Types

• Contraceptives (birth control) can be prescribed in pill form, IUD/diaphragms or patches. A Depo-Provera shot can also provide birth control to a woman for up to 3 months after receiving it. Ultimately, birth control contains artificial hormones such as progestin and estrogen. Ultimately, ovulation is suppressed because these hormones thicken the cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to pass through to fertilize an egg.
  
  

Function

• Birth control generally is used for the use of pregnancy prevention. However, many patients also take it to regulate their periods, for hormonal imbalance or to help an acne problem. Ultimately, the type of birth control pill that is used can determine whether or not hair growth will be a lasting side effect for those taking it.
  
  

Effects

• Birth control can result in a series of side effects. The most popular is breakthrough bleeding, which is bleeding or spotting irregularly during the first several months of use. Other side effects include weight gain or loss, headaches, mood swings, loss of sex drive, breast tenderness, fatigue, dizzy spells, nausea and hair growth.
  
  

Why Hair Growth Occurs

• Generally, a high estrogen pill will cause hair growth. Combination pills that include both progestin and estrogen help women who have suffered from this side effect with other pills. Hair growth generally occurs with the use of birth control because of increased amount of progestin in the body. Hirsutism in its most extreme form can make a woman have more masculine features. This is, however, an extreme case and is very rare. If any hair growth concerns arise, consult the provider of your birth control.
  
  

Considerations

• Excessive hair growth doesn't always just occur because of the use of birth control. Other underlying health conditions such as an endocrine imbalance may be present.