How Can I Stop My Hair From Falling Out After Pregnancy
Now you know that hair loss after pregnancy normally does not last forever. But, do you know how to prevent post-partum hair loss? Although we have already explained that hair loss after having a baby is normal and does not have to be a cause for concern, many women are interested in treatments or remedies to stop hair loss after giving birth. So, we are going to give you some tips to avoid hair loss and recommendations about what to take for post-partum hair loss:
Common Types Of Hair Loss
Androgenetic Alopecia
The old saying that baldness genes come only from your mothers side of the family simply isnt true. Baldness actually comes from both of your parents genetic makeup .
The most extensive and most common type of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, which is genetic hair loss, and occurs in both men and women. In men, androgenetic alopecia is also referred to as male-pattern baldness where the hair recedes above the temples and the crown of the head. In women, this type occurs throughout the entire head, becoming thinner and thinner all over but rarely resulting in total baldness.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia doesnt just affect adults. When younger kids or teens experience Alopecia Areata, they lose hair in a round formation due to an autoimmune issue. The hair is there, but its not growing correctly and is often very smooth and fine. The most common treatment for this condition is a steroid injection under the skin. Alopecia can cause someone to lose all of the hair on their head or across their entire body, depending on its severity.
Traction Hair Loss
Traction hair loss occurs most often in women and is generally very gradual. Its primary cause is the result of hair being pulled or tugged on repeatedly. For example, when someone wears their hair in a tight ponytail, braids, or other restricting hair styles. This condition can also be caused by someone chronically pulling their hair out. Telogen Effluvium
Next, lets dive into a few treatment options.
Nonsurgical Treatments: Medications To Treat Alopecia
- Minoxidil: Slows or stops hair loss and can promote hair growth
- Finasteride: Treats male-pattern baldness by stopping the body from producing a male hormone
- Corticosteroids: Stops inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata
- Topical sensitizers: Deliberately causes an allergic reaction on the scalp that can lead to hair growth
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When Hair Loss Strikes A Doctor Is A Girls Best Friend
- Read in app
A COUPLE of years ago my hair started falling out. Not in clumps, but I noticed more hairs than usual in my comb and in the bath drain.
I went to a trichologist who tested my blood , told me some thinning was natural for a woman in her mid-40s and sent me home with expensive shampoo and a serum to use on my scalp. I used the potions. I took vitamins. I stopped brushing my hair.
I was a wreck. If someone had told me there was a cure in a remote village in the mountains of Bhutan, I would have put on my hiking boots and boarded a plane.
No one wants to lose their hair, but for women it is especially traumatic. Men can shave their heads and look hip, even sexy. Most women dont want to be bald. Though it is more common and visible in men, many women lose their hair. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 30 million women in this country have hereditary hair loss, compared with 50 million men. But many additional women experience thinning hair that results from menopause or health problems.
If your hair is coming out, be advised that of the multitude of treatments on the market for women, few are worth your money, says Dr. Melissa Piliang, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic.
Americans spent an estimated $176 million on hair loss products last year, and chances are some of that money was not well spent. Dont let charming salon owners, seductive ads or fancy gimmicks convince you otherwise.
Thats the background. Now for some guidance:
Can You Go Bald From Postpartum Hair Loss
Postpartum alopecia in women occurs, as we said, about 2-3 months after giving birth, although sometimes hair loss occurs 4 months after childbirth: when it happens, if normally about 150 hairs fall out a day, this number is multiplied several times. But don´t worry: you are not going bald, but you are just getting back to normal after hormonal changes suffered during pregnancy. The question is: how long does post-partum hair loss last? When does post-partum hair loss stop?
The amount of hair that is lost after childbirth, is equivalent to that extra which grows during the pregnancy phase, since it is the same hair that grew by entering the anagen phase, which then falls out later when entering the telogen phase: therefore, a woman who has had abundant hair during pregnancy, will lose after childbirth more hair than one who had barely noticed changes in her hair.
