Why Does Hair Fall Out After Pregnancy?

Basics

One of the physical changes that most women enjoy during pregnancy is a fuller head of hair. The hair becomes much thicker during pregnancy but, unfortunately, the change is short lived. After the pregnancy ends, the hair begins to fall out again. For those who are not expecting this change, it can be alarming.

Hair Cycle

According to the American Pregnancy Association, approximately ninety percent of hair is in an active, growing state while ten percent is in a dormant state at any given time. The dormant hair eventually falls out and is replaced by new strands. This is true for everyone, not just in pregnancy. The average person can lose up to 100 strands of hair per day.

During Pregnancy

When pregnant, the increase and change in hormone levels keeps the hair of pregnant women from entering the dormant phase. Because of this, pregnant women lose very few strands of hair during pregnancy. This results in much thicker hair throughout the pregnancy. For most women, it is a welcome and positive change of pregnancy. But as with other pregnancy symptoms, this one also typically comes to an end as soon as the pregnancy ends.

After Pregnancy

When the pregnancy ends and hormone levels return to normal, the pattern of active and dormant hair strands begins again. According to the American Pregnancy Association, up to sixty percent of hair strands can enter the dormant phase. Hair loss is rampant at this point as the amount of hair returns to pre-pregnancy levels. Though this will not result in balding spots, many women still fear this because the loss just after pregnancy is so significant. Hair loss typically returns to a normal ninety-ten split approximately six to twelve months after the pregnancy ends.

Breastfeeding

If the woman is breastfeeding, hormone levels do not return to normal after the pregnancy ends. In this case, the shedding of excess hair may not occur until breastfeeding has stopped. For some women, hair loss still occurs during breastfeeding but is less extreme than it is for women who are not breastfeeding.

Considerations

The American Pregnancy Association states that hair loss could also be due to a miscarriage, abortion, hormonal imbalance or change in birth control methods. If hair loss seems excessive or is causing concern, consult the doctor for further evaluation. For most women, hair loss after pregnancy is not a cause for concern. However, the doctor can determine if the hair loss is a normal symptom or the result of another condition.