Losing your hair after giving birth is a common experience for many women. In fact, it’s estimated that 50-60% of women will experience some degree of hair loss after giving birth. While it can be alarming and concerning, there are ways to deal with postpartum hair loss. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of postpartum hair loss, as well as tips on how to deal with it.
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What causes postpartum hair loss?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to hair loss after childbirth. Hormonal changes are one of the most common causes, as pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause a rise in estrogen levels. This increase in estrogen helps to keep your hair in the growth phase for longer affecting the hair growth cycle, but once you stop nursing or your hormone levels return to normal, it can cause your hair to shed more than usual.
Another common cause of postpartum hair loss is a condition called telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium occurs when there is a disruption in the normal growth cycle of your hair. This can be caused by things like stress, illness, or extreme weight loss. Traumatic events like childbirth can also trigger telogen effluvium.
When does postpartum hair loss start?
Postpartum hair loss can start as early as three months after giving birth, but it can also start later on – sometimes up to six or twelve months after childbirth.
There can be several reasons why postpartum hair loss starts later on. One reason may be that the hormonal changes that occur after childbirth take time to settle down. This is especially true if you are breastfeeding, as the high levels of estrogen in breast milk can help to delay the shedding of hair. Another reason may be that you are experiencing telogen effluvium, which can be triggered by stress.
How long does postpartum hair loss last?
The onset of postpartum hair loss can vary from woman to woman. It typically starts anywhere from two to six months after giving birth and can last for up to six months.
During this time, you may start to notice that your hair falls including in your brush, on your pillow, or in the shower drain. You may also experience a decrease in the volume of your hair, or find that your hair is thinner than usual.
How do hormones affect your hair growth?
Hormones play a big role in hair growth. The main hormones that affect hair growth are estrogen and testosterone. Estrogen helps to keep your hair in the growth phase for longer, while testosterone can promote hair loss.
There are also other hormones, like progesterone and prolactin, that can have an effect on hair growth. Progesterone is a hormone that is produced by the ovaries. It helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and prepare the body for pregnancy. Progesterone can also affect hair growth, and high levels of progesterone can cause hair loss.
Prolactin is a hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland. It is responsible for breast milk production and plays a role in fertility. Prolactin can also affect hair growth, and high levels of prolactin can cause hair loss.
What to do about postpartum hair loss?
There are many ways to prevent postpartum hair loss, and that includes the most important thing, to be patient and stay positive. Additionally, the following tips can help you manage this common issue as well and will make you feel like yourself again.
Reduce stress
Try to reduce the amount of stress in your life. This may seem difficult if you’re caring for a newborn, but there are ways to make it a little easier. Ask for help from friends or family, take some time for yourself, and try to get plenty of sleep. You may also want to consider relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation to help you manage stress.
Maintain a healthy diet
Be sure to eat a healthy diet. Eating nutritious foods will help your body stay strong and healthy, which can in turn help keep your hair healthy. Make sure you’re getting enough protein, iron, and other essential nutrients. Protein and iron are both essential nutrients for hair health. Protein is necessary for the growth of new hair, while iron helps to keep your hair healthy and strong.
Take nutritional supplements
If you’re not getting all the nutrients you need from your diet, consider taking nutritional supplements. This can help make up for any deficiencies and help improve your hair health.
Some of the best nutritional supplements to take for postpartum hair loss include biotin, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. Biotin is a vitamin that helps to promote healthy hair growth and reduce hair shedding, while iron is essential for maintaining healthy hair color. Omega-3 fatty acids help to keep your scalp healthy and promote hair growth.
Use gentle good quality shampoo and conditioner
You can also try using a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Avoid harsh chemicals or products that are too heavy, as they can further aggravate your scalp. Look for shampoos that contain natural ingredients like tea tree oil, lavender oil, or chamomile or a volumizing shampoo. These ingredients are known to be gentle and effective in treating scalp issues.
It may take several months for your hair to return to its normal growth cycle. In the meantime, consider wearing a hairpiece or wig to help you feel more confident. Wigs are available in many styles and colors, so you can find one that is perfect for you.
When choosing a wig, be sure to select one that is made from high-quality materials. You will also want to choose a wig that is comfortable to wear and easy to care for. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before you purchase a wig so that you know how to properly take care of it.
Summary
Postpartum hair loss is a common issue that many women experience after giving birth. It can start as early as three months after childbirth and can last for up to six months.
Hormones play a big role in hair growth, and the main hormones that affect hair growth are estrogen and testosterone. High levels of progesterone or prolactin can cause hair loss.
There are many ways to stop postpartum hair loss, and that includes the most important thing, to be patient and stay positive. Additionally, reduce stress, maintain a healthy diet, take nutritional supplements, use gentle shampoo and conditioner, and be patient! By following these tips, you can manage this common issue and feel like yourself again.
FAQ’s
How long does postpartum hair loss last?
The answer to this question can vary from woman to woman, but it typically lasts for around six months. If your hair doesn’t seem to be growing back after postpartum hair loss, you should speak to your doctor. There may be a medical reason for this, and it is important to get checked out.
Does postpartum hair loss grow back?
Postpartum hair loss often grows back eventually. Most women will experience hair loss for about six months, but it may take longer for some women. Hence, patience is necessary. Additionally, be sure to eat a healthy diet and take nutritional supplements to help improve hair health in the meantime.
Can you go bald from postpartum hair loss?
It is very unlikely that you will go bald from postpartum hair loss. This type of hair loss is usually temporary and will grow back eventually. However, if you are experiencing excessive hair loss, it is important to speak to your doctor about a postpartum hair loss treatment.
How can I stop my hair from falling out after pregnancy?
There are a few things that you can do to help pregnancy hair loss. These include reducing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, taking nutritional supplements, using gentle shampoo and conditioner, and being patient. By following these tips, you can help manage postpartum hair loss and feel more confident.
Can postpartum cause alopecia?
There is no known link between postpartum and alopecia. Alopecia is a medical condition that results in hair loss, and it can occur at any time, including after childbirth. If you are having a lot of hair loss, you should discuss it with your doctor.