Hair after childbirth: why does it fall out?

Why does hair fall out in abundance after childbirth?

Among the causes of hair loss:

• sudden drop in estrogen;
• tiredness;
• stress
• any nutritional deficiencies;
• possible changes in thyroid values.

When the woman gives birth there is a sudden drop in estrogen, while reactivating the various hormones that were there before pregnancy, including testosterone. This abrupt variation causes, usually 3-4 months after childbirth, a fairly copious loss of hair - which in technical terms is called post-partum defluvium - which is found largely in the telogen phase (the final phase of life cycle of the hair, which involves its loss).

To the hormonal changes are added the fatigue and stress that often accompany the woman in the delicate post-partum period, plus any nutritional deficiencies (especially iron) and possible fluctuations in thyroid values, which can complete the picture and accentuate the defluvium.

Read also: Hair in pregnancy and after childbirth

Falling hair: the remedies

Post-partum diarrhea: how much is hard

First of all, calm down: post-partum defluvium is a physiological and temporary process, which lasts about 3 months and that passes spontaneously. After this period, the hair begins to grow again and the hair returns as thick as before.

The remedies

If the fall seems particularly copious, it may be advisable to contact the dermatologist, who will first evaluate if there are concomitant factors, such as

• anemia
• or thyroid changes.

If he sees fit, he will prescribe supplements with strengthening substances, such as:

• cystine,
• Vitamin B,
• omega 3 and 6,
• antioxidants.

But no to these supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding: in this period it is preferable to take specific supplements for the mother, which contain a mix of vitamins and mineral salts that are also good for the health of the stem and bulb.

A valid help can also give it topical lotions, which contain vasodilating substances, plus vitamin B, PP, aole, which improve microcirculation and fortify the bulb; in the acute phase of falling, however, I recommend avoiding them, but only because the friction could give us the impression of making the hair fall even more, and this certainly does not help on a psychological level!

Consulting of Marcella Rituffo, medical director at the Dermopathic Institute of the Immaculate Conception (IDI) in the city.

Read also: Breastfeeding and hair loss: the experiences of mothers

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• hair
• colors
• care
• pregnancy beauty