Understanding Postpartum Hair Loss: Causes and Duration
Postpartum hair loss is a common issue that many new mothers experience. Despite it being a common problem that many face, it can be very emotionally distressing. Having a new child is a joyous occasion, but it also has its challenges, and dealing with hair loss can add to your stress.
There are ways you can manage your hair loss effectively. We at The Hair Clinic specialise in medically based hair loss treatments to help our patients regrow their hair and their confidence. We understand that hair loss can be frustrating, so we’re here to support you. While we cannot guarantee results, we will do our best to find the solutions that work best for you.
What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?
Hormones fluctuate during pregnancy. While pregnant, your increase in estrogen levels causes hair to stay in the growth phase, which may result in your hair becoming fuller and thicker. After giving birth, the sudden decrease in estrogen levels causes more hair to enter the shedding phase, so there is an increased hair shedding and thinning hair. This hair loss is known as telogen effluvium.
While this is the main cause of hair loss after giving birth, other factors can also contribute:
Stress. Childbirth is stressful. Aside from the act of giving birth itself, the sudden change in routines, sleep deprivation and caring for a new child who depends on you are all inherently stressful.
Nutritional Deficiencies. Not getting the nutrients you need can negatively affect your hair.
Lifestyle Changes. Adapting to your new life can affect your overall health. For example, you may not have as much time for self-care.
Postpartum hair loss generally starts around three to six months after giving birth as your body’s hormone levels readjust after pregnancy.
Managing Post Partum Hair Loss
Because everyone is different, it’s important to note that what works for others may not work for you. So, we at The Hair Clinic will be happy to talk to you about your situation. Then, we can recommend a suitable treatment for you and suggest additional lifestyle changes that could improve your hair regrowth.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy. PRP therapy utilises the body’s natural healing processing by injecting platelet-rich plasma into the scalp to promote follicle activity and hair regrowth. This treatment works by drawing a small amount of blood from the patient, separating the blood’s platelets with a centrifuge and then reinjecting the platelet-rich plasma back into the scalp. This non-invasive option encourages healthier, fuller hair without the need for additional medication or chemicals.
Polydioxanone Threads. PDO threads are absorbable threads that are inserted into the scalp to stimulate collagen production, improve circulation and support hair structure. These threads will be absorbed over time, so they don’t need to be removed after insertion.
PRP Therapy And PDO Threads. Both of these treatments can be used in tandem to maximise the chances of success, providing nourishment to the hair follicles and structural support. Both treatments are relatively straightforward and have very little downtime, so new mothers don’t have to stress about taking too much time away from their new children.
Although many patients have seen satisfying results with PRP therapy and PDO threads, it’s still important to remain realistic and patient, as results can’t be guaranteed. We at The Hair Clinic will continue to work with you to find treatments that work for your goals.
Aside from medical treatments, we will also discuss ways you can introduce healthier habits into your life to promote better hair regrowth. Eating a healthy diet for proper nutrition, staying hydrated, managing stress and getting enough sleep can all help support healthy hair regrowth.
Smart life choices and support from your partner, friends and family can ensure that you and your child stay happy and healthy as you enter a new chapter in your life.
Encouraging Hair Regrowth For New Mothers In New Zealand
For more information, you can visit our post partum hair loss section at our website. You can also take our online hair loss test to give us more information about your unique situation.
Or, if you’d like to speak to someone on our team right away, you can call us on (09) 523 5999 or use our contact page.
The Hair Clinic: Let us find the hair regrowth treatment that works for you.
