Pregnancy can take a toll on the body with all of the changes a woman goes through. However, just as many changes occur after pregnancy to a woman that can be equally jarring or alarming. One such change is potential hair loss after pregnancy. While not a serious concern, a new mother recovering from the pain of childbirth could be hit with a blow to her self esteem when her luscious hair, augmented through her elevate hormone levels and prenatal vitamins consumption, begins to fall out. Here are several questions answered that pertain to hair loss after pregnancy.

Q: How does hair loss occur?

A: Hair loss can be understood by studying the cycle of hair growth. At any one time, over ninety percent of all the hair on your body is growing for a period of three or four years. The remainder is in a state of rest the usually last several months before the hair falls out and a new one takes its place. Hair loss factors typically interrupt this natural cycle of growth, rest and loss. One of the most common types of hair loss is telogen effluvium. This is where the hair follicle enters its dormant stage earlier, causing the hair strand to fall out prematurely and preventing a new strand of hair from growing in its place.

Q: How does pregnancy factor into this?

A: Pregnancy actually is a hair growth booster. Hormone levels typically regulate the cycle of hair growth and as pregnancy is full of an influx of new hormones, hair growth is generally accelerated. The hair growing is usually thicker, fuller and grows faster compared to non pregnancy hair. You’re body also will retain hair that was intended to fall out during pregnancy due to heightened levels of hormones.

Q: How does pregnancy cause hair loss then?

A: The greatest period of hair loss after pregnancy occurs usually three months after pregnancy. This is during a period of great transition for a new mother as hormone levels crash downwards to pre pregnancy levels. This gives the impression of hair loss as the formerly thick and full head of hair reverts back to the way it was before the pregnancy. Growth is curtailed. Furthermore, all the hair retained during pregnancy is now free to fall out as the elevated hormone levels are no longer keeping it in place.

Q: Are there other factors from pregnancy that cause hair loss?

A: Beyond a reduction in hormones, heightened levels of stress may also promote more hair loss. Stress plays havoc with a myriad of bodily functions and can cause hair loss through preventing proper growth of new hair strands. Having a new child may elevate stress levels, especially in unsupportive environments or environments that are not conducive to raising a child.

Q: What can be done about hair loss after pregnancy?

A: Hair should return to normal after the initial three month loss period. Consult a doctor should abnormal hair loss continue as this may be a sign of a potential imbalance.