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PREGNANCY AND WOMAN'S HAIR LOSS
by Tony Pearce RN.
Specialist Trichologist, National Trichology Services
At a time when a
woman has seemingly done the ‘hard yards’ of pregnancy, the joy
of motherhood can sometimes be soured when she’s at her most
emotionally fragile.
Pregnancy produces
widespread changes in a woman’s physiology. Scalp hair is very
sensitive to these changes and the hair is affected to some
degree in all women.
Normally 85% of
hair in humans is in a growing or ‘anagen’ phase of 24-48
months. The remaining 15% is in a random falling or ‘telogen’
phase of 2-3 months.
In late pregnancy
however, anagen may increase to 95% and telogen drop down to 5%;
indicating only one-third the normal number of hairs being shed.
The high oestrogen levels of pregnancy are believed to be
responsible for prolonging the anagen phase of the hair follicle
cycle.
Following
childbirth the telogen count begins to rise, and by nine weeks
postpartum (childbirth) 30-35% of scalp hairs are in the telogen
phase. Diffuse (all over) hair fall may then be distressingly
excessive for about three months, and may continue for as long
as a year. Typically though, the duration of shedding is less
than six months and the majority of women return to normal hair
density by 12 months postpartum. Throughout this time, diffuse
hair fall is usually the only symptom.
Postpartum hair
loss can be prolonged or exacerbated by stress, blood loss
during delivery, and hormonal factors such as prolactin
secretion with breastfeeding.
In susceptible
women genetic thinning can sometimes be triggered after
childbirth. Genetic thinning usually presents as a slow
thinning-out behind the front hairline through the top of the
scalp.
Young mothers who
experience severe postpartum hair loss need to be reassured that
this is a temporary, self correcting condition. New anagen hair
growth is normally evident even whilst hair is still falling.
Postpartum hair fall only represents a physiological return to
normal growing percentages.
About the Author:
Tony Pearce is a Specialist Trichologist
& Registered Nurse. He is a founding member
of the Society for Progressive Trichology &
the official lecturer for Analytical
Reference Laboratory (ARL) for hair loss &
hormone imbalance. He is the Clinical
Director for Trichology of Virginia/DC in
the United States. In Australia he can be
contacted on 02 9542 2700, or through his
website at
www.hairlossclinic.com.au.
Copyright Anthony Pearce
2005. *References for this article available on request
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