Pregnancy and Hair Loss

Hair goes through many various growth cycles but some events such as pregnancy can disturb those natural cycles and trigger hair loss.

During Pregnancy
When a woman becomes pregnant, there will be major hormonal changes occurring within the body. For instance, there will be an increase in oestrogen production which causes some hair follicles to move into the anagen (growth) phase of the cycle so that more hair follicles are producing hair. The higher oestrogen levels will also inhibit some follicles that are in the catagen (shedding) phase so that less hair is being lost. As a result many pregnant women will experience an increase in hair thickness, volume and length. The hair might look healthier than it has for some time. However, sorry ladies, but this boost to the hair is only temporary and the state of the hair can often deteriorate after childbirth.

After Childbirth
When a woman has given birth, there will a dramatic drop in oestrogen levels. The hair follicles then tend to enter the shedding phase. Other follicles will also be affected by the dramatic hormone changes after childbirth and shift into the telogen (resting) phase. As no new hair is being produced and shedding increases, a large number of women will suffer from significant hair loss during this time. This is one of the causes of a hair loss condition called Telogen Effluvium.

The good news is that this is a temporary condition and once the hormone levels have settled down, the hair growth often returns to a normal, pre-pregnancy cycle.  While many women will notice a decrease in shedding levels 6 months after childbirth, it can take up to a year for the body to find its equilibrium.

When to Treat Hair Loss
For some women, the hair loss may not correct itself naturally. In such cases, a doctor can take a blood test and possibly re-balance the hormone levels. It will also be beneficial to see a hair loss specialist who will be able to discuss hair loss treatments and the various options available to you.

Dr. Elena Dimitrova, a hair and scalp specialist at the Belgravia Centre, says, “If the condition hasn’t improved within 6 months it could be worth considering Minoxidil which has a stimulating effect.”  Minoxidil is the only treatment proven to work for female hair loss and has been licensed by the MHRA and approved by the FDA, the medical regulatory bodies in the UK and USA respectively.

Dr Dimitrova adds,“Medroxyprogesterone (MPG) may also work to correct the hair growth cycle.” Belgravia’s Minoxidil formulations contain MPG or azelaic acid and are prepared by the clinic’s in-house pharmacy which is the only pharmacy in the UK dedicated to hair loss treatments.

The Belgravia Centre has many years experience treating hair loss in men and women and are pleased to offer an initial consultation free of charge. To book an appointment, please call 020 7730 6666 or message the centre. Alternatively, if you are unable to visit our clinic in London, please complete the online diagnostic form and a treatment advisor will be in touch to discuss treatment.

More Information:
Hair Loss in Women
Hair Loss Success Stories

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