Postpartum Hair Loss: Every Woman's Nightmare

Postpartum hair loss is a common occurrence for many women after they give birth. Like postpartum depression, postpartum hair loss is caused by a woman's shifting hormones after her delivery. This "shedding" as it is often called, is considered perfectly normal and poses no cause for alarm. However, few women are prepared to see their hair fall out in huge clumps and are often very distressed and shocked when it occurs.

Postpartum Hormone Changes

For most women, pregnancy is a time of good health and vibrancy. The estrogen-rich environment of pregnancy produces that special "glow." Her skin is rosy and bright. Her fingernails, strong and healthy and her hair is thick and full with a shiny lustrous sheen.

After giving birth, however, there is a major realignment of pregnancy hormones as her body returns to its pre-pregnancy state. Unless a woman is nursing, this is the time when menstrual cycles will begin again. They could be erratic at first, and sometimes painful and heavy as well.

Mood swings are also common and many women experience emotional changes that range from the simple baby blues to severe depression. If she has gained a lot of weight during her pregnancy, she will also have to contend with losing those excess pounds as well. These types of postpartum hormonal changes alone can be very difficult for many women to cope with, particularly when also caring for a newborn baby with around the clock needs leaving her utterly exhausted. Add on top of it, massive hair loss and it can be extremely stressful.

Postpartum Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Postpartum hair loss generally begins about three to four months after a woman has given birth. Like any other normal hair growth cycles, approximately 85 to 95 percent of hair is in a growth stage. After a growth stage, hair reaches a rest stage. During the rest stage, hair remains in the hair follicles until the next hair growth cycle. Because there is heavy hair growth during pregnancy, there is more hair resting in the hair follicles postpartum.

Once the next growth stage begins, the excess hair that accumulated during pregnancy is pushed out by the new hair growth. Under normal conditions, we lose approximately 100 hair strands per day. However, postpartum hair loss exceeds that substantially. Is it any wonder then that many women begin to panic when they see clumps of hair swirling in the shower drain, in the sink and on the floor?

Postpartum Hair Loss is Temporary

Once a woman's hormones return to normal levels, generally within six months, her hair will begin to grow back normally. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you manage:

• Invest in fun and pretty hats and scarves

• Consider a new hair cut - shorter if possible to take the eye away from any balding spots

• Keep your hair conditioned and moisturized - dry, brittle hair tends to break off

• Do brush your hair to stimulate your scalp and hair growth but don't yank it through your hair

• Do not over wash or process your hair - it damages hair and will cause more hair loss

• If you color your hair be sure to use color with plenty of conditioners and moisturizers

Remember, while losing your hair is frustrating and stressful,postpartum hair loss is temporary. Though annoying and bothersome when it occurs, before you know it, your hair will be back to normal again. Then, the only thing you will remember about this time is the wonder of giving birth to your new bundle of joy!

Sources:

Parents.com

American Pregnancy.org

National Institute of Health.gov

Baby Zone.com

Mayo Clinic.com

Family Doctor.org

Pregnancy.com

What to Expect.com

Smart Momma.com