Hair Loss after Pregnancy

Many people find that during pregnancy their hair looks really lush and healthy. This is because the hormones produced induce more hair than usual to enter the growth stage of its cycle. Unfortunately this also means that a few weeks after the end of pregnancy, when these hormones naturally diminish, more hair than usual enters the shedding stage and so many women will notice an increase in hair loss at this time.

In almost all cases this is a temporary matter that will right itself with time, although as hair is slow to grow, this may take some months. Some people find that a new style helps at this time.

For a certain section of the female population hair regrowth afterwards may be slightly different – perhaps curlier than before. If this happens to you the situation is liable to persist, so again a new style may be necessary.

For some women the problem is exacerbated by the fact that, trying to regain their pre-pregnancy weight and figure, they diet excessively. Too little protein and a shortage of iron can induce hairloss. Also having a baby should be a happy time, but for some the extra stress involved, especially if they have some underlying illness, can induce excessive hair loss.
Coming off the birth control pill in order to get pregnant may bring about hair loss which is disguised by your pregnancy and only obvious afterwards.

If you suspect that your hair loss is excessive see your doctor. He or she will either be able to reassure you or will check that there is not another problem such as the onset of hypothyroidism. For most women though matters will eventually right themselves. So enjoy your baby before he or she becomes an independant toddler.