Causes And Treatment Of Hair Loss After Pregnancy

Women who have given birth already know that it is a common experience to face hair loss after pregnancy. About 50% of women experience this problem at one stage or another after pregnancy, usually one to five months after the baby's birth. In many cases, an increased hair loss is experienced some three months after the delivery. This is not a pleasant situation for most of these women as it affects their looks and mood. Worse though, new mothers are already prone to postnatal depression and hair loss after pregnancy adds to the depressive feelings and lower self-esteem.

Hormones

The gain and or loss of hair in pregnant women and new mothers are mostly caused by a change in the levels of female hormones, primarily those of estrogen. During the pregnancy, most women commonly experience an increase in their scalp hair. This is the result of an increase in estrogen levels, which speed up metabolism and the supply of nutrients to all parts of the body, including the scalp, thus promoting hair growth. However, estrogen levels subside after delivery and are readjusted to the natural level as before pregnancy, hence the problem of hair loss after pregnancy. Some other causes relating to reproduction may also contribute to the loss of hair after delivery like discontinuing the use of contraceptives, miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion and hormonal imbalance resulting from various reasons.

Hair loss after pregnancy is usually a temporary problem and most women come out of this problem without taking any kind of remedial measures. In some cases, however, the problem may continue and becomes a matter of concern, especially for women who already lack thick hair growth. In such cases, a number of treatment approaches can be applied to recover from hair loss. Hair care and nutrition are the two major means of promoting healthy growth of hair after pregnancy.

Hair Care And Hair Growth

Adequate methods of hair care have been found helpful in restoring hair to a thicker growth. Styling hair that involves pulling and stressing it should be avoided such as pigtails, cornrows, hair weaves and braids. Using tight hair rollers is also not recommended. Applying essential oils like lavender, neroli, patchouli and sandalwood promotes healthy hair growth. Also advisable for use are shampoos and conditioners containing biotin and silica. In addition, wet hair should not be rubbed hard since they break off easily. Massaging the scalp gently at least once a day stimulates the hair follicles to develop thicker hair.

Nutrition And Hair Growth

Healthy diet also helps in coping with hair loss after pregnancy. Fresh vegetables and fruits are the ideal kinds of food for promoting healthy and thick hair growth. Following the advice of their doctor, women should also consider regular use of nutritional supplements containing Vitamin B, Vitamin, C, Vitamin E and zinc.