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Postpartum Hair Loss Treatment

by Lisa Michelle

Overview

Postpartum hair loss is a common condition experienced by most women who have recently given birth. This article describes the cycles of hair loss and subsequent hair growth during the postpartum stage, the factors that contribute to its loss, and offers suggestions for handling the emotional impact, as well as possible solutions for overcoming it.
Description

What is it that happens to that shiny, glorious hair that most women enjoy while pregnant? Unfortunately, many women suffer from what is known as postpartum hair loss. This condition is very common, and there are a number of factors---mostly due to hormonal changes---that contribute to this usually temporary condition.

Cycles

Estrogen levels commonly increase during pregnancy, and this has a tendency to prolong the stages of growth, meaning fewer hairs falling out each day. This is why most women notice that their hair appears thicker and more luxurious while they're pregnant. Vitamin and mineral supplements that most women take during pregnancy can also contribute to the overall health of the hair.
Explanation

Once a woman gives birth, her estrogen levels drastically decrease, and all of the sudden there tends to be an apparent rapid loss of hair. Most of the hair that falls out during this stage has actually been in somewhat of a "holding pattern" or "resting stage" (see References). Rather than falling out at the normal average rate of about 100 hairs per day, at this time a woman may lose twice the amount of hair. As her body adjusts back to its normal hormonal levels, usually within 6 to 9 months after giving birth, the hair will typically return to its pre-pregnancy thickness, again falling out at the normal rate of 100 hairs per day.
Misconceptions

Some women opt to cut their hair shorter rather than dealing with the emotional trauma of losing their hair. Unfortunately, women sometimes assume that they are suffering from postpartum depression and stress because of this hair loss since in other instances hair loss is associated with stress. However, postpartum hair loss is very normal and temporary.
Suggestions

There are ways to help minimize any additional hair loss that does occur. By continuing with a healthy diet, along with the intake of vitamin and mineral supplements, women can contribute to the overall, ongoing condition of their hair, therefore maintaining much of the luster, fullness and body that they've become accustomed to. With this in mind, once they go through the entire cycle of hair growth and hair loss, eventually transitioning into a pattern of stability, the end result should be a head full of strong, shiny and healthy hair.