What is post partum hair loss? And can you stop it from happening?

Pregnancy is a time of significant change for a woman’s body, and one of the changes that can occur after childbirth is postpartum hair loss. This condition, also known as postpartum alopecia, is a temporary hair loss that many women experience after giving birth. In this blog, we will discuss what postpartum hair loss is, what causes it, and whether or not it can be prevented or treated.

Spoiler alert… We’ll also share how Regrow shampoo, conditioner and tonic spray helps!

What is postpartum hair loss?

Postpartum hair loss is a condition that causes women to lose hair in the months following childbirth. This hair loss is a natural process that affects many women, and it is often the result of hormonal changes in the body. During pregnancy, a woman’s body produces higher levels of estrogen, which can cause hair to remain in the growth phase for longer than usual – so way less shedding than normal. After childbirth, the levels of estrogen in the body drop rapidly, and this can cause the hair to enter a resting phase, leading to shedding and catching up with what was missed.

The hair loss associated with postpartum alopecia is usually temporary and typically resolves on its own within a few months. However, the amount of hair loss can vary from person to person, and some women may experience more severe shedding than others.

What causes postpartum hair loss?

Postpartum hair loss is caused by hormonal changes in the body that occur during and after pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body produces higher levels of estrogen, which can prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle. After childbirth, the levels of estrogen in the body drop rapidly, causing the hair to enter a resting phase. As a result, the hair can fall out more easily.

Other factors that can contribute to postpartum hair loss include stress, nutritional deficiencies, and changes in medication or birth control. In some cases, an underlying medical condition, such as thyroid disease, may also contribute to hair loss.

Can postpartum hair loss be prevented or treated?

While postpartum hair loss is a natural and temporary condition, there are a few things you can do to help minimise hair loss and promote hair growth. Some tips include:

1. Eating a balanced diet: Consuming a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron and biotin, can help promote healthy hair growth.
2. Using gentle hair care products: Using mild, gentle shampoos and avoiding excessive heat styling can help minimise hair damage and breakage. This is advice we recommend for all stages of hair growth.
3. Reducing stress: Practicing stress-reducing techniques, can help reduce stress levels and promote healthy hair growth. It’s especially helpful to get as much sleep as possible, even in those early months of motherhood.
4. Using Regrow: Our complete hair care system (shampoo, conditioner, derma roller and tonic spray) help to promote hair growth and stop the build up of DHT on the scalp which can minimise the effect of post partum hair loss and excess shedding.

In most cases, postpartum hair loss will resolve on its own within a few months, and you will start to notice regrowth in the affected areas. However, if hair loss is severe or persists for an extended period, it is essential to speak with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the hair loss.

 

References:

1. Cline, A., & Hill, D. (2018). Postpartum Hair Loss. American Family Physician, 98(11), 697-697.
2. Dlova, N. C., Hamed, S. H., Tsoka-Gwegweni, J., & Grobler, A. (2019). Management of postpartum alopecia: a review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 18(1), 10-17. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12461
3. Cline, A., & Hill, D. (2018). Postpartum Hair Loss. American Family Physician, 98(11), 697-697. PMID: 30525373