What Are the Causes of Severe Postpartum Hair Loss?

One of the perks of pregnancy is having great hair. Many women are excited to see fuller, shinier locks after becoming pregnant. While a woman's hair may be better during pregnancy, many women are shocked to find the opposite happens after giving birth.

Cause

During pregnancy, hormones stimulate hair growth and hair that would normally fall out stays in the head. After the hormones go back to normal, this hair falls out and gives the appearance of substantial hair loss.

Time Frame

Almost 50% of women experience postpartum hair loss three to six months after giving birth. This hair loss can last more than a year after pregnancy.

Solution

Women should continue taking prenatal vitamins, even if they are not breastfeeding, as this can stimulate hair growth. This will not completely counter postpartum hair loss, but it can lessen the amount of hair shed.

Considerations

Women experiencing postpartum hair loss should not stress over this, since stress can cause telogen effluvium or worsen the amount of hair lost.

Suggestion

If you or a woman you know is going through postpartum hair loss, try out a new hairstyle or use hair accessories to cover up the hair loss.

References

• Post Partum Hair Loss: Am I Going Bald?
• Stress Management and Hair Loss