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Why Is So Much of My Hair Falling Out?

Post-pregnancy hair loss is common -- find out why

By Dana Hardek May 30, 2014

After Alicia, a 32-year-old nurse, had a baby last year, she was shocked to see clumps of hair in her hairbrush. "I had no idea what was happening," she said. "I thought something was wrong, so I went to my doctor. I had short-term hair loss caused by hormones!" she exclaimed.

She's not alone. I talked to Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical Center, who specializes in general and cosmetic dermatology. There’s a reason why some women lose so much hair post-pregnancy.

“During any period of time, about 85-95% of your hair is in a growing phase. The remainder of it is in a resting period. After the resting phase, it falls out — if fact, it’s normal to lose 100 hairs a day,” she explained.

“During pregnancy, much more estrogen is produced, with the result being that more of your hair is in the growing phase and less hair is in the resting phrase. After you give birth, estrogen levels plummet, and then much of your hair enters the resting phase — which is then followed by your hair falling out. It can be startling, but the good news is that your hair will return to normal within 12 months,” she says.

If it seems like you’ve heard a lot of women discussing this problem (called short-term Telogen Effluvium), it’s because as many as 40% of new moms experience it.

Keep Your Hair Healthy
Dr. Nussbaum says that it’s very important to take vitamins both during and after pregnancy, so that your hair follicles can function properly and so enough oxygen gets to your hair.

“Your diet is important, too. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and take supplements if you’re getting not getting enough Vitamin B, C,and E, as well as zinc," she says. (Before starting any supplements, be sure to see your primary care doctor—especially if you’re breastfeeding—to make sure that there’s no significant hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems, or an autoimmune disorder.)

Dr. Nussbaum also suggests that when shampooing your hair, you should use a product with special hair revitalization ingredients including vitamins, biotin, and silica, which will stimulate your hair's natural growth cycle. Try a product like Aviva Advanced Hair Growth System to keep your hair healthy and to stimulate healthy hair growth following pregnancy.