Postpartum hair loss
Hair loss or thinner hair after childbirth is experienced by many women. So far, few studies have been conducted on this topic.
The main cause of this phenomenon is considered to be hormonal changes during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Hair grows in several phases. Changes in the hormonal background during pregnancy affect the phases of hair growth. The growth phase of the follicles are longer and the resting phase is delayed. This slows down hair loss during pregnancy. As a result, less hair falls out during pregnancy.
And as a rule, a few months after childbirth a woman begins to notice an increase in hair loss. Many women are scared. It's the hair that falls out that didn't fall out during pregnancy. Because after giving birth, the hair that was in a longer growth phase during pregnancy begins to fall out. Often, the beginning of this process is observed a few weeks or months after giving birth, and this process lasts for several months. The good news is that this is a passing process that can go away on its own by 6-12 months after delivery.
It's also possible that the season can also have an impact. For instance, there is more hair loss in autumn and spring.
Emotional and physiological stress, which may accompany childbirth and the postpartum period, is also mentioned as a cause.
A balanced and varied diet and choosing the right shampoo can have a beneficial effect on the quality of hair during this period.
However, if you have any doubts or questions, or if hair loss continues for a longer period, consult a doctor. Because there are other reasons that can contribute to more severe hair loss. The doctor will be able to advise you on the necessary tests, diagnostics and solutions.
Pregnancy and the postnatal period bring changes in a woman's body. Knowing about them will help you to live this period with more confidence and peace of mind. Subscribe to my Facebook and Instagram pages to learn more!
Have you experienced increased hair loss after childbirth? Share your story in the comments!
Sources:
American Academy of Dermatology. Hair loss in new moms. Available on aad.org (last view 03.06.2025).
Ekmekci, 2014. The changes in the hair cycle during gestation and the post-partum period.
Lynfield, 1960. Effect of pregnancy on the human hair cycle.
Malkud, 2015. Telogen effluvium: a review.
Mirallas & Grimalt, 2016. The postpartum telogen effluvium fallacy.
Author of the article: Aleksandra Ņekrasova
© 2025 Aleksandra Nekrasova. All Rights Reserved.