Birth and Postpartum Hair Loss

Well, even if your hair is falling out, worry not. It might be just a temporary problem medically known as Postpartum Hair Loss, a part of Telogen Effluvium.

Telogen Effluvium

You can read more about it here.

Postpartum Hair Loss can be considered a part of this condition. This condition though does not affect every women after pregnancy but its possible to suffer from it. If hair loss only occurs to you a few months after pregnancy then you could be facing this temporary condition.

How does Post Pregnancy Hair Loss happen?

Many new mums are surprised when their hair falls out after pregnancy. Well it all starts during the 9 months when you are expecting. When you are carrying your child, there will be changes in your body. The main shifts are

• Estrogen level increases
• Your hair remains in the growing phase (ANAGEN PHASE)
• Additional nourishment (which benefits your hair)

Estrogen plays an important role to prevent hair loss. With the increase of Estrogen during birth, your hair will look healthier and fuller because it extends the growing phase of your hair.

However, after you give birth, the Estrogen levels will tumble and a lot more hair enters the resting phase (TELOGEN) and this causes your sudden hair loss.

Read more about how Estrogen preserves your hair.

Why not directly after birth then?

Well it takes around 3 months for the hair follicles to end the resting phase before falling out. During this phase, your hair will

• lose it luster
• shrink to one sixth of its size
• feels weak and fragile

After that, during the resting phase (TELOGEN), you will notice a large amount of your hair falling out. You might even freak out to see large amount of hair in your brush.

What should I do about it then?

You shouldn't be too worried about it because it will soon recover. After your hormone levels balanced out, your hair will get back to the normal hair cycle and you should get back that healthy hair of yours in about 6 to 12 months after giving birth.

What if I really WANT to do something about it?

Well then, if you really think it's creating a chaos in your life and you want to improve it as it happens you can always

• use some hair thickening products
• find good hair concealers
• cut your hair short for easy management
• take multivitamins and supplements for your hair

Find these in Hair Loss Options and Preventing Hair Loss section.

This is only maintenance care. You really do not need to worry, if you have Postpartum hair loss you will definitely get your hair back. It is really better to cut it short because it will be easier to manage and it won't irritate your child!

Having hair loss during pregnancy? If so you are in a very different situation and you should check it out.