PostPartum Hair Loss
Postpartum hair loss is a totally natural and completely temporary condition. But why does it happen to some new mums?
Pregnancy can affect our hair in many different ways. Apart from the changes in hormonal levels, the anticipation, changes in lifestyle and increased stress can also play a part. It is estimated that about 40% – 50% of women will experience some degree of postpartum hair loss. This degree is also different for every individual and varies from pregnancy to pregnancy.
Some women might have also noticed that their hair actually improved during pregnancy, feeling thicker and shinier. This is because the body experiences soaring estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy. These hormones causes the hair to remain longer in the anagen stage or stage of growth, creating thicker and shinier strands.
As mentioned here, our hair has three different natural phases – anagen, catagen and telogen. Anagen is the growth stage and catagen is the ‘resting’ transition phase before telogen, the shedding phase. Normally, roughly 85-95% of our hair is in the growth phase at any time. Due to the hormonal changes, more hair are stimulated into the growth stage.
The hormones start levelling out in the months after childbirth resulting in larger amount of hair than normal to enter the ‘resting’ phase before transitioning into the shedding phase.
At a time when most new mums are coping with the changes with a newborn, hair loss at this time can be particularly stressful. It’s important to remember that postpartum hair loss is temporary.
How long does postpartum hair loss normally last?
Postpartum hair loss usually begins around two to four months after childbirth and typically returns to normal after six months, though some women may experience postpartum hair loss up to a year after childbirth. The amount of hair loss also varies from every individual.
Do consult with your doctor or trichologist if you believe you are experiencing severe or prolonged postpartum hair loss.
How to manage postpartum hair loss?
Since postpartum hair loss is a result of the changing hormonal levels, it is not something that you can stop immediately. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the effects.
Managing Stress
We have explored previously how stress can affect our hair and how exercise can help in this article here.
Having a newborn can be overwhelming and stressful for some, from the changes in lifestyle and adapting to new expectations.
You can try out some light to moderate exercise such as yoga or simple meditation and breathing exercises.
Also be sure to talk to your loved ones or doctor and share what you’re feeling or going through to manage your stress even better.
Maintaining a Healthy Diet
Diet plays a key part in achieving optimal health and overall wellbeing, especially more so for new mums.
Try to aim for a balanced diet with the essential nutrients and vitamins to give your body the necessary building blocks. Staying sufficiently hydrated is also important.
Be Patient
Since postpartum hair loss is a totally normal and temporary thing, be sure not to stress yourself out more and give your hair and hormones time to stabilize and return to normal.
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