After giving birth, 45% of women experience postpartum-derived telogen effluvium.
Pregnancy, in addition to being one of the most beautiful stages that women experience, is also a journey in which the body changes: weight gain, swelling of the feet and face, nausea and dizziness, breasts more sensitive to touch, and also alopecia in the hair
According to the Hospital Capilar, during pregnancy, the presence of endogenous substances influences the cycle of the hair follicle, causing certain changes in the hair that increase as pregnancy progresses, so that, during the first trimester, the action of the progesterone usually generates weaker hair with less shine, while, from the second trimester, the increase in thyroid hormones and estrogens slows down natural hair loss, leading to it being in the anagen phase or constant growth and look stronger and healthier.
“The difference at the capillary level between pregnancy and postpartum is clear, since, in the first place, there is an increase in hormones such as progesterone, which has the effect of keeping the hair follicle in the growth phase. However, after childbirth, deregulation occurs in these phases, which will induce intense hair loss. It should be noted that this hormonal process is common to all mothers, so, to a greater or lesser extent, all of them will be affected by this hair loss”, explains Dr. Francisco Pilo, from the Hospital Capilar clinic.
After giving birth, 45% of women experience postpartum-derived telogen effluvium.
This hair loss can be caused by different factors such as iron deficiency caused by pregnancy, blood loss that occurs during childbirth, lack of sleep, fatigue, or stress.
“It is important that we are aware that postpartum hair loss is a natural and temporary process that, a priori, does not require any special medical treatment. However, it would be necessary to rule out the existence of any deficiency through an analysis, since anemia, iron, zinc, and folic acid deficiency, among others, could be the cause of organic alopecia that does require treatment; so it will be essential to go to a specialist in hair medicine in case of any suspicion in this context”, highlights Dr. Pilo.
HAIRCARE TIPS
As with other problems, postpartum alopecia can also be reversed or in any case, the hair can be cared for so that it grows back naturally. Experts recommend avoiding the excessive use of dryers, irons, as well as treatments such as bleaching, highlights, or dyes.
Regular light to moderate exercise is essential. Do not use too tight updos and choose a product that is suitable for your hair and your hair problems, such as a neutral pH shampoo, paraben-free conditioners, or anti-loss lotions.
Maintain a balanced and varied diet, without excess fat, sugar, or ultra-processed foods. Foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, vitamin E, iron, calcium, iodine, or zinc should be eaten, without forgetting arginine, methionine, or biotin, present in brown rice, cereals, fish, egg yolk, or dried fruit.
“After pregnancy, it is very common to want to lose weight and resort to slimming diets, so it will be extremely important to choose one that includes a correct supply of all the essential nutrients that the body needs at this stage. Hypocaloric diets, for example, can miniaturize the hair follicle, thus causing subsequent hair loss”, concludes the expert from Hospital Capilar.
