Hair loss after pregnancy (noticeable loss of more than an average of 100 hairs per day) is extremely common. A study on this issue revealed that postpartum hair loss occurs in 68.4% of women and more, even.
"For many women, hair is an important part of their identity," says Aaron Chen, dermatologist. "Losing them can have an impact on self-esteem, but it can be especially difficult for new mothers who are experiencing dramatic hormonal changes while being sleep-deprived and full of other postpartum situations."
So what exactly is hair loss after pregnancy?
- What causes hair loss after childbirth?
According to Dr. Chen, understanding postpartum hair loss begins with knowing more about the hair's life cycle. Normal and healthy hair growth occurs in four phases: Growth, transition, rest and shedding. Pregnancy can temporarily disrupt this cycle due to an increase in estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that keep hair in its resting state longer.
-What does hair loss look like after giving birth?
As with pregnancy, this phenomenon can vary from person to person. It is common for a woman who has given birth to a child to see receding hairline around the face or on the temples. These are the two most common areas, but there can also be a decrease in the entire scalp and hair length.
- How to understand if you will have hair loss after pregnancy?
There doesn't seem to be an exact way to know whether or not you'll lose some hair after giving birth, but there are some factors that can put you at higher risk. A family history of hair loss after pregnancy, a difficult pregnancy, having twins [or any multiple births], or other health problems such as thyroid disease, anemia, polycystic ovary syndrome, or autoimmune conditions may increase your risk of women for hair loss.
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Source: Allure
