Have you noticed changes to your hair after having a baby and wondering how long does postpartum hair loss last? Here’s everything you need to know about postpartum hair loss.
Pregnancy is known for having luscious hair and glowing skin but the postpartum period is usually a little different. Instead of long, thick hair, most women are faced with postpartum hair loss.
So when does it start and how long does postpartum hair loss last?
After reading this post, you will know everything there is to know about postpartum hair loss. This includes what causes postpartum hair loss, when it starts, how long it lasts, the best postpartum hair loss remedies and treatments and even postpartum hair loss regrowth!
This post is all about how long does postpartum hair loss last.
Postpartum Hair Loss
What is it?
It’s exactly what it sounds like – hair loss that occurs during the postpartum period.
It might freak you out at first but it’s totally normal and not something you should be concerned about. So many new moms experience it!
And don’t worry, you don’t have to worry about going bald because of postpartum hair loss.
It’s really just a temporary phase that occurs during the postpartum period. Your hair follicles will grow back and if you are ever concerned about it, your doctor should be able to address all of your questions.
What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?
Surprise, surprise… hormone fluctuations are at the root of it all.
During pregnancy, higher levels of estrogen and progesterone contribute to hair remaining in an ongoing growth stage so it grows faster and sheds less.
But these hormone levels fall during the postpartum period to pre-pregnancy levels. This combined with lack of sleep and potentially stress on your nutrition can lead to postpartum hair loss starting at around three months postpartum.
Postpartum Hormones
Every new mom experiences a rollercoaster of emotions following the birth of her child. One minute you are the happiest parent in the world and the next you may be feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Postpartum hormones and the mental and physical changes that come with them are usually not thought of during pregnancy. But they kick in right after you give birth, so they are definitely something to understand.
It is important that remember that your hormones are going crazy after birth, your lifestyle has changed overnight and you probably are not getting the sleep that you are used to. It can be a lot for anyone to handle, let alone a mother who just went through birth!
Regardless of how your baby came into the world, it is normal to feel that rollercoaster of emotions from hour to hour and day to day. No two days are the same with newborns and that is part of the fun of it.
But I want you to know that every emotion you are feeling is valid and other moms are going through it too, they just might not openly talk about it.
Key Postpartum Hormones
- Progesterone – It is extremely high during pregnancy but drops dramatically after birth once the placenta is delivered and no longer in your body. This allows milk production to begin. Your body will not start to produce progesterone again until you get your first period, which may create a temporary postpartum imbalance.
- Estrogen – Estrogen levels are at an all time high during pregnancy but starts to decrease as soon as you give birth. This is especially important if you are breastfeeding because too much estrogen can prevent milk production.
- Prolactin – Prolactin levels increase during pregnancy to prepare your body for milk production and continue to increase postpartum. It is known to contribute to feelings of euphoria and happiness. A deficiency of prolactin may lead to bonding issues between you and baby. So, skin-to-skin contact is highly recommended and if you wish to breastfeed, you should do so as soon as possible after the baby is born.
- Oxytocin – Oxytocin is known as the “baby bonding hormone” and levels immediately rise after birth as you snuggle and feed your baby. The hormone is responsible for the strong mothering instincts you will feel and helps compensate for the initial drop in progesterone and estrogen after birth.
How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?
It’s hard to say exactly when postpartum hair loss starts and when it stops because every woman’s experience with hair loss is different – even a mom’s first pregnancy to second pregnancy.
In general though, you can expect to return to your normal hair growth cycle between six to twelve months after birth.
If you notice your postpartum hair loss lasting longer than that, it’s probably time to talk to your doctor about it. Another postpartum condition such as hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) could be the culprit. It’s important to identify a postpartum condition such as this so your doctor can determine the proper treatment plan.
Postpartum Hair Loss Remedies
Although there isn’t one sure-fire way to stop or prevent postpartum hair loss, there are several remedies that you can try. Some of them will even encourage regrowth.
- Decrease the use of heat on your hair (flat iron, curling iron, etc)
- Include fruits and vegetables in your diet
- Avoid tight ponytails and braids
- Don’t wash your hair every day
- Continue to take prenatal or postnatal vitamins to support you postpartum (doctor approved)
- Decrease stress (ask for help, take more naps, get outside, etc)
- Incorporate self care and relaxation into your lifestyle
- Take a baby sleep class to help your baby sleep better which will in turn help you sleep better
Some of these are easier done than others given you will have a newborn at home. But it doesn’t hurt to try to decrease your stress and get more sleep!
This post was all about how long does postpartum hair loss last.
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