Do birth control pills stop excessive hair growth by decreasing pituitary hormones?

Birth control pills do not primarily stop excessive hair growth by decreasing pituitary hormones. Instead, they work primarily by regulating hormone levels in the body, particularly estrogens and progestins, which can influence androgen levels. Androgens are male hormones that can contribute to excessive hair growth conditions, such as hirsutism, especially in women. The presence of higher estrogen levels can counteract the effects of androgens, leading to a potential reduction in excessive hair growth.

The effectiveness of birth control pills in managing excessive hair growth can vary based on individual hormonal balances and the specific formulation of the pills used. Moreover, while birth control may provide a temporary reduction in hair growth for some individuals by balancing hormones, it does not address the root cause related to pituitary hormone levels directly.

It's important to recognize that managing excessive hair growth can involve a combination of approaches, including medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes electrolysis or other hair removal techniques, rather than relying solely on birth control pills or assuming a direct effect on pituitary hormones.