The time that this phase of excessive hair loss lasts also varies in each woman normally, it should not last more than 3-4 months, and after 6 months – when the hormonal balance has already been restored – the normal levels of growth and hair loss should be restored. So, does post-partum hair loss grow back? The answer is: in most cases yes, it does.
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What Services Do You Offer
We understand how devastating suffering hair loss can be, and the huge impact it has on quality of life. At our hair loss clinic in Birmingham, we offer comprehensive support, and the following:
We provide constructive advice on your cause of hair loss and treatment options. Read more about hair loss consultations.
We offer a range of treatments including creams, lotions, tablets and injections. Find out more about Steroid Injections and Oral Minoxidil.
We can make recommendations on providers of hair systems and cosmetics .
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Hair Loss In New Moms: Is It Normal
Many moms see anoticeable hair loss just a few months after having a baby. This is something normal, and not a true hair loss due to male pattern baldness or any disease. But, how common is hair loss after childbirth? This condition manifests itself around 2-3 months after the woman gives birth, but not in all women it appears with the same intensity in fact, some females do not even experience it, while others suffer from it only in some of their pregnancies, not in all.
In addition, the duration of hair loss after childbirth can vary between a few weeks, or even last for several months. In any case, it is important to understand that – unless there are other symptoms or there is the case that hair loss lasts too long – we are facing a perfectly natural and normal phenomenon, that is part of the changes that female body goes through before and after giving birth.
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How To Find A Hair Loss Doctor Near You
Dermatologists are available to visit in-person and are the most common professionals available for hair loss treatment. During these visits, dermatologists can treat your scalp and hair, both connected to hair loss. You can find these specialized physicians through local dermatology offices in your city or a nearby area. You may or may not need a referral from your primary care physician, depending on your health insurance plan and treatment needs. Should your dermatologist decide you need a prescription, local pharmacies are your tried and true method.
How Can A Dermatologist Diagnose Hair Loss
If youre losing hair, visiting a medical dermatology clinic is one of the best steps you can take. A dermatologist can assess your hair loss and pinpoint a specific diagnosis. They will then find an appropriate treatment if applicable.
During your appointment, the dermatologist will ask you questions about your hair loss and overall health. Theyll ask how long youve noticed the hair loss, whether youre taking any medications, and if you have a family history of hair loss or baldness.
The doctor will also examine your nails and scalp, as the health of these areas might provide clues for diagnosis. The specific pattern of your hair loss can indicate a specific diagnosis as well. In some cases, they will perform a blood test and scalp biopsy to check for medical conditions that might cause hair to fall out.
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A Trichologist Is Not Medically Trained
A trichologist can of course help in some cases but can only give patients topical treatment for hair loss, as they are not medically trained. Unlike a dermatologist, they cannot perform tests that help with the diagnosis and evaluation of the condition and inform the best course of treatment these require special training.
For example, a dermatologist can perform a trichoscopy with a video dermatoscopy, a non-invasive technique that allows a rapid and magnified observation of the skins surface enabling the evaluation of hair thickness, presence of regrowing hairs and scalp inflammation. We can also perform a trigonometry, which involves an instrument that provides a numeric value of the hair quality. All of which are vital to in-depth diagnosis.
Dermatologists can also carry out a scalp biopsy, where a sample from the scalp is taken under local anaesthetic and tested under the microscope by a histopathologist. These tests are often necessary to evaluate cases of hair loss.
Only a dermatologist is qualified to carry out these tests, without which a full and thorough evaluation and diagnosis is not possible. Getting to the cause of your condition leads to better treatment. Furthermore, there are a variety of oral treatments available for hair disorders which a trichologist cannot prescribe but a dermatologist can so these are some reasons why you need a dermatologist for hair loss and not a Trichologist.
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How Do Dermatologists Diagnose Hair Loss
Because so many things can cause hair loss, a dermatologist acts like a detective and begins by asking questions. The dermatologist will want to know whether your hair loss happened suddenly or gradually. Knowing this helps to determine the cause.
