Postpartum is the time after giving birth when the body adjusts to its pre-pregnancy state. The postpartum period is important for health and wellness but it comes with a range of physical and mental health concerns. It can cause depression, changes in sleep patterns, loss of interest, trouble concentrating, low energy, lack of sexual desire, hair loss, digestive issues, and more.
Postpartum can affect one’s behavior and physical health. It can be challenging, as one will need time to adapt to the new phase. One of the biggest concerns of mothers after postpartum is hair loss. This review shall discuss what causes hair loss and how to manage it. So, keep reading.
Understanding Postpartum Hair Loss
Postpartum hair loss or telogen effluvium, is a common condition that causes excessive hair loss after giving birth. The condition peaks around 4 to 6 months after giving birth and resolves on its own over time. It is caused by hormonal changes that happen during and after childbirth.
This condition is temporary and the hair shall return to normal fullness after the child’s first birthday. Women usually experience thinning hair along the hairline or clumps of hair coming out. Postpartum hair loss is normal and it cannot be prevented fully. However, measures can be taken to reduce hair loss to an extent.
What causes postpartum hair loss?
It is a myth that postpartum hair loss is caused by stress. The truth is, it is caused by hormone changes. Hormones are the biggest reason for physical and mental changes, including excessive hair fall.
During pregnancy, estrogen levels rise, which prevents hair loss and makes the hair appear thicker. However, after childbirth, the estrogen levels drop, which causes the hair to be in a resting phase and shed after a few months.
The total volume of hair loss won’t be more than that you would have lost over the last 9 months because the hair makes up for the lost time by falling out in bigger clumps than normal. It may seem like you are losing too much hair after pregnancy more than ever because it happens all at once.
How do you prevent postpartum hair loss?
Postpartum hair fall is not permanent and usually does not last more than six months. Most women regain their normal hair growth and volume by the time the child turns one. Even though postpartum hair loss cannot be prevented, here are some tips to manage it;
- Follow a healthy diet:
Following a healthy diet is the first and ideal step to prevent postpartum hair fall. Eating foods rich in iron and protein like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help protect the hair follicles and support hair growth.
- Massage the scalp:
Regular scalp massage can improve blood circulation to the hair follicles, which supports hair growth.
- Avoid excessive brushing:
Be gentle with the hair and avoid excessive brushing or stressing, as it can stress the fragile postpartum hair.
- Take supplements:
Taking vitamin supplements can help promote and strengthen hair growth.
- Use lightweight conditioners:
Using lightweight, moisturizing conditioners can help prevent postpartum hair loss to an extent. Also using volumizing shampoo is recommended as it can help avoid weighing down the hair and make it look thinner.
- Reduce heated styling tools:
Reduce the use of heated styling tools like curling irons, blow dryers, and straighteners to prevent further damage to the hair.
- Manage stress:
Reducing and managing stress can help prevent hair fall after postpartum. Relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing are best for managing stress.
- Avoid tight hairstyles:
Tight hairstyles like braids and ponytails add tension to the hair, which results in more hair loss.
Treatments for postpartum hair loss
There is no treatment for hair loss but certain remedies can help the hair feel fuller and prevent further hair loss and damage. You can choose a shampoo and conditioner that adds volume to hair and treats the hair with care. Also, try different hairstyles and go for shorter haircuts as it is easier to manage.
Postpartum hair loss is normal and goes away on its own but consult a healthcare professional if you lose excessive hair even after 6 months or a year. Do not delay treatment if you experince other symptoms like restless legs, fatigue, headces, or shortness of breath along with hair loss. These symptoms might indicate iron deficiency or thyroid disease.
Conclusion
Postpartum is the time after giving birth when the body adjusts to its pre-pregnancy state. It can affect one’s behavior and physical health. Hair loss is one of the common problems of postpartum. Hair loss peaks around 4 to 6 months after giving birth and resolves on its own over time.
It is temporary and usually lasts up to 6 months to one year. It is caused by hormonal changes that happen during and after childbirth. The estrogen levels rise during pregnancy, which prevents hair loss and makes the hair appear thicker. However, after childbirth, the estrogen levels drop, which causes the hair to be in a resting phase and shed after a few months.
Women usually experience thinning hair along the hairline or clumps of hair coming out. Postpartum hair loss is normal and it cannot be prevented fully. However, measures can be taken to reduce hair loss to an extent. Following a healthy diet, massaging the scalp, taking vitamin supplements, avoiding excessive brushing or using heating products, and reducing stress can help manage hair loss.
Postpartum hair loss should not be a concern as it is normal but if you lose excessive hair even after 6 months or more, consult a healthcare provider. Also, seek medical help if hair loss is accompanied by other symptoms as it might indicate an underlying health condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually postpartum lasts up to six months or until the child turns one.
Postpartum hair loss cannot be prevented but it can managed by following a healthy diet, avoiding excess heating or brushing the hair, and massaging the scalp.
Vitamin C, B, and D, biotin, and zinc supplements are considered best for hair loss after pregnancy.
No. Hair loss after postpartum is associated with hormone changes and has no relation to breastfeeding.
Eating a healthy diet, being gentle with the hair, taking vitamin supplements, and trying a shorter haircut can help maintain hair growth after pregnancy.
You cannot avoid postpartum hair loss but you can reduce it by eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Try eating milk, eggs, bananas, potatoes, leafy vegetables, seeds, and pumpkins.
Even though postpartum hair loss is common, not every woman loses hair after pregnancy.
