HAIR LOSS FOLLOWING PREGNANCY

Hormonal changes are among the causes of sudden hair fall. This can be due to discontinuation of birth control pills, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid problems. Typically, hair loss occurs around three months after the shift in hormones. Correction of the hormonal imbalances may stop hair lossbut itmight take three months or more for new hair to grow back.

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Nearly all women notice that their hair is thick and lustrous during pregnancy.The grounds behind the healthy locks is the a higher level of hormones that cause more hairs to remain in the growth phase of the hair growth cycle.While being pregnant, the levels of estrogen hormones increased, causing hair growth stimulation. The hair remains in the active phase and is only shed when the estrogen levels permanently decrease.

Following childbirth, the hormone levelsgo back to normal, resulting to massive shedding of hair. This is becausethe majority of thehair follicles that had delayed entering the resting phase of the hair growth cycle now suddenly enter this inactive phase.

Hair loss after childbirth is very common, especially between three to nine months postpartum. This could result to significant hair thinning, more on a generalised pattern and bald patches do not tend to occur.

When hormones return to previous levels, hair resumes the normal growth cycle. In three to six months, hair fall resolves even without treatment and lost hair will grow back.

There are actually simple things that is possible to reduce hair fall during pregnancy and after giving birth. Avoid excessive heat styling, tight ponytails, pigtails, braids, tight hair rollers, and hair weaves that can pull the hair at its roots or cause damage to the hair. Eat a healthy diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, and vitamin supplements with zinc, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner that contain biotin, which experts say is also essential for hair growth.