Post Partum Hair Loss

Many women experience post partum hair loss after giving birth. Technically called telogen effluvium, postpartum hair loss is a normal and healthy occurrence. It is a result of hormonal changes in the body.

Normally, about 90% of your hair is growing at any given time. Hair generally stays in the growing phase, technically known as the anagen phase, for two to three years (sometimes longer). Hair grows about one centimeter per month.

The 10% of your hair that is not growing is in a resting phase, technically known as the telogen phase. After a couple of months, the resting hair falls out. New hair then grows in its place.

During pregnancy, nearly all of your hair keeps growing. It doesn’t enter the resting phase. This is due to the high levels of estrogen in your body. It’s the reason pregnant women are known to have such thick, luxurious hair.

After delivery, though, the estrogen level in your body drops. This signals your hair to go into a resting phase. About 60% of your hair enters a resting phase at this time. Two or three months later, you will experience post partum hair loss as the resting hair falls out. Postpartum hair loss is a thinning of the hair all over the head; it doesn’t cause bald spots.

Preventing Postpartum Hair Loss

There is no way to completely prevent post partum hair loss. However, you can minimize your hair loss by eating a healthy diet and taking a prenatal multi-vitamin and mineral supplement.

There are a number of nutrients your body needs in order to produce healthy hair. Probably the most important is protein. That’s because hair is made up primarily of protein. You don’t need to eat a diet overly high in protein, but should eat two to three servings of protein per day. You also need biotin, a vitamin that helps produce keratin, a protein that helps make up hair.

You need Vitamin B 3 and Vitamin E to enhance the circulation to the scalp. This will promote new hair growth. You also need inositol, which stimulates the hair follicles to produce new hair growth.

The best way to get the vitamins and minerals that you need is to eat a well-rounded diet. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. During pregnancy, you should take a prenatal vitamin. You can continue taking a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement during the first few months postpartum. After that, you may be able to get the nutrients you need from your diet alone.

Treatment of Postpartum Hair Loss

You don’t need to do anything to treat post partum hair loss. It will go away by itself in a couple of months and your hair will go back to its normal growth cycle. However, some women like to use a hair loss treatment to speed the process. You can also try using a shampoo and conditioner that are designed to give added volume to your hair. A good hairstylist can give you more tips on ways to disguise your post partum hair loss.

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