How to cope with postpartum hair loss?

Hair loss after giving birth is very common. It often begins within five weeks after giving birth and slows down three to four months later. You can't prevent the cycle, but you can get through it by treating your hair gently and trying out different hair treatments and techniques.

An increase in oestrogen during gestation lengthens the growth phase. You might have longer, more luxurious hair since each day fewer hairs enter the resting phase and less shed.

However, your oestrogen level drops after giving birth, which causes a large number of hair cells to enter the resting state and start dropping hair three to five months later. You'll probably have had more hair falling out in the bathroom or on your brush in five months.

Not every new mother experiences significant hair changes after giving birth. In general, women with longer hair tend to have more noticeable hair shedding.

 

Various pregnancy hormones

Following are some hormones that play a key role during pregnancy.

1. Oestrogen

The primary female hormone, oestrogen, initiates and controls a woman's menstruation periods as well as early puberty, including breast growth. Additionally, it aids in supporting strong bones and low cholesterol levels.

Oestrogen, which is produced by the ovarian and later the placental, promotes the growth of the womb, maintains the endometrium, controls other important hormones, and starts the formation of the foetus's organs. And when it's time for breastfeeding, oestrogen encourages breast tissue regeneration and facilitates milk production.

Oestrogen is also responsible for puffy mucosal surface and increased skin blood circulation, which can lead to red, irritated skin. And oestrogen works in conjunction with other hormones to promote hyperpigmentation, including darkened breasts and melasma, which are brown areas on the face, lips, and nose.

2. Progesterone

Along with estrogen, progesterone makes up the other half of the big two sex hormones, which are produced primarily in the ovaries during each month of menstruation and aid in controlling your menstruation periods.

Soon after fertilization, this vital hormone gets to work by preparing the lining of the womb for the implantation of a newly fertilized egg. Acid reflux, heartburn, nausea, and bloating are just a few of the GI issues that progesterone and the hormone relaxin can bring on.

Once more, progesterone and relaxin work together to help stretch your joints, relax your tendons and tissues, and prepare you for delivery. Additionally, this chemical is to blame if you experience skin outbreaks, swollen and bleeding gums, or excessive sweating.

3. Follicle-stimulating hormones

FSH is the first of a series of hormones that must be present before you even ovulate in order to start your pregnancy. FSH encourages the development of eggs in the ovaries, which boosts oestrogen levels. An increase in LH production in response to rising oestrogen levels triggers ovulation and the possibility of pregnancy.

Effect of pregnancy hormone on hairs

Pregnancy hormones are the main factor causing your pregnancy hair changes and postpartum hair loss.

You didn't lose hair at your normal rate while you were pregnant because your oestrogen levels were higher. Normally, you lose a small amount of hair every day. While pregnant, hair loss is less noticeable. The effect is further enhanced by better blood flow and circulation, which produces a lower-than-average hair loss rate.

The effect is that after having a baby when your hormone levels start to drop, your hair makes up for the missed time by losing in far greater amounts than usual. The total amount of hair you are losing is likely not much greater than you would have lost over the previous nine months; it only appears that way since it's happening all at once.

Postpartum hair loss after giving birth can start at any time and continue for up to a year. It's not necessary to panic if your baby is only a few months old and you're still losing patches of hair because this often spikes around the 4-month mark.

What are the causes of postpartum hair loss?

Between 40% and 50% of women have hair loss after pregnancy. While the exact reason for postpartum hair loss is unknown to medical professionals, it is widely accepted that the stress of giving delivery is a contributing factor. you can check your cause of postpartum hair loss through the Welzo hair loss blood test.

1. Stress factors

Both physiological and psychological factors, such as depressive symptoms, fluid and blood loss following childbirth, and insufficient postpartum sleep, contribute to postpartum hair loss. As a result, more hair may transition from the anagen (active growth) phase to the telogen (resting) phase, disrupting your hair structure. These follicles are therefore more likely to pop out when you brush or shampoo your hair.

2. Pregnancy hormones

The additional density and glossy lustre of your hair are caused by pregnancy hormones, which keep the bulk of it in the growing phase for a longer period of time. Hormone levels will return to normal after delivery, and the typical hair loss that was delayed during pregnancy will typically start right away.

Hormones associated with pregnancy may have a variety of effects on your body. For instance, you may have noticed that your hair grew thicker when you were pregnant. Oestrogen, a hormone that speeds up hair growth and makes it less likely to fall out, is to blame for this.

