Once you deliver a baby, motherhood takes over your life from the very start. The changes that your body goes through is not limited to the period of birth. After birth as well, you might experience several changes. One of them is hair loss. It is also important to understand that postpartum hair loss is entirely normal as natural it is to worry about it. So, keep reading to understand the meaning, causes and measures to control postpartum hair fall.
What Is Postpartum Hair Loss, and is it normal?
Postpartum hair loss is a normal temporary phenomenon and usually lasts only for the first few months after pregnancy. It is caused due to hormonal imbalances and is called ‘telogen effluvium so, by the time your little one turns a year old, your hair will be back to normal.
Why Does Your Hair Fall Out After Having A Baby?
It is normal to experience excessive shedding in the first few months after pregnancy. Although the experiences of women vary, about 90% of women do experience post-pregnancy hair fall.
Usually, about 85% of our hair grows actively, while 15% of it is in the resting period, where it falls out and makes way for new hair follicles. However, during pregnancy, women have high levels of oestrogen, progesterone, oxytocin, and prolactin, increasing the blood flow and strengthening the roots. This results in a prolonged growing stage of hair.
But things change post-delivery as the body goes through hormonal changes, especially a fall in oestrogen and progesterone levels. This sudden change causes the hair follicles to go into a rest mode, leading to increased hair fall. The shredding period generally lasts for 6 to 8 months. It is important to note that the amount of hair fall depends from mother to mother, and the change is only temporary.
Read related- Does Smoking Cause Hair Loss? Find Out Now
How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?
Telogen effluvium is a temporary condition, and its phase lasts typically for 6 to 8 months. It gets resolved naturally when your hormones calm down and return to their original state. But if the hair fall persists and seems to worsen, it can be because of anaemia or postpartum thyroiditis. Both these conditions generally occur as pregnancy can change ferritin levels in the body and your thyroid levels. The conditions can be treated, and a doctor must be consulted for the same.
Treatments for Postpartum Hair Loss
After delivery, experiencing hair loss cannot be entirely avoided because, as mentioned earlier, it is a natural process caused due to hormonal changes. But here are a few tips through which you can control excessive shredding and promote faster hair growth:
- Take a healthy diet and include all the essential vitamins, be it its supplements, including vitamins B, C, E and zinc.
- Be extra gentle with your hair. Avoid using hair styling tools because they increase hair loss and damage to your hair follicles.
- Avoid using chemical-based hair products.
- Stress hormones impact the natural hair cycle, so try not to worry a lot, keep your stress under control by taking time for yourself and sticking to a light exercise plan.
- If nothing else seems to make a difference, you can also try a shorter hairstyle that can make your hair look voluminous.
If you are experiencing symptoms of hair fall after delivery, do consider Meddo’s top rated doctors for assessment and treatment.
