Excessive hair loss, greasiness and brittleness in the postpartum period.
Hair problems - Symptoms and course
Hair problems in the postnatal period are primarily the result of a sudden change in the concentration of hormones circulating in the blood. During pregnancy, high oestrogen levels inhibited hair loss and hair was therefore thicker. The sudden drop in oestrogen after giving birth causes hair to start falling out rapidly.
Most often this symptom occurs between three and six months after giving birth. Hair problems during the postpartum period are not an anomaly. Hair loss during this period is treated as a physiological change of a temporary nature, which usually passes spontaneously and does not require treatment. Most often, when the body reaches hormonal balance after pregnancy and childbirth, hair regrowth occurs spontaneously.
In the case of breastfeeding, women are more likely to complain of excessive greasiness or hair breakage. These problems, as well as increased hair loss, may at the same time be the result of deficiencies in vitamins, macro- and microelements and other nutrients.
When to go to the doctor and cure
If the hair loss is very high, the hair is thinning considerably or if symptoms of alopecia or other pathological changes of the scalp (e.g. seborrhoea, dandruff) occur, a doctor should be consulted.
In such cases, hair loss may not be related to postpartum changes, but may be the result of a number of systemic illnesses or skin diseases. In such cases, it is advisable to consult both a dermatologist and a gynaecologist-endocrinologist.
Hair problems - Treatment
In the postnatal and postpartum period, hair requires special care. An appropriate diet rich in vitamins and micro- and macroelements is ideal for improving the condition of the hair. In the first few months after giving birth, hair treatments that could damage hair that is weak at this time should be avoided.
It is advisable to wait until the hair has regained its pre-pregnancy condition before perming or colouring it. Various herbal rinses, conditioners and homemade masks can also improve the condition of the hair.
The use of hair dryers, curling irons or strong sunlight should be avoided. A wide range of different preparations are available in herbal shops as well as pharmacies to strengthen hair and significantly improve its condition.