Once bub has arrived you may notice some abnormal or excessive hair shedding – rest assured, this is normal and temporary. Here’s what you need to know about postpartum hair loss and how to manage hair loss holistically.

What is postpartum hair loss?

Postpartum hair loss is also referred to as telogen effluvium – a form of temporary shedding and loss of hair. After pregnancy a large amount of hairs shift into the telogen phase or resting phase of a hair growth cycle causing an increased amount of strands to fall out. There is no hair
growth during this stage, instead the hair sheds with a sudden drop in oestrogen levels after birth.

What causes postpartum hair loss?

Throughout pregnancy women often report thick and healthy hair – this is because the hormones oestrogen and progesterone increase greatly to support the growth of the baby. After the baby has arrived these two hormones drop significantly until a woman’s menstrual cycle has
returned.

Hair loss is one of many symptoms that occur as a result of hormonal changes in the body. Specifically, the drop in oestrogen causes postpartum hair loss (as oestrogen regulates hair growth).

Postpartum hair loss often peaks around 3 to 4 months after birth however this varies from woman to woman. Normal hair growth should return by 12 months after birth.

Other factors including stress, low vitamin and mineral levels, anemia, thyroid conditions and pharmaceuticals may also contribute to postpartum hair loss.

Holistic Management

At Hills Natural Health Centre a holistic approach to postpartum hair loss includes individualised treatment, dietary and lifestyle interventions and thorough testing to identify any underlying factors that may be contributing to the mothers postpartum hair loss. Depending on the individual’s specific needs, nutrients or herbs may be prescribed to support healthy hair growth
and balancing hormones.

Dietary considerations include:

• Consuming a healthy, whole foods diet full of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables – focus on foods high in vitamin A, E,C, zinc and iron
• Consuming a source of quality protein in every meal – amino acids are the building blocks for collagen and healthy hair growth and repair
• Consuming collagen rich bone broth – bone broth is also full of essential minerals for healthy hair growth
• Consuming healthy fats in the diet – olive oil, raw nuts and seeds, chia seeds, avocado, fatty fish etc.
• Ensuring adequate hydration daily

Lifestyle considerations include:

• The use of natural, chemical free hair products and avoidance of heat styling
• Management of stress levels and supporting the body’s stress response – through mindfulness, nutrients and herbal supplements
• Optimising sleep for hormonal health
• Seeking individualised support

At the Hills Natural Health Centre we choose to work closely with women in order to manage postpartum symptoms and support hormonal changes during this time. We offer treatments that are 100% personalised to support you the best we can. For further advice, speak with a practitioner here at the Hills Natural Health Centre.

At the Hills Natural Health Centre, our experienced team of practitioners use a holistic approach paired with evidence-based medicine to help support you on your health journey.

Book your FREE consultation here today or phone the clinic on (08) 9298 8332

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