A few months after the baby is born, hair falls out by the handful in the shower, on the pillow, in the brush. It is impressive, and very common. In the vast majority of cases, this hair loss is temporary and the hair grows back. Dr Sara Zahid, dermatologist in Guéliz, Marrakech, explains why it happens, when to worry and when a work-up (iron, thyroid) is useful so that a cause to correct is not missed.
During pregnancy, hormones prolong the life of hairs: you lose fewer. After birth, oestrogen levels drop, and all the “extra” hairs kept enter the shedding phase at the same time. It is a postpartum telogen effluvium.
Shedding generally begins two to four months after childbirth and can last a few months before regrowth sets in. Small new hairs then appear on the forehead and temples. Returning to your usual density often takes several months.
If shedding is very marked, lasts more than six months, comes with tiredness, bald patches, itching or if your parting is widening. We then check ferritin and the thyroid (a postpartum disorder is possible) and look for another cause.
Breastfeeding is not a cause of hair loss in itself, but tiredness and postpartum deficiencies can matter. Some treatments are not compatible with breastfeeding: care is chosen with this period in mind, without risky treatment.
Eat enough and in a balanced way, correct an iron shortage if one is found, avoid hairstyles that pull and harsh care, and be patient. Vitamin courses taken at random are of no value in the absence of a deficiency.
A few months generally, with regrowth setting in afterwards. If it goes beyond six months, a work-up is useful.
In the vast majority of cases, yes, once the shedding phase has passed.
Not in itself. The loss comes mostly from the hormonal drop that follows birth.
If the loss is significant or prolonged: ferritin and thyroid first.
While the shedding is ending it is generally not necessary; during breastfeeding these treatments are postponed as a precaution.
No miracle treatment: correct a deficiency, be patient and follow progress. Dr Zahid discusses it at the examination.
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