Our hair follows a cycle of growth in which the hair in the resting phase shed, after which new hair grows. While some women might enjoy a fuller head of hair during their pregnancy, others experience severe hair loss. The condition of hair loss is known as telogen effluvium and can continue for almost 3–4 months after their pregnancy.
Nearly 40 to 50% of women experience this type of hair loss. Here are some reasons that trigger hair loss during pregnancy.
Poor Diet:
Pregnant women need to pay extra attention to their diet to meet the needs of a growing baby. According to research, nutrients such as vitamin A, B and C, iron and zinc are essential for the growth of hair. They make hair follicles strong and contribute to hair regeneration. The lack of these minerals and vitamins can affect the development of hair follicles, leading to hair thinning and shedding.
Hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism is a thyroid disorder in which your body stops producing sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones. This issue isn’t only dangerous for the mother, but it also affects the baby. The lack of thyroid production is experienced by 15% of pregnant women, according to research. One of the early signs of hypothyroidism includes the thinning of hair, which may lead to alopecia. The patient may begin to see bald patches and extreme hair loss in this condition.
Illness or Medication:
Your hair can be pushed into the telogen phase as a result of a major change to your body. This includes severe illness, medication, or surgery. A viral infection, diabetes or high fever may also result in loss of hair during pregnancy. Similarly, medication for high blood pressure and depression can also contribute to this issue.
The hair loss begins after almost 3 months of the triggering event, and can last for up to 6 months. However, chronic telogen effluvium is persistent and can last for more than 6 months.
Hormonal Issues:
During pregnancy, women’s hormones are all over the place. As a result of these changes, they might experience unusual symptoms such as acne or excessive hair. Any dramatic fluctuation in your hormones pushes your body into a state of shock, resulting in excessive shedding of hair.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that triggers Androgenetic alopecia in women. During pregnancy, DHT increases in a woman’s body, which can cause excessive hair loss and bald patches.
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