Effect of Pregnancy on Hair Loss
Effect of Pregnancy on Hair Loss
During pregnancy, changes in hormone levels can affect hair growth and loss. Here's a comprehensive overview of the effect of pregnancy on hair loss:
Hair Loss During Pregnancy: Telogen Effluvium
- Approximately 90% of hair is growing at any one time, while the other 10% enter a resting phase. Telogen effluvium is the excessive shedding of hair that occurs one to five months following pregnancy. It affects somewhere between 40 to 50% of women and is temporary. Hair loss during pregnancy is not uncommon, as it affects somewhere between 40 to 50% of women; but like most changes during pregnancy, it is temporary1.
Changes to Hair During Pregnancy
- Hair can become thinner due to a decrease in estrogen, which may happen as a result of stopping the oral contraceptive pill, experiencing an abortion, miscarriage, or stillbirth, or a hormonal imbalance during pregnancy. It is also common for women to experience hair loss after pregnancy when their estrogen returns to normal levels. This hair loss is usually nothing to worry about, and hair growth will return to normal by the time the baby is around 12 months old2.
Hair Growth and Loss
- While it's common to experience increased hair growth during pregnancy, it's also normal to experience hair loss. Hair loss during pregnancy may be due to hormones, stress, or underlying factors. After giving birth, it's common for women to lose more hair than usual for up to three months, usually due to the extra hair grown during pregnancy3.
Postpartum Hair Loss
- Postpartum hair loss is more likely, with many women experiencing hair loss after the baby is born. Some women may experience hair loss during early pregnancy, but this is uncommon. It is largely due to the stress and/or shock of experiencing pregnancy, known as telogen effluvium4.
Conclusion
- Pregnancy can lead to changes in hair growth and loss due to hormonal fluctuations. While some women may experience increased hair growth during pregnancy, others may experience hair loss, which is often temporary and related to the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. If excessive hair loss is a concern, it's advisable to consult a doctor for further evaluation3.
