PREGNANCY
AND WOMAN'S HAIR LOSS
by Tony Pearce RN.
Specialist Trichologist, National Trichology
ServicesAt 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.
In Australia he can be contacted on +61 2 9542 2700,
or through his website at
www.hairlossclinic.com.au.
Copyright Anthony Pearce
Copyright
Anthony Pearce 2005. *References for this article
available on request
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