Can Fertility Treatment Cause Hair Loss?

There’s a lot they don’t tell you about In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) until you’re knee deep in it, like how emotionally taxing hormone injections can be or the surprise appearance of hair thinning. Wait, can fertility treatment cause hair loss? 

Yep. It’s not the most talked about side effect, but it’s real. And thankfully, it’s usually temporary and manageable.

Why Can Fertility Treatment Cause Hair Loss

When undergoing IVF, your body goes through a rapid hormone rollercoaster. The medications used to stimulate your ovaries alter estrogen and progesterone levels, which can throw off your normal hair growth cycle. 

That can cause hair to shift from the “growth” phase into the “shedding” phase prematurely, what's known as telogen effluvium.

Fertility treatment hair loss doesn’t happen to everyone, but if your genetics points to hair thinning or you’re under a lot of stress (hello, IVF!), you might notice more hair in your brush or shower drain. While that’s never fun, it’s important to remember it’s usually a short term phase.

The good news? Once your hormone levels stabilize, usually after treatment is complete or pregnancy begins, your hair typically returns to its normal growth pattern. Be patient as it will take a few growth cycles to restore to its normal fullness.

In the meantime, a gentle hair care routine, stress reduction, and proper nutrition can help you preserve as much hair as possible.

Stronger Roots Start With Support at Annandale

Worried about unexpected IVF side effects like hair loss? You don’t have to navigate the journey alone. 

At Annandale Fertility, we combine advanced reproductive care with holistic support to guide you every step of the way. 

Call us at 703-462-8665 to schedule a consultation and feel confident about your fertility plan. Our team is about compassionate care and exceptional expertise.