What causes postpartum hair loss?
Hair loss following a pregnancy is common and is referred to as postpartum hair loss. This should not be confused with hormonal hair loss. It is estimated that one-third, or even half, of women will experience postpartum alopecia*. The hormonal changes observed in the postpartum period are often at the origin of what health care professionals refer to as acute telogen effluvium (or more commonly as occasional or reactional hair loss). During pregnancy, many mothers-to-be notice a great improvement in hair quality. It grows better and is shinier and silkier. What is behind this? Estrogen levels are higher. After the pregnancy, these levels drop, having a direct impact on the hair: some women begin losing their hair in small clumps.
In addition to hormonal changes, other factors may aggravate hair loss after a pregnancy: mainly weight loss, stress and fatigue subsequent to sleepless nights. Although rarer, it happens that some women notice hair loss during pregnancy. The problem may have several causes, including an iron deficiency, a common condition during pregnancy.
In addition to hormonal changes, other factors may aggravate hair loss after a pregnancy: mainly weight loss, stress and fatigue subsequent to sleepless nights. Although rarer, it happens that some women notice hair loss during pregnancy. The problem may have several causes, including an iron deficiency, a common condition during pregnancy.
Solutions to limit postpartum hair loss
After the pregnancy, the sharp drop in estrogen hormones causes hair loss which can be quite sudden. There are solutions available to stimulate faster regrowth: food supplements containing vitamins and minerals can help control hair loss, combined with a shampoo formulated to combat hair loss, and suitable hair care advice. That being said, patients should understand that approximately 6 months are required for any regrowth to begin, and a return to the hair’s initial state may take up to 12 or even 18 months in some cases.
In any event, consider consulting you dermatologist on the proper application of these solutions to manage hair loss after pregnancy and while breastfeeding!
* Source: Grover and Khurana, 2013
In any event, consider consulting you dermatologist on the proper application of these solutions to manage hair loss after pregnancy and while breastfeeding!
* Source: Grover and Khurana, 2013