However, after childbirth to your child, you might find that all the extra hair you grew over your pregnancy is unexpectedly starting to come out and shed. All of these result from variations in hormone levels.

3. Thyroid hormones

Hair loss can occasionally be caused by thyroid issues, such as a sudden rise. Some thyroid conditions are related to pregnancy or the postpartum period. If a thyroid issue is found to be the cause of your hair loss, your doctor will be able to recommend a course of therapy.

4. Iron deficiency Anaemia

Another possible cause of hair loss is a lack of iron. This can lead to iron deficiency anaemia if ignored, which can then result in other symptoms like exhaustion, shortness of breath, arrhythmias, and pale complexion. Your doctor can assist in determining the causes of the iron deficiency in your blood and, if necessary, can suggest iron supplements.

How to prevent postpartum hair loss?

Even though hair loss after childbirth may be unavoidable, it is occasionally possible to prevent it from getting worse. There isn't much you can do because the majority of hair loss after delivery is brought on by hormone spikes. Consider the following tips to decrease the effects of hair loss soon after delivery.

 

1. A hormonal birth control tablet for hair loss

The best option for hair loss right after delivery would be a hormonal contraceptive pill because it restores the body's hormonal balance and also helps to lessen hair loss.

2. Maintain a balanced diet to promote hair regrowth

Keep up a balanced diet of vitamins and minerals. Even though your child likely takes up most of your time, you still need to consume a variety of balanced and healthful foods. Your hair follicles will be strengthened and kept from falling out if you eat a balanced diet.

 

3. Avoid tying your hair up too firmly

Use bandanas, scrunchies, or barrettes to draw your hair back instead of tight hair accessories like rubber hair ties or ponytail holders. Avoid too-tight hairstyles like pigtails and ponytails since they exert a lot of tension on the hair and make it prone to fall out.

4. Use the right hair products

They should be appropriate for your hair texture in order to prevent further damage from being done by using the incorrect products. Use softer hair products instead of strong chemical ones that can harm your hair even more.

5. Get adequate rest.

You need to rest a lot after giving birth, and the best time to do it is while your child is asleep.

A good night's sleep may help you feel less stressed. Regular sleep patterns support the body's ability to unwind and recover, boost concentration, regulate mood, and enhance decision-making and judgment. You can handle stress and solve difficulties more successfully when you are well-rested. On the other side, obtaining insufficient sleep reduces your energy and mental clarity. Additionally, this aids in lowering stress hormone release and preventing hair loss.

6. Follow a good hair routine

This means to refrain from overbrushing your hair. Regular hair washing will help you stay clean. You should also protect your hair when going outside in the sun to avoid excessive moisture surrounding your hair.

Postpartum hair loss treatment

Are you interested in postpartum hair loss treatments? You can take a break knowing that the list of therapy alternatives below will keep you safe. Normal postpartum hair loss will not require any of these, but if the condition is severe, you will need the following. Significant hair loss after birth may occur because there may be underlying health issues. In order to stop hair loss and promote hair growth, the doctor would first determine the underlying reason for hair loss.

1. Palate-Rich Plasma

It is a surgical procedure that fixes a receding hairline and encourages hair growth. To separate the plasma from the blood, a sample of the patient's blood is obtained and spun in a machine. Growth factors are then injected into the plasma that has been stimulated. Then, this combination is reinjected into the sparsely-haired areas of the scalp, where the protein-rich plasma awakens the dormant state of the hair follicles and encourages the growth of new healthy hair.

 

2. Hair loss medications can stop postpartum hair loss

Some topical drugs, such as minoxidil (foam or solution form), may be applied alone or in conjunction with PRP to promote the growth of new hair. It has been demonstrated that this medicine efficiently treats female hair thinning and loss.

3. Biotin Supplements

They are remarkably successful in treating postpartum hair loss. Using biotin-fortified shampoo and conditioner is one way to use the vitamin, but you should use it only after seeing your dermatologist.

4. Vitamin Supplements

Make sure you take your postpartum vitamin supplements on time. Make sure to consume zinc, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E every day. You should speak with your doctor so that they can advise you on the ideal dosage for these vitamins.

5. Laser treatment

You can also look for low-level laser devices if you prefer treatments that don't include medicines or side effects. However, you should consult your gynaecologist before beginning this process.

6. Massage your scalp with oil

At least once or twice a week, gently massage heated oils into your scalp before shampooing your hair. Herbal oils calm your scalp while massage increases blood flow to your scalp and promotes hair growth.

Find more information about hair loss here.