When does postpartum hair loss start?

After having a baby, you’ll likely notice many changes in your body. One thing you may notice that you haven’t experienced before is postpartum hair loss. In this article, we’re answering the question, when does postpartum hair loss start?

This article includes:

• What is postpartum hair loss?
• When does postpartum hair loss start?
• What causes postpartum hair loss?
• Can you prevent postpartum hair loss?
• How long does postpartum hair loss last?

What is postpartum hair loss?

Postpartum hair loss is simply when the hair starts to fall out after pregnancy. People notice this hair loss in different ways. For example, some women notice their hair looking much thinner than before pregnancy. This is often easy to spot, as pregnancy can cause the hair to become thicker.

Other women may notice hair loss when running their hands through their hair. They may notice more loose strands than they did previously. Although postpartum hair loss is not ideal, many women choose to wait it out.

Some women may seek medical advice. This can be a good idea as it can rule out anything else that may be causing hair loss. You could speak to your doctor if you become worried. They may advise you to monitor your experience, or they may conduct some tests. You should keep note of any other symptoms in addition to noticeable hair loss.

When does postpartum hair loss start?

In most women, postpartum hair loss occurs around three months after giving birth. With so much going on after birth, some things can be tricky to spot. It’s important to take some time to check in with yourself to see how you’re feeling and identify any changes.

Many of these changes are likely to be caused by the after-effects of pregnancy. However, if you do become worried, you should always seek medical advice. A professional can offer you the best advice and treatment.

Some women notice hair loss much earlier than three months postpartum. The time scales may vary as our bodies are all different. Those with more fine hair may notice the shedding hair more.

What causes postpartum hair loss?

You’ll already be aware of the hormonal changes that come with having a baby. Many assume that these changes will stop after the pregnancy ends. However, that’s not the case. Your hormones actually take months before they return to normal pre-pregnancy levels.

Some activities can cause the pregnancy hormones to take even longer to return to how they were. These can include breastfeeding. When breastfeeding, the body must continue to produce prolactin, which allows the body to produce milk. This slows down your ovulation, which also affects the body.

Fluctuating hormone levels are likely the cause of your postpartum hair loss. The hormone estrogen is highest during the last trimester of pregnancy. After giving birth, this hormone drops quickly. This is the reason why many women experience hair loss after giving birth.

The rise of estrogen levels in pregnancy makes the hair appear thicker and more glossy. However, as the estrogen levels drop later, these effects wear off. This means that the excess hair has to fall out. So, even though it looks like post-pregnancy hair loss, it might actually be your extra hair shedding to how it was before.

Can you prevent postpartum hair loss?

For many women, postpartum hair loss is inevitable, and little can be done. Some women do find that there are some ways to reduce the amount of loose hair they experience.

One thing to remember is that postpartum hair loss is a temporary thing. After your hormones return to their normal levels, you should find that hair loss stops too. Losing your hair can be worrying and can make you feel self-conscious. There is usually nothing to worry about, so try not to let it get you down.

Healthy diet

Your diet plays an important role in how you feel both physically and mentally. A good diet keeps your body healthy and means you’re in a better position to fight illnesses and maintain good health.

A healthy diet means ensuring that you eat a range of foods and drink plenty of water. This can help you to feel more energised too. Some postpartum essential oils may support you by boosting your mood and energy levels.

Many women may experience baby blues a short while after having a baby. For some, this can go away after a few days, but it can last longer for others. Speak to a professional if you feel worried about your mental health. You may be experiencing a hormone imbalance after pregnancy.

Gentle exercise

Exercise during the postpartum period should be done with caution. This is because the body is recovering from labour. All women should only exercise gently after having a baby, but those who have a c-section may be advised to wait longer.

A c-section is a major surgery that requires time and patience to recover from. After a while, walking may be advised. This should only be for short periods and be on a flat surface until your body becomes stronger again.

Vitamins for postpartum hair loss

Many people take vitamins regularly. Vitamins can help to support the immune system and other areas of the body.

Be aware of the ingredients in any supplements you take. It’s a good idea to chat about them with a doctor to ensure they are safe for you. This is particularly important if you are breastfeeding your little one.

Here are some vitamins you could chat to your doctor about for healthy hair growth.

• Biotin
• Vitamin E
• Collagen
• Omega 3

Generally, we get enough of most vitamins from our daily lives. Sometimes, these vitamins can be in a lesser supply, so people turn to supplements.

It’s absolutely crucial that you seek advice from your doctor before taking new vitamins. They will advise you on what is safe to take, accounting for breastfeeding.

Take time for yourself

We know it’s much easier said than done to take time for yourself with a new baby, but it’s important. Even a 20-minute bath can help you to feel more relaxed. Stress can cause physical symptoms, such as hair loss.

Other tips include: using a volumizing shampoo, using a curling iron to give volume and trying a different hairstyle to add body to the hair. A healthcare provider may suggest a postpartum hair loss treatment.

How long does postpartum hair loss last?

There is no way of knowing when your postpartum hair loss will stop. However, some women find that their bodies are back to normal by six months. This means the hair will have the same appearance as it did before becoming pregnant.

Some women may notice changes after using these methods, but ultimately, you cannot do much to stop postpartum hair loss. This postpartum condition is totally normal and you really just have to wait for it to stop.

Seek advice if you experience postpartum hair loss that lasts a long time or notice large clumps of loose hair. This hair shedding could be a sign of something more serious. Therefore, it’s always better to check your symptoms with a professional.

We hope this article has been useful regarding postpartum hair loss. The good news is that your hair loss should only last a few months before it finishes. However, if you notice balding patches or large clumps of hair, seek medical advice. This excessive hair shedding could be something that requires medical help.