Postpartum Hair Loss: Coping with Hair Loss After Childbirth
Having a child is a beautiful gift. However, it can also be very draining in terms of your physical and emotional well-being. Since you go through immense hormonal changes, postpartum symptoms and conditions can be overwhelming — including the development of postpartum hair loss.
If you have recently had a child and your hair is shedding, know that you’re not alone. In fact, up to 90 percent of child-bearing women experience some form of postpartum hair loss.
What Is Postpartum Hair Loss?
Scientifically known as postpartum telogen effluvium, postpartum hair loss is the shedding of hair following childbirth. Caused by changes in key hormone levels, the severity of this condition varies depending on the individual. Some will experience minor hair loss, while others will notice mass clumps falling out.
Typically occurring between three to six months following delivery, postpartum hair loss can last an additional six months following this original onset period. This can be very distressing, as it happens at a time when new moms are already faced with increasing levels of stress.
Telogen Effluvium & Female Hair Loss
Pregnancy causes a wide range of changes, both physically and mentally. As levels of progesterone and estrogen soar, this causes your hair to remain in an ongoing growth stage. This results in hair that is thicker than normal. However, once you give birth, your hormones begin to level out and in turn, your hair enters and remains in the resting phase.
If you feel as though your hair is shedding at a rapid pace outside of the average time period, you may want to discuss your concerns with your physician. In select cases, pregnancy impact levels of a blood protein known as ferritin. Since this impacts the way in which your body stores iron, significant hair loss can result.
What Can You Do About Hair Loss After Childbirth?
This is a critical period in both you and your baby’s life, so you’ll want to make sure you’re taking good care of yourself. Your diet will be very important during this time, especially in terms of iron, zinc, and vitamin D levels. You should also focus on nutrient-dense foods that offer plenty of protein.
Many suggest that you shampoo less often. However, it’s important to note that if your hair is ready to fall out, it will fall out. However, you should be gentle when brushing and avoid any blow dryers or flat irons.
Talk to a Qualified Hair Loss Specialist
Regardless of its cause, any type of female hair loss can be emotionally traumatic and distressing. Always consult your doctor to determine the exact cause of your hair loss. Non-surgical hair replacement can be a wonderful option for women experiencing temporary or permanent hair loss. It is especially easy to explore your hair replacement options by scheduling a no-obligation consultation with a qualified professional hair loss and hair replacement specialist near you.
Reference: https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2019/01/08/postpartum-hair-loss-new-moms_a_23636434/