Pregnancy and Hair Loss

Posted by Kate

In this article: Hair Loss | Women's Hair Loss


Hair growth and hair shedding is a natural cycle, however, some events can interrupt the cycle and result in a temporary change in hair growth patterns. A lot of women will experience excessive hair loss after pregnancy but, in most cases, it shouldn’t be a cause for concern.

pregnancy-thinning-hairHormonal changes


When a woman becomes pregnant her body begins to undergo some very significant hormonal changes. One of the changes is an increase in oestrogen and progesterone production.

“Higher levels of female hormones will make the hair growth cycle longer but the resting stage will be very short,” says Dr. Elena Dimitrova, a hair and scalp specialist at the Belgravia Centre.

High levels of oestrogen cause some hair follicles to shift into the anagen (growth) phase of the cycle so an above average number of follicles are producing hair during this time. The increased oestrogens will also inhibit some follicles that are in the catagen (intermediary) phase so less hair is lost during this time.

“This is why during pregnancy a women’s hair grows faster and is strong, thick and beautiful,” Dr. Dimitrova says.

After the birth however, hormone levels start to get back to normal again and so does the hair. Because so many hairs are at the same growing phase, they will also enter the resting phase simultaneously which means you’ll notice above average hair thinning.

“The dramatic hormonal changes after birth can result in telogen effluvium up to 25 percent of hair can be lost which is quite significant,” Dr. Dimitrova says. But don’t panic, she adds, because it is a reversible condition which gradually corrects itself. “The hair growth cycle should balance out and return to its right proportion within six months.”

Reversing hair loss following pregnancy


Natural products such as tonics and supplements can improve telogen effluvium but according to Dr. Dimitrova, it is not known for certain whether the supplements speed up the process or if the condition solely corrects itself.

In some cases the temporary hairloss experienced after pregnancy may not right itself without effective treatment.

“If the condition hasn’t improved within six months it could be worth considering high strength minoxidil which has a stimulating effect,” she says. “This can help to accelerate the hair growth cycle.” A number of different formulations are available from Belgravia's in-clinic pharmacies and can be used in addition to various hair growth boosters.

Interesting Articles
Halle Berry's Pregnancy Hair Loss
Botox Claimed to Prevent Baldness
DIY Baldness Test
I had telogen effluvium 3 years ago but my hair is still falling out...
Can Highlights Cause Hair Loss?

Copy of New Street Ground Floor Reception 1 no pink nail polish

The Belgravia Centre

The Belgravia Centre is a world-renowned group of a hair loss clinic in Central London, UK. If you are worried about hair loss you can arrange a free consultation with a hair loss expert or complete our Online Consultation from anywhere in the world for home-use treatment.

View our Hair Loss Success Stories, which includes the world's largest gallery of hair growth photos and demonstrates the level of success that so many of Belgravia's patients achieve.

Posted by Kate

In this article: Hair Loss | Women's Hair Loss