At any point in time in your life, 90% of your hair is in the growing stage while 10% remain in the resting stage. After staying for 2-3 months in the resting phase i.e. telogen phase, the hair fall and new hair replace them. However, the scenario is different during pregnancy. The fact that pregnancy causes hair loss is very well known. The hair does not shed, instead, they become thicker due to the release of large amounts of oestrogen hormone which freezes the hair and stops them from falling. There is no need to worry if your hair becomes too thick because post-delivery, your hair will fall out automatically as the oestrogen levels will be back to normal again resulting in hair loss.
Causes of Hair Loss During Pregnancy
Hair loss for 3-4 months after pregnancy is very normal and will not cause bald spots but you must keep a check on your hair fall till at least 6 to 12 months post delivery. However, hormonal changes and certain other factors like physical changes can cause hair loss after pregnancy but there can be other causes as well. Let us have a look at the causes of hair loss due to pregnancy:
1. Genetic
Women are most likely to be associated with the genetic background of their family. In most cases, if the mother of the pregnant woman suffered from hair loss after pregnancy, it will be an easy guess that you suffer from the same.
2. PCOS
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It is a hormonal imbalance due to which the ovaries produce more male hormones due to which, women experience excessive hair growth or hair loss on the scalp.
3. Thyroid
The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating metabolism, digestive system, mental health, and even the maintenance of hair and nails. Pregnant women, especially those suffering from hypothyroid i.e. when the thyroid level is lower than it is supposed to be, experience hair fall as a result of the thyroid problem.
4. Hormonal Changes
This is one of the basic and important causes of hair loss due to pregnancy. Since a new human being is inside a woman’s body, certain changes are bound to occur. Telogen effluvium occurs due to the fluctuation in the hormones, however, the condition lasts only for a small time duration. The loss is recovered 3-6 months after pregnancy.
5. Skin Problem in the Scalp
Pregnancy causes hair loss as a lot of women suffer from skin problems and allergies which affect their scalp which leads to hair thinning and cause hair fall.
6. Illness
Pregnant women, in most cases, suffer from gestational diabetes or a fungal infection known as ringworm. Medications for high blood pressure, anxiety, or depression can lead to an increase in the hair fall. In such a case, you must inform your doctor about the same.
7. Poor Nutrition
During pregnancy, the body requires more nutrition, especially iron. Vomiting and nausea which are very likely to happen in the first trimester causes weakness and poor nutrition in the body. Even intake of excess vitamins, especially vitamin A can also lead to hair fall.
Hair Loss After Pregnancy
Apart from the above reasons why pregnancy causes hair loss, there can be other causes like birth control medications, miscarriage, abortion. Iron deficiency and trauma can be another reason. But the best part is that you are assured to have your head full of hair back after a couple of months post delivery.
