Postpartum Alopecia or losing hair after giving birth seems unusual but can become permanent if disregarded. Hormonal take a lot of transition from the day of conception to after childbirth, which produces excessive hair shedding. The existing hair becoming thinner and weaker each day affects the hair's natural life cycle and increases estrogen levels in the body.
Though it may not happen to everyone, baby blues or Telogen Effluvium needs a lot of attention. In order to have a clear path to solve this issue, let's take a look at some causes and remedies beforehand.
Increased levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
The DHT level is heightened during the postpartum stage, produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. It can make the hair shedding severe due to the lack of enough blood supply in the capillaries going to the hair follicles. The good thing is that this type of hair loss is temporary and should go away after you give birth.
Postpartum Hair Loss
Postpartum hair loss usually starts 3-4 months after delivery or during the breastfeeding period when there is no menstruation cycle due to breastfeeding. The hormonal change during this period results in excessive shedding of scalp hairs and other organs, such as skin and nails, causing them to become thinner and weaker.
Hormonal Changes:
Hormonal changes can affect your hair growth. During pregnancy, your body produces more estrogen and progesterone, which causes the hair follicles to swell up and grow more hair than usual. When this extra hair sheds off, it can lead to temporary hair loss. Some women experience higher testosterone levels during pregnancy which also increases the rate at which their hair sheds off.
Anemia
Iron plays a vital role in producing healthy hair. Unfortunately, the iron level of women during pregnancy drops down until the breastfeeding stage. This condition can cause hair loss, fatigue, and weakness in people who suffer from it. You should consult your doctor if you notice any symptoms of anemia while pregnant or immediately after giving birth to get proper treatment so that it doesn't affect your health adversely in the long run.
Thyroid Problem
Thyroid problems can occur in men and women, but they are more common in women. If you have recently given birth, you may be more likely to develop a thyroid disorder because of the increased demands on your body during pregnancy.
It's something that most women don't know about until it happens to them, which is when they start looking for answers. But hey, you're here, which means you have what it takes to tackle this issue. Feel free to search for help such as free resources online, connect with others who have experienced hair loss, and take action. All you need to do is find a way to move forward so that you can look your best for years to come.
