Postpartum Hair Loss: When to See a Doctor

Welcoming a new child into the world is a beautiful thing. Pregnancy is a journey, filled with numerous mental and physical changes, and it all ends with your new bundle of joy. One change you may be worried about is postpartum hair loss, or when your hair thins and sheds more frequently after giving birth. 

What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?

Postpartum hair loss, which is medically known as ‘telogen effluvium’, is caused by hormonal changes after childbirth. You will experience high estrogen levels during pregnancy, but after you give birth, your levels will fall once again. This sudden shift will impact your hair growth cycle and cause a higher than average amount of your hair to shift into the resting and then shedding phase. 

Telogen effluvium generally starts around 3 to 6 months after giving birth. Additional factors like stress, poor sleep, nutritional deficiencies and fatigue can also contribute to postpartum hair loss.

Although your hormonal levels are returning to their normal state, this hair loss is so noticeable because more hair will be lost right away. On an average day, a person loses about 100 hairs, but someone going through postpartum hair loss will lose much more than that. 

It’s normal to feel distressed by hair loss. So, it’s vital to understand that this hair loss is entirely normal. It’s a natural reaction to your hormonal changes, and it’s not a permanent change. However, treatments are available to support better hair regrowth and health. 

Look for these signs to determine if you’re experiencing postpartum hair loss:

• You see more hair than usual when brushing or washing your hair.

• Your hair feels thinner and less voluminous than before.

• You notice more of your scalp showing, bald spots or thinning around your temples, crown or part line. 

When To See A Doctor For Your Hair Loss

Hair loss after pregnancy is entirely normal. However, you should see a doctor if:

Your hair loss continues for longer than the usual 9 to 12-month duration

Women often find that their hair returns to its pre-pregnancy state after about a year. You should speak to a professional if you are still experiencing postpartum hair loss after 12 months.

You see visible patches of hair loss or bald spots

See a professional if you are experiencing excessive hair loss.

You want to explore hair treatment options

You don’t have to experience prolonged or excessive hair loss to go to the doctor. Even if your situation is expected, you should go to a professional if you want to explore treatment options. Hair loss is emotionally distressing, so having support from medical professionals can help your mental and physical health.

What To Expect From Your Hair Loss Professional

When you visit our team at The Hair Clinic, we will start with a consultation to better understand your situation. Discussing your health, circumstances and lifestyle will allow us to learn more about the state of your hair and what could be contributing to your postpartum hair loss.

Please note that while you may visit our clinic, you can also take an easy online consultation test to start the process. Our online test is easy, straightforward and takes only two minutes. Please know that this test is free and confidential. If you don’t want to proceed with any treatments, there will be no pressure to continue.

Once we’re on the same page, we can discuss treatment options for your postpartum hair loss. Many women find that lifestyle changes and medically-based treatments help them restore their hair without surgery.

First, we will go through the lifestyle changes you could incorporate into your daily life. Improving your habits can naturally improve your hair and general health, helping you live happily and healthily.

• Avoid Excessive Styling. Avoid using chemicals, heat or other excessive styling for your hair. You should also avoid too-tight hairstyles. Consider exploring relaxed, natural hairstyles that are good for your hair and your confidence.

• Eat A Healthy Diet. Ensure you’re eating a healthy diet, including hair-supporting vitamins and minerals.

• Take Supplements. If your diet is lacking or you’re struggling to restructure it, you can take supplements for the vitamins and minerals you need.

Next, we’ll go through our medical treatments for postpartum hair loss. The main treatment we’d recommend is platelet-rich plasma therapy, also known as ‘PRP therapy.’ PRP therapy is a renowned procedure for treating various symptoms and conditions, including hair loss. This innovative procedure uses growth factors from your own blood to rejuvenate your hair. PRP therapy involves simple injections, so there’s minimal discomfort and virtually no downtime. 

While we cannot guarantee results, we can continue to work with you to find what works best for you and your hair in case PRP therapy isn’t right for you. We will work together to create a comprehensive hair regrowth plan, combining medical treatments and lifestyle changes to support your hair health and your happiness.

What To Expect From Your Hair Loss Professional

Learn more about postpartum hair loss and our various treatments online. We understand how distressing hair loss of any kind can be, and we’re here for you. 

To get in touch, please call us on (09) 523 5999 to get in touch, or message us online..

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