Postpartum Hair Loss & What You Can Do About It
Are you experiencing hair loss after having a baby? You’ll be relieved to know- it’s a thing.
Your body changes in lots of weird and unexpected ways after having a baby. One change that I wasn’t prepared for at all was my hair falling out. And it wasn’t just a few strands here and there. Large clumps accumulated in the shower drain for WEEKS.
So what causes this increased hair loss and is there anything we can do about it?
Unfortunately, there isn’t much research out there on the topic, however, we do know it is completely normal. Known in the medical community as ‘Postpartum Alopecia’, over 90% of new moms will experience it.
Why does this happen?
During pregnancy, our estrogen and progesterone levels soar. These hormones keep our hair in the growing phase, acting to slow down the normal rate of hair loss. When you give birth, these hormones dip back down to pre pregnancy levels. Your hair makes up for lost time by increasing daily loses. While it may feel like a lot, the total volume that you will lose should roughly equate to what you would have lost if you weren’t pregnant for the past 9 months.
How long does it last?
For most women, hair loss continues for around 6 months, peaking at the 4-month point. For some it can continue for up to a year so don’t panic!
Can you do anything about it?
Unfortunately, hair loss is one of those pesky postpartum changes that is inevitable to a certain extent. If it bothers you, there are some steps you can take to make your hair look fuller and healthier.
· Eat well: Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, wholegrains and lean protein will help to support hair growth. While there aren’t any specific foods to help hair growth, including animal-based foods such as meat and eggs may help. Animal-based foods contain glycine, an amino acid that is important in the production of collagen which is necessary for hair growth.
· Continue taking your prenatal vitamin: Choose a comprehensive option- to find out more check out my blog post, ‘My Favorite Prenatal Picks’
· Skip hair styling: Reduce the amount of heat you use to style your hair to avoid drying it out
· Try this hair spray: Mix 10 drops rosemary essential oil, 10 drops lavender essential oil, 10 drops cedarwood essential oil, 1 ounce witch hazel, 6 fl oz water in a spray bottle and spray throughout your hair twice daily.
What if my hair loss continues after 6 months?
If your hair is still falling out in large quantities after 6 months it may be worth talking to your doctor. They can refer you to a scalp specialist known as a trichologist or dermatologist.
Other possible causes to rule out are hormonal imbalances related to thyroid function and nutrient deficiencies, especially iron. These can be detected with blood work. Increased stress and persistent sleep deprivation can also cause some women to lose their hair.
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