A dermatologist also will ask what medicines you take, what allergies you have, and whether you have been dieting. It is important to give the dermatologist accurate information. Like a murder mystery, the slightest clue can solve the case. Women may be asked about their menstrual cycles, pregnancies, and menopause.
The dermatologist also will carefully look at your scalp and hair. During an exam, the dermatologist may pull on your hair. Sometimes a dermatologist needs to pull out a hair to get the necessary evidence. And sometimes a dermatologist needs to look at the hair on the rest of your body to see whether there is too little or too much hair in other areas.
Sometimes the evidence lies in your scalp. The dermatologist may remove a small piece of the scalp. This is called a scalp biopsy. A dermatologist can quickly and safely perform a scalp biopsy during an office visit. A scalp biopsy can be essential to solving the case. Sometimes, a blood test is necessary.
Because so many things can cause hair loss, it can take time to find the cause.
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What Can A Dermatologist Do For Hair Loss
If you have a medical condition like alopecia areata, the dermatologist may prescribe medications or recommend an over-the-counter treatment. In-office procedures can also be effective for some patients. These treatments can include corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, and platelet-rich plasma therapy.
When Is It Time To See A Hair Loss Doctor
The best time to see a hair loss doctor is as soon as you notice any of the early signs of male pattern baldness.
Because hair loss from male pattern baldness is permanent, acting quickly can help you to stop your hair loss from worsening and keep more of your hair.
The best time to act on hair loss can vary from one person to another. For some guys, the signs of hair loss may show up in their 20s or 30s. For others, they might appear earlier. Even guys in their teens can make early changes to prevent hair loss.
Below, weve listed some common signs that it might be time to book an appointment with a hair loss specialist.
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Trichologist Is An Expert In Human Hair A Dermatologist Is A Medical Doctor
A trichologist is an expert in human hair, from making it look its best through to treating problems with your hair and scalp. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in skin, hair, and nails and has the training and expertise to conduct a full examination and any necessary tests to give an accurate diagnosis.
This training and depth of knowledge are vital. Typically a trichologist will train for up to four years. My training to become a dermatologist included six years of medical school, two more years of core medical training, four years specializing in dermatology, then another year on my special interest areas. Thats 13 years of medical training to specialize in skin and hair, giving a depth of knowledge that enables the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of hair loss conditions. I am one of the few dermatologists in the UK who specializes in hair loss.
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Thinning Hair And Hair Loss: Could It Be Female Pattern Hair Loss
For most women, FPHL begins in midlife, when a woman is in her 40s, 50s, or 60s. It can begin earlier for some women.
FPHL is a progressive condition. This means women tend to continue losing hair. But women do not lose all of their hair, as do some men. Instead, your part often gets wider. Hair near your temples may recede. Without treatment, some women eventually develop widespread thinning.
Treatment can prevent hair loss from worsening and help women regrow their hair. Treatment delivers the best results when started at the first sign of hair loss.
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What You Can Expect When You Consult A Doctor
If you consult a dermatologist , they will first check if you are losing hair volume because your hair is falling off and not getting replaced or because it is beginning to miniaturize. Normally, the doctor will take some hair between the index and middle fingers and lightly tug it is normal for 5-8 strands to come out. More than this is a sign that something is wrong. The hair will also be checked with an instrument called the densitometer for the miniaturized hair.
Once unusual hair loss has been established, the dermatologist will check for what could be causing the loss, and decide the treatment based on the findings.
You can expect the doctor to quiz you on:
Your lifestyle and any major life-stressors- Examples include questions like âhave you been ill or injured, or have you given birth or gone through menopause recently? Are you on a diet? Are you on a crash diet? Do you smoke ? The average amount of sleep you get and so on.
Your general health and the medications you are taking Do you have asthma or diabetes? Are you on oral contraceptives, blood-pressure or cholesterol medication, antidepressants, multivitamins?
The doctor will also check for signs of anemia or thyroid disease, or hormonal problems . Based on these findings, tests may be prescribed to verify