Q 2-17.
Why Does Hair Fall Off Excessively after Giving Birth?
Postpartum telogen effluvium.
A 2-17.
The number of fallen hair increases after delivery. Increased hair density during pregnancy decreases and becomes normal again in one year after the delivery.
The hair loss is called postpartum alopecia or postpartum telogen effluvium. Many women suffer from excessive hair shedding during the period.
The percentage of anagen hairs decreases rapidly after the delivery, and the percentage of telogen hairs increases accordingly.
Hair shedding begins from less than one month to 4 months after the childbirth. The duration hair shedding is usually less than 6 months. It may last for one year in some cases,
Oral intake of thyroid hormone and topical application of estrogen and progesterone does not improve postpartum hair loss.
Hair density will return to normal in the majority of women within one year after giving birth.
Scalp hair thinning may not return to the pre-pregnancy status, if androgenetic alopecia (female AGA) is superimposed.
The author thinks that it may be better for a woman to start using topical minoxidil 1-2 months before the expected date of delivery, if she has possibility to worry about hair loss after delivery.
As hair grows slowly, it will take several months before someone recognizes visible effects of topical minoxidil.
In the stable stage of late pregnancy, it will be safe for women to use topical minoxidil. Women may begin to use topical minoxidil a few months before the expected date of delivery in the author’s opinion.
