Postpartum Hair Loss: Causes and Treatment

Postpartum Hair Loss: What to Do?

During pregnancy, a woman’s hair becomes better than usual – thick, voluminous, shiny, and grows faster. Later, the woman notices significant hair loss after childbirth. Postpartum hair loss is a very common problem.

Why Does Hair Fall Out Significantly After Childbirth?

There are several reasons

Physiological

During pregnancy, estrogen levels increase in the body. This hormone prolongs the life cycle of hair and its growth phase. Hair loss after childbirth is a natural process. During this period, estrogen levels return to normal. Hair, whose life cycle was extended, begins to fall out.

Androgenetic Alopecia

Genetic predisposition. In this case, alopecia occurs closer to menopause but can be triggered by hormonal changes and disruptions during pregnancy (and postpartum). In this situation, it’s necessary to consult a trichologist. They will select the appropriate methods and medications.

Signs:

• Hair loss lasts more than a year.
• Hair becomes brittle and dull (thinner than before).
• The parting ‘shines through’.
• No new hair grows in the place of the fallen hair.

You can visually compare hair density with a photo taken a year earlier.

Stress and fatigue

Childbirth is a significant strain on the nervous system. Some babies are restless. A newborn requires constant attention both day and night, leading to lack of sleep. If a woman is inexperienced, even more stress can arise.

Lack of trace elements

Lack of protein and vitamins arises from inadequate nutrition. In the later stages of pregnancy, doctors monitor a woman’s weight. After childbirth, a woman may chase after her figure. Diet can be forced (on the recommendation of a specialist). This stimulates hair loss.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

During pregnancy, the amount of blood increases and its viscosity decreases. Hemoglobin levels decrease. Taking vitamins normalizes it. Hemoglobin can also drop if a woman lost a lot of blood during childbirth or if the pregnancy had complications.

Endocrine System Disorders

In this case, hair loss continues for more than a year. Symptoms of endocrine system disorders include dizziness and headaches, swelling, acne, blood pressure fluctuations, significant weight gain or loss. An endocrinologist can help solve the problem.

Anesthesia

Hair can fall out after giving birth due to anesthesia during delivery and cesarean section. The problem usually resolves itself within a few months.

If there are any doubts, you should consult a doctor. They will help identify the root of the problem and resolve it. For significant hair thinning, a visit to a trichologist is advised.

What to do if hair loss begins after birth?

Postpartum recovery takes time. A comprehensive approach is important.

• Proper sleep and nutrition, rest. Some household chores and baby care can occasionally be entrusted to your husband or trusted grandparents.
• Vitamins. Regular complexes are not suitable. Supplements for pregnant women are needed. A doctor can help properly select everything necessary.
• Psychological support from loved ones is important. If that’s not enough and emotional condition is concerning, consulting a psychotherapist can be beneficial.
• Yoga promotes relaxation and speeds up recovery. The site momslab.com is designed for self-practice at home.
• Hair ties, tight hairstyles, and blow-drying ‘finish off’ hair. It’s better to use wooden combs instead of metal ones.
• A gentle head massage speeds up blood circulation, relaxes, and relieves eye tension.

You can use spicy masks with pepper and mustard, but be careful. If you have thin skin and sensitivity, it’s best to avoid this idea.

If hair loss is excessive and very concerning, it’s better to consult a doctor. They will prescribe the necessary tests, identify the cause of the problem, and help solve it.

On momslab.com, there is a blog with helpful information for moms, a 12-week recovery course, and a free chat on Telegram.