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Hair loss during and after pregnancy
This is what women should know about hormonal changes.
Clumps of hair in the sink– something many women suffer from following childbirth or during pregnancy. But what are the causes and how can hair loss be prevented?
Hair in the brush, on the pillow or on the floor: finding your own hair everywhere in the home during or after pregnancy can be a terrifying experience. However, the phenomenon is usually only temporary and without lasting consequences. But where are the causes of this and what can be done to remedy the situation?
Effect of pregnancy on the hair
Due to the supply of the foetus, the body's entire hormone level changes; amongst other things, significantly higher levels of oestrogen are produced in pregnancy. Among other things, significantly higher levels of oestrogen are produced during pregnancy. This prolongs the growth phase of the hair follicles and thus increases the lifespan of the hair. As a consequence, many women experience that their hair is fuller and healthier during their pregnancy. Certain influences, however, can have the opposite effect even during this time.
Reasons of hair loss during pregnancy
Particularly in the second half of pregnancy, a deficiency in iron can cause hair loss. It can be measured in the blood during gynaecological check-ups and treated by taking iron supplements.
The lack of vitamins B, C, E, biotin and the mineral zinc also affects hair growth. Additional supplements should only be taken if there is a proven deficiency.
During pregnancy, the thyroid gland is often over- or under-functioning, causing hair loss. Blood tests and ultrasound are used for diagnosis.
Continuous exposure to stress affects the nourishment of the hair roots. This is also the case with psychological challenges during pregnancy. Discussions with the midwife to clarify the situation, coupled with relaxation techniques, are the first steps towards relieving the stress.
Changing hair and scalp structure
During the first trimester of pregnancy, the scalp and hair structure may respond to existing hair care products in a hormonally unpleasant, irritable way or not at all. In this case, pregnant women can relieve themselves by switching to more gentle hair products for sensitive scalps and not brushing their hair too often.
Hair loss after childbirth
Following childbirth, oestrogen levels drop rapidly and abruptly. As a result, the hair follicles are moved from the growth phase (anagen phase) to the resting phase (telogen phase). Consequently, many women experience severe hair loss - often shortly after giving birth, but in other cases only three to five months later. So-called postpartum effluvium (increased hair loss after childbirth) may be natural and reversible, but for many women it is distressing.
Is breastfeeding to blame for hair loss?
Faced with childbirth and breastfeeding, many women feel depleted. When their hair starts to fall out, breastfeeding is often thought to be causing nutrient deficiencies. However, even in breastfeeding women, hair loss is mostly caused by hormonal changes. It is just that the hormonal transition starts later than with mothers who stop breastfeeding soon after giving birth.
How can the hair loss be reduced?
Damaging influences from outside such as hot hair dryer air, straighteners or continuous brushing should be avoided as far as it is possible in order to avoid damaging the hair.
Foods high in minerals and vitamins fortify the hair structure.
Gentle, invigorating hair care treatments prevent the scalp from drying out and revitalise it.
The application of thymus peptides (e.g. Thymuskin) is also effective for hormonally conditioned hair loss, extends the growth phase and encourages the formation of new hair.
Adequate sleep and relaxation promote healthy regeneration of the entire organism and improved nourishment of the hair root.
When is a medical consultation required?
In approximately two out of a thousand women, after childbirth or already during pregnancy, hair loss can appear concentrated in individual areas on the head ("circular hair loss") and result in clearly visible bald patches. In this case, the cause and possible treatment should be clarified by a specialist.
THYMUSKIN® MED
Especially the products of the Thymuskin Med line are also suitable for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as well as for children from the age of 3. All Thymuskin shampoos can be used in this context without hesitation.
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