Postpartum hair loss is a common condition many women experience after giving birth. Noticeable shedding of hair usually occurs around three to six months after delivery.
What causes postpartum hair loss?
Postpartum hair loss is often a surprising and distressing experience for new mothers. The main causes of postpartum hair loss include changes in hormone levels, physical stress, and nutritional demands of pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Understanding the causes of postpartum hair loss can give reassurance, helping new mothers navigate this temporary, yet unsettling phase of their postpartum journey.
Hormonal changes
During pregnancy, high levels of estrogen prolong the growth phase of hair. Normally, people shed between 50 to 100 hairs a day as part of the normal hair growth cycle. Hormone levels during pregnancy, however, not only cause your hair to grow faster, but also to fall out less often. As a result, many women enjoy a thick, full head of hair during pregnancy. After childbirth, estrogen levels drop sharply, causing more hair follicles to enter the resting (telogen) phase simultaneously. This can often lead to increased shedding a few months after delivery.
Stress and physical changes
The birth process can place a considerable amount of stress on your body. This can trigger a condition known as telogen effluvium, where hair prematurely enters the resting phase and sheds.
Additionally, the postpartum period often involves emotional and psychological stress. Adjusting to the demands of a newborn, coping with sleep deprivation, and managing new responsibilities can increase your stress levels. Elevated stress can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle causing postpartum hair loss.
Nutritional factors
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can deplete essential nutrients including iron, zinc, and other vitamins, which are crucial for healthy hair growth. A deficiency in these nutrients can contribute to postpartum hair loss. Breastfeeding depletes these nutrient stores, as the body prioritises the nutritional needs of your baby. This can leave the mother with insufficient levels of key nutrients needed for maintaining healthy hair.
How long does postpartum hair loss last?
Women can start losing a greater volume of hair from around 3 months postpartum. And, although it often feels like it will never stop, postpartum hair loss usually starts to slow down from 6 months and doesn’t often continue longer than one year.
How to reduce postpartum hair loss
Firstly, don’t panic! And know that you are not alone. Postpartum hair loss is a completely normal part of oestrogen levels returning to normal after pregnancy. Studies suggest that it may be beneficial to:
- Continue taking your prenatal vitamins.
- Supplement your diet with collagen.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Incorporate more protein in your diet.
How does collagen supplementation help reduce postpartum hair loss?
Collagen supplementation can be particularly beneficial for postpartum women, helping to replenish depleted collagen stores and support overall hair health during the recovery period after childbirth.
Collagen is widely celebrated for its benefits to skin, nail and hair health. Collagen contains the amino acid proline, a critical building block for hair. The amino acids in collagen support keratin formation, which is essential for thick, healthy hair.
Our bodies naturally produce collagen, but levels begin to decline significantly after the age of 25. This reduction can affect not only skin elasticity, but also hair health. Supplementing with a high-quality collagen source, such as The Harvest Table’s pure collagen range, can help boost collagen levels. This, in turn, can improve the condition of skin, hair, and nails, reduce joint pain, and enhance gut health.
The Harvest Table’s pure collagen supplements are an excellent choice for boosting your collagen levels. Incorporating this into your daily routine can help manage postpartum hair loss and restore your hair’s natural health and vitality.
Don’t let postpartum hair loss overwhelm you. Support your recovery and hair health with The Harvest Table’s pure collagen range. Start your journey to thicker, healthier hair now.
