Hair loss during pregnancy
About 90% of your
hair is growing at any given time, with the remaining 10% in the resting phase.
Every two or three months, resting hair falls out, and new ones grow in their
place.
Telogen effluvium is
excessive hair loss that occurs one to five months after pregnancy. It is not
uncommon as it affects 40 to 50% of women; but like most changes during
pregnancy, this is temporary.
Is there abnormal hair loss during pregnancy?
Pregnancy-related
hair loss usually occurs after childbirth. During pregnancy, more hair goes
into the resting phase, which is part of the normal hair loss cycle.
This condition is not
severe enough to cause bald spots or permanent hair loss, and should begin to
decrease within 3 to 4 months after delivery. If you feel like you're suffering
from unusual hair loss during pregnancy, it could be due to a vitamin or
mineral deficiency.
Why do people talk about hair loss and pregnancy?
The most common
period of hair loss occurs about three months after childbirth. The increase in
hormone levels during pregnancy prevents hair loss. After childbirth, hormones
return to normal levels, allowing the hair to fall out and resume its normal
cycle. Normal hair loss that was delayed during pregnancy may fall out
immediately.
Up to 60% of your
growing hair can enter a telogen rest state. Hair loss usually peaks 3-4 months
after giving birth as your hair follicles rejuvenate. As stated above, this
hair loss is temporary and hair loss returns to normal within six to twelve
months.
Can hair loss be related to other reproductive health issues?
Hair loss can be
caused by anything that has to do with changes in the hormonal balance of
estrogen in the body.
Hair loss can be
caused by one or more of the following:
- Discontinuation of birth control pills or any other hormonal type of birth control method
- Miscarriage or stillbirth
- Abortion
- A hormonal imbalance
Positive aspects of pregnancy and your hair:
During pregnancy,
there is an increase in the level of estrogen hormones. Estrogen keeps hair in
the growth phase and stimulates its growth. While you are pregnant, you should
expect lush and luxurious hair.
Recommendations for your hair during pregnancy and after childbirth
There are a number of things you can do to have healthier
hair and/or reduce hair loss during pregnancy and postpartum:
- Consult your doctor to ensure proper hormonal balance
- Avoid braids, braids, hair weaves, braids, and tight curlers that can pull and strain your hair.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which contain flavonoids and antioxidants that can protect hair follicles and promote hair growth.
- Use shampoos and conditioners containing biotin and silicon dioxide.
- Hair is brittle when wet, so be careful; avoid combs with fine teeth
- If you need to use hair dryers and other heated hair tools, use the cold setting.
Supplement your diet
with the following nutrients:
- Vitamin B complex
- Biotin (may be safe; by mouth and as needed)
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Zinc (probably safe when taken orally and properly; probably not safe when taken orally in high doses)