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Postpartum Alopecia - Hair Loss after Pregnancy

By Jared Wright

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Published: 22Feb2010
Word count: 486
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It is not uncommon for a woman to experience hair loss after the birth of her baby. Postpartum alopecia is marked by hair loss after pregnancy, and is due to the reduction of the female sex hormone, estrogen.

During pregnancy, estrogen levels are at their highest, leading to increased hair growth. After pregnancy, estrogen levels drop, which causes an increase in the male hormone testosterone, resulting in hair loss. Testosterone is produced in the male testes, and in lesser amounts by the female ovaries.

Normally, we shed between fifty to one-hundred hairs per day. Postpartum alopecia most often peaks in approximately four months after giving birth. After about twelve months, normal hair thickness and length returns.

At any given time, about ninety percent of you hair is in the growing stage. The remaining hair is in a resting stage and falls out after completing this stage. As old hairs are shed new hairs take their place. It is after the resting stage when hair loss occurs.

As hormone levels elevate during pregnancy hair growth is above normal and there is less shedding. However, after delivery, the hairs that would have normally been shed tend to fall out all at once, causing the hair to take on a thinner than usual appearance.

This is all a very normal occurrence and not much can be done to avoid it. You can take steps to make postpartum alopecia less noticeable. For instance, wearing a shorter hairstyle can help giver a fuller look to the hair.

Securing the hair during sleep, such as a loose ponytail, will reduce the incidence of friction that causes hair loss.

Satin pillows are instrumental in preventing hair loss after pregnancy and at any other time as well, as they help to reduce friction to the hair. In fact, this is what causes hair loss in infants, due to the rubbing of the head while lying in the crib.

You may find hair missing around the back of the baby's head. This is normal and the hair loss is only temporary.

Other causes of hair loss may include:

Stopping birth control pills, miscarriage or stillbirth, abortion, and a hormonal imbalance.

All of the above relate to fluctuation in estrogen levels, which is the same thing as a hormone imbalance. Remember, increased estrogen means hair growth, while a decrease in this hormone will result in hair loss.

Management:

- Eat a healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables

- Avoid the use of harsh chemical preparations on the hair

- Forget the cornrows and tight braids which tend to pull the hair

- Use shampoos and conditioners that contain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, such as biotin to nourish the hair

Even though not much can be done about postpartum alopecia, there are things you can do to minimize the affects of hair loss after pregnancy. Proper hair care will make all the difference in the world.

Jared Wright is the marketing manager of Clivir.com where people meet to learn from one another on topics such as female hair loss. You can follow the links to find more related articles such as female thinning hair and hair loss in woman.

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