What people will usually tell you is that birthing a child is the most beautiful, wonderful thing you could ever imagine in your life. And while yes, that is generally true, a lot of them fail to mention the toll it takes on our bodies. The drain and the strain in between the joy and love. Our bodies suffer and change massively, not only during our pregnancy but also after. And one of those things that can change, is the start of sudden hair loss.
What causes hair loss in this situation?
Though it’s not really talked about that much, the symptom is surprisingly common. Over two-thirds of all women experience postpartum hair loss in some form after giving birth. That’s a huge chunk! It’s even more obvious to us due to the fact that during pregnancy, the hormonal changes may actually result in increased hair growth (something people do tell you about), so losing all those extra hairs and thickness becomes even more obvious to us afterwards.
Our hormones go wild during those extraordinary months, so it’s no surprise that they are at fault for this, too. As the body starts to readjust, the increased shedding of hair is simply one of its symptoms. It thins out more concentrated than it usually does, which results in, unfortunately, thinning or even balding patches on our heads.
The good news is that this phase is usually only temporary – for most of us something along the lines of 3 to 6 months. But even with that knowledge, it can be rather stressful to deal with. It’s simply another added challenge to a time when our minds and bodies work overtime. Coupled with the energy it takes us to care for our newborn child, things such as this can take huge tolls on our confidence, self-esteem and general well-being.
What can help dealing with this symptom?
First of all: these feelings are absolutely normal. They are valid and they need to be taken seriously. So, the first step is to understand that it is a natural response of your body, one that is only temporary. As with so many things our body does, hair grows in a cycle. There is growth, regression, rest, and shedding. As soon as a couple of months have passed after giving birth, this cycle should normalise itself automatically again and the loss gradually get less and less. It’s a sign that your hormones are returning back to being in your usual balance.
Some women also explore treatments like finasteride or dutasteride to address ongoing hair thinning, though it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before considering these options.
This means, that we simply have to wait it out – and be compassionate with ourselves as we do so. Patience is a virtue now more than ever and don’t shy away from seeking support from your loved ones or healthcare provider.
It helps in these months to be extra aware of your diet; add lots of vitamins and nutrients and stay hydrated to support your body in finding its balance again as best you can. Practise gentle hair care, too. That’s mild shampoos, avoiding styling (especially heat!), and treating yourself to scalp massages. If you want to give your confidence a boost, have a look at hair thickeners for both men and women. They can cosmetically cover thinning patches, basically acting as a concealer.
What to do when the hair loss doesn’t stop?
If it’s been months and it feels like the thinning isn’t slowing down or showing signs of stopping, or if you notice that your mental health suffers under it, contact your GP about it. They’ll be able to help you beyond just giving mental support; dermatologists or providers that specialise in hair loss can further recommend treatments depending on what you need – be that topical solutions or supplements for your diet.
Pregnancy and childbirth are beautiful. But they do ask a lot of us – emotionally and physically. Whatever you are going through, don’t be afraid to reach out. Because in this, you are everything but alone.
Thank you for reading.
