Having a baby is one of the most rewarding experiences any woman can have. Yet, it comes with many changes. Not only is your life completely different, but you’ll also experience a significant shift in your body including your hair. Once you’ve had a baby, it is quite common to experience hair loss. Often referred to as postpartum hair loss, this condition can become worrisome when it happens. It doesn’t have to be. Most women will experience this hair loss or hair thinning, but that doesn’t mean it is here to stay. In fact, for many, it will significant improve over time.
What Is Normal Hair Loss After Having a Baby?
Typically, individuals will experience hair loss every day of their lives. Most people lose between 50 and 100 strands of hair on a daily basis. This is normal. Now, when it comes to postpartum hair loss, it is important to consider these numbers a bit differently.
It is normally that between 85 and 95 percent of your hair will be growing at any one time. That means that at any time there is between 5 and 15 percent in the resting stage. During this cycle, hair falls out at the end of the growth stage – at the start of the resting stage. It remains that way for a short period of time. This is why you shed hair on a normal basis – these hairs falling out are the hair that is entering the resting stage.
Now, during pregnancy, the hormones in your body change rapidly. Your hormones have to tell your body how to act, how to care for the baby, how the organs should work, and every other stage in the process. This often leads to increased estrogen levels in the blood stream. That estrogen also causes changes in your hair.
How Does Estrogen Impact Your Hair?
During pregnancy, your body has a higher level of estrogen present. That’s normal and generally does not cause a problem. However, estrogen also causes the hair to remain in the growth stage longer. Many women experience thicker, healthier looking hair while they are pregnant as a direct result of that. You’re losing fewer hairs each day while you are pregnant.
Now, your body is ready to give birth. After that occurs, the estrogen levels in the body return back to a more normal level. That, too, is very natural. But, has this happens, you’ll notice more hair fall out at one time. It’s much like a catch-up phase for hair. At this point, your hair loss seems more significant even though it is likely not much more than normal.
Restoring Your Healthy Hair
This phase of hair loss does not last too long. Within the first six to 12 months after having given birth, your body will work on repairing and normalizing. Estrogen levels return to balanced levels. And, your pre-pregnancy thickness in your hair is also likely to come back. You’ll see less shedding starting at about three months after giving birth.
The question many women ask is what can they do about it. Unfortunately, there are many over the counter products that seem to promise big things. They often cannot help. You will not be able to stop your hair from falling out during this postpartum phase. It is a natural process and one that’s generally not connected to your health or medications. The products you are using, such as hair styling products or hair thickening products, may seem to give your hair a fuller look, though. These products do not necessarily stop the hair loss, but they help to you to feel as though your hair is more naturally full.
The key here is to give your body time. As you work through the hormone adjustments back to a normal level and get into your new routine, you’ll notice changes to your skin and hair. That’s to be expected. If you feel that it may be too much or you are losing clumps of hair at a time, it is time to speak to your doctor about what may be happening. Most women will see their natural thickness return in no time. Interested in more information? Contact us for your private, free consultation.
