clarifications, I will be happy to answer them. Fond regards, Dr. Rakesh Karanwal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (5 days later)

Hi Dr. Karanwal, Thank you very much for your response. I was tested and my thyroid hormone levels are fine. Also, the hair loss started about 2-3 months after stopping taking Diane 35. It is falling slowly but surely. I do not lose handfuls of hair. I lose less than 50 hairs a day which simply never grow back. As a result, 7 months later, I am left with very little hair. There is no hairloss pattern. There is thinning all over my scalp (back, front, sides). All hairs come out with a small white bulb on top. I am currently having to wear hairpieces as one can see my scalp.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Hair fall due to increased male hormones in blood Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Nice hearing from you. Thanks for the additional information. Having excluded Thyroid problem, your significant hair loss is due to INCREASED MALE HORMONES LEVELS as a result of uncontrolled PCOS. In fact, diabetes too is a complication of PCOS in your case. The other possibility of excessive hair loss is Insulin resistance with consequent INCREASED LEVELS OF INSULIN in your blood. You have not mentioned if you have gained weight in the recent past; if your have hair growth over face, body (just like males); frequent occurence of acne (which are features of increased male hormones (called Androgens). I therefore suggest that you consult your gynecologist at the earliest, who will re-order testing of hormonal levels and, based on the test results, will prescribe treatment to REDUCE male hormones. Reduction of male hormones in your blood will not only stop hair loss but, also promote re-growth of hair. I would be glad to answer further clarifications, if any. Fond Regards, Dr. Rakesh Karanwal

